0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11All too often, our wildlife and pets are victims of cruelty,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13persecution and neglect.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people
0:00:17 > 0:00:21trying to protect them right around the clock.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23This is Animal 24:7.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46'Today on Animal 24:7...
0:00:46 > 0:00:51'Babe, the starved Great Dane reduced to skin and bone.'
0:00:51 > 0:00:56The rib bones, you wouldn't expect to see them that prominently.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Similarly, the bones of the spine.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01This is an emaciated dog.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05'A night-time pursuit in search of illegal poachers.'
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Two reports from two separate witnesses on the same incident.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13You'd say the trail was pretty hot at the moment.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16He's getting interested. He can smell it.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19'And will this scaredy-cat take the bait?'
0:01:19 > 0:01:25If it listens to the instructions I give it, it'll be a piece of cake.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27I've got a funny feeling it's not going to!
0:01:27 > 0:01:32Let's see if we can... promote its descent.
0:01:34 > 0:01:40Pets are no different to humans in becoming unwell and needing medical help to recover.
0:01:40 > 0:01:47Whereas we can take ourselves to the doctor's, animals need their owners to make an appointment at the vet's.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Most pet owners do, but others ignore the problems
0:01:51 > 0:01:55and, in some cases, this can become a matter of life and death.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05'For an RSPCA inspector, one of the first skills learned
0:02:05 > 0:02:07'is how to deal with people.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12'In Salford, Inspector Lisa Lupson's had a report that a dog
0:02:12 > 0:02:15'is suffering with a skin condition.'
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Hello?
0:02:23 > 0:02:28We've had a call about your dog, concerned about its fur loss.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31BARKS I can't hear you properly.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35'The owner, Alf, is hard of hearing.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38'Lisa will have to work to get her advice across.'
0:02:38 > 0:02:40What's your dog called?
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- What's he called?- Yeah.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- What's he called?- Billy.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Can I have a look at Billy's skin? He's got sore skin.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Yeah, it's where he's been biting himself.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58'Billy's skin is inflamed. It's clear it's left him uncomfortable.'
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Do you know why he's been biting himself? He's got fleas.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07That's why he's chewing himself. He's crawling with them.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10'Alf hasn't neglected Billy on purpose.'
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- You're struggling to get him to the vet?- With a bad leg.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19'Lisa is happy to take a gentle approach.'
0:03:19 > 0:03:22I've got some flea treatment in my van.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Can I treat him now for you?
0:03:25 > 0:03:30Yeah? And we'll try and kill these fleas that he's got.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35You'll have to treat him every two months. I'll be one minute.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42It's a really common problem with people who've got animals with fleas
0:03:42 > 0:03:44and don't get the fleas treated.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49It's really simple to kill them off, then the problem will go away.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51People let it get on top of them.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55He's an old man, as well. He's not got transport.
0:03:55 > 0:04:01I don't know if he's got family or friends. I'll try and find out.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05'Back in the yard, Billy gets ready for treatment.'
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Come on, then. Let's get them fleas.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10'Soon, he'll be free from itching.'
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- Keep still!- This is going to make you feel better!
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Plenty on for you.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Good boy!
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Hopefully, in a month's time, this'll all be better.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Apart from his skin, he looks a very happy dog.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35'Billy's been lucky. Lisa reached him before his condition got worse.'
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Come on, you!
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Don't want you coming home with me.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42'It's clear he's well loved.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47'Sadly, not every owner has such affection for their pets.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54'Manchester animal hospital.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00'Staff are fighting to save the life of their most recent patient.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07'This is Babe, barely recognisable as a Great Dane.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11'She is dangerously thin
0:05:11 > 0:05:15'and is one of the worst cases of neglect staff here have seen.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18'Babe was brought in by her owner.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22'They told the vet that she collapsed in the garden.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27'After leaving her for three hours, they finally decided to seek help.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30'David Yates has been caring for her
0:05:30 > 0:05:34'since she was brought in two days ago.'
0:05:36 > 0:05:39She was in a poor, depressed state.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43We believe she was suffering from the effects of hypothermia.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47It was a cold night and her body temperature had dropped considerably.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50We warmed her up with intravenous fluids
0:05:50 > 0:05:55and provided supportive care, feeding little and often,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and she seems to be responding quite well.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02'Babe is less than half her ideal weight.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04'Almost every bone is visible.'
0:06:04 > 0:06:08You "condition score" animals. There's a score chart.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14From one to nine, this is a one or two. This is at the extremes.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17This is an emaciated dog.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22The rib bones, you wouldn't expect to see them that prominently.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Similarly, the bones of the spine. These are the pelvic bones
0:06:26 > 0:06:28we can see here.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33You should be able to feel them if you press firmly, in a normal dog.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36This is profound weight loss.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Come on, Babe. Come on.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41'She's recently had puppies.
0:06:41 > 0:06:48'Although dogs can lose weight when feeding young, they should never get into this state.'
0:06:48 > 0:06:52I'm alarmed that she was brought in in this condition.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56You'd expect an observant owner to seek veterinary attention early on.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02'It's not just Babe's weight that is concerning staff.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05'She's also downbeat and depressed.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10'There's a real worry she may not be strong enough to pull through.'
0:07:10 > 0:07:14It's going to take a while for her metabolism to adapt, to gain weight.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18It's not a quick fix on this one.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21'Dave has already taken blood samples,
0:07:21 > 0:07:26'which should show if Babe's weight loss is due to an underlying cause,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29'or Babe has merely been starved.'
0:07:29 > 0:07:34It would be difficult to say whether there are long-term implications
0:07:34 > 0:07:36with her losing such weight.
0:07:36 > 0:07:42The blood result will be useful to find out how her organs are.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49'The vets believe this is a serious case of animal neglect.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53'They've called RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson to investigate.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57'She wastes no time in seeing the owners
0:07:57 > 0:08:01'to ask why they left their pet to suffer like this.'
0:08:01 > 0:08:06There were three people I interviewed with regards to Babe.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09They all said that she'd had 12 puppies
0:08:09 > 0:08:13and because of that, that's how she lost the weight.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17Yeah, having puppies does make a dog lose weight,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21but it certainly shouldn't have been to that extreme.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25They took her to the vet's when she collapsed. That is unacceptable.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30'The RSPCA legal team will decide whether to prosecute Babe's owners.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35'In the meantime, everyone at the surgery is hoping
0:08:35 > 0:08:40'that this poor dog will somehow find the strength to survive.
0:08:45 > 0:08:52'Later, a big day for Babe. Will she be fit enough to leave hospital?'
0:08:52 > 0:08:57We need a small percentage of weight gain each week to get her back up
0:08:57 > 0:09:00to 55, 60 kilos, so she's got a reasonable way to go.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03'And time to call in the experts
0:09:03 > 0:09:06'to rescue the cat that's stuck up a tree.'
0:09:06 > 0:09:11The fire service go, "Sh-sh-sh!" and it'd be down in a minute.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Miaow.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21Figures suggest that wildlife crime could have doubled in the past year.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26One major problem is badger baiting, where dog owners force their pet
0:09:26 > 0:09:29to fight badgers to test their "toughness".
0:09:29 > 0:09:36The police and the RSPCA are determined to crack down on it, but they've got their work cut out.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44'Caught red-handed.
0:09:44 > 0:09:50'This is RSPCA undercover footage. It shows two men badger baiting.'
0:09:50 > 0:09:52DOG YELPS
0:09:52 > 0:09:57'The yelps of their terriers can be heard through the woods.'
0:09:57 > 0:09:59YELPING AND WHINING
0:09:59 > 0:10:01'The men were found guilty
0:10:01 > 0:10:06'of interfering with a sett and attempting to kill a badger.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16'This is not an isolated case.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19'Even though they're a protected species,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23'every year, thousands of badgers are killed in the UK.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34'Lancashire - police have been alerted to a sett that's been dug up
0:10:34 > 0:10:36'by suspected baiters.'
0:10:36 > 0:10:39The classic bank. The badgers love to burrow.
0:10:39 > 0:10:45'Police wildlife crime officer Duncan Thomas took me to the scene.'
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Even I can tell that's not been done by a badger.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52This is a really good example
0:10:52 > 0:10:54of a man dig.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00- This is human digging. This is not the badger.- Explain how it works.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Where do they dig? How do they know what to do?
0:11:04 > 0:11:09OK. The terrier is introduced into the sett.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14When the terrier finds the badger, they need to dig down quickly
0:11:14 > 0:11:19to where the combat is taking place in order to protect the terrier,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22and also to view what's going on.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26What they use is a "terrier locator" which guarantees
0:11:26 > 0:11:30they can pinpoint where the terrier is,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33get directly above it and dig straight down.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36When you look at that hole, that is straight down.
0:11:36 > 0:11:42'This modified dog collar helps me see this terrier locator in action.'
0:11:42 > 0:11:46This is in the hand of the person who wants to dig.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49Put your hand three feet that way.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53If I switch this on, it doesn't pick up anything
0:11:53 > 0:11:56until it gets to this point.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- RAPID CLICKS Can you hear that clicking?- Yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01As that clicks,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05it'll fade in and out to the point where I know exactly
0:12:05 > 0:12:07when I'm above the collar.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13'Hard core terrier men
0:12:13 > 0:12:18'use badger baiting as a way of testing their dogs' fighting skills.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24'Badgers are usually docile creatures but, when under threat,
0:12:24 > 0:12:30'a badger will fight, especially if it's a female defending its young.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33'So the baiters often deliberately injure the badger,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37'to make sure it's not a "fair" contest.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:43In terms of conservation, then the badger populations are very healthy.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46There's no major issue in terms of population levels.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49It's the sheer horror of this activity.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52It's medieval. It has no place nowadays.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58'This kind of wildlife crime is not just restricted to Lancashire.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00'It's a problem all over Britain,
0:13:00 > 0:13:05'and something forces across the country are trying to stamp out.'
0:13:11 > 0:13:14To catch badger diggers or poachers in the act,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17night time is generally the right time.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22In North Yorkshire, they're in the midst of a special operation
0:13:22 > 0:13:25to crack down on wildlife crime.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'PC Kevin Kelly is heading up tonight's patrol,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33'Operation Jumbo.'
0:13:33 > 0:13:38We're looking for anybody involved in poaching, badger baiting,
0:13:38 > 0:13:43disturbing badger setts, chasing deer, hunting mammals with dogs.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47We believe these people are linked to organised crime.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52We're looking at stop-searches to see the level of criminality.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Happy hunting.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02'It's 7 o'clock in the evening and we head out to begin our eight-hour night shift.'
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Operation Jumbo, PC Kelly speaking.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10'Operation Jumbo relies on local people calling a hotline
0:14:10 > 0:14:12'to report suspicious sightings.'
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Right, whereabouts are you? Give me the exact location.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22'Kevin and PC Rich Harrison are one of five two-man teams out tonight.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28'The early calls seem to be false alarms,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31'so we position ourselves
0:14:31 > 0:14:35'in a spot that should be perfect for catching poachers.'
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Kevin, why have we snuck in here?
0:14:38 > 0:14:42The people that we're after will stay away from main roads.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46They don't want to come to the attention of anybody.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51We choose spots like this where we can tuck ourselves away.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56It's also a good vantage point if anybody's out poaching with lamps.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01We can see right across the fields into the north of the district.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- And we're 30 seconds or a minute away from a motorway.- Really?
0:15:05 > 0:15:11We can get north and south if any units need to assist.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- We'll let them come to us. - Watch and wait.- Yeah.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18'This is the start of our shift.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20'Now, we must just sit and wait.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32'Coming up, the people may have fled but the clues are still there.'
0:15:32 > 0:15:38- As far as you're concerned... - This is the poacher's chariot.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43'And Babe the Great Dane comes on leaps and bounds.'
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- 36?- Yeah, we'll go with that. - Six kilos in a week! Amazing!
0:15:48 > 0:15:53Just from, literally, feeding her. Makes you sick, doesn't it?
0:15:57 > 0:16:02Cats can be adventurous and, while it might seem a cliche,
0:16:02 > 0:16:07the tree remains the favourite place for our feline friends to get stuck.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Most cats eventually free themselves
0:16:09 > 0:16:14but in Tyne and Wear, Inspector Trevor Walker's on his way to one
0:16:14 > 0:16:17that's reluctant to come down to earth.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22'In Blackhall Mill near Newcastle,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26'a mischievous moggy has got into difficulty.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33'The cat called Toby has gone on an adventure up this high tree...'
0:16:33 > 0:16:34Miaow.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36'..and he's stuck.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41'Inspector Trevor Walker has been called in to rescue it.'
0:16:41 > 0:16:45The cat is on a fairly horizontal branch,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48about 30 or 40 foot high.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52The problem is, with it being on a very steep bank,
0:16:52 > 0:16:56we're going to have problems in getting access
0:16:56 > 0:16:58to find a footing.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03'The terrain makes this a potentially dangerous job,
0:17:03 > 0:17:08'but this terrified cat has been stuck without food for several days.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10'Trevor needs to help.'
0:17:10 > 0:17:15Four days for a cat up a tree, it must be quite petrified coming down.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Normally, food is the spur,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21whereby they climb back down the tree.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26They're all OK going up the tree. The problem is climbing down.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30'Trevor was first called yesterday and left it some food,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33'hoping hunger would persuade it down.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40'But he's refusing to budge, so Trevor's going to have to act.'
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Miaow.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47'The steep, muddy banking isn't easy to climb.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51'And, at the top, things don't get any easier.'
0:17:51 > 0:17:52Miaow.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58'The sheer height of the tree will make this a challenging rescue.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01'Fortunately, Trevor's got a plan.'
0:18:01 > 0:18:06I've got a couple of ideas, which is why I brought the poles with me.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08A rather large net goes on the end.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13If it listens to the instructions I give it, it'll be a piece of cake.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17I've a funny feeling it's not going to. Let's see what we can do.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Let's see if we can... promote its descent.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23That's probably a good word.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Miaow.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30'With the trusty extending pole and net primed,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32'Trevor edges it towards Toby.
0:18:32 > 0:18:38'He needs to be careful. There's a chance the cat could fall.'
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- CLICKS HIS TONGUE - Toby! Toby!
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Come on. Come on, then.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49'Toby is bemused by the net,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53'but there's no way he'll take the plunge.'
0:18:53 > 0:18:57'Trevor tries a different approach. He decides to go over the top.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02'But, just as Toby is nearly netted, Trevor fails to control the net.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08'One hasty grab could end in disaster.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12'It seems a more cunning plan is in order.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17'Trevor decides to bait the net with cat food.'
0:19:17 > 0:19:21I want it to be more inquisitive.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25See if we can get it to put its paws in the net.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29'Without food or water for days, Trevor's hoping the tasty treat
0:19:29 > 0:19:31'tempts Toby into the net.'
0:19:32 > 0:19:35He's interested. He can smell it.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37'The plan seems to be working.'
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Go for the other side now.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44'Just when Trevor thinks Toby will step into his trap...'
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Come on, Toby.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48'..he sneaks out the other side.'
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- CHUCKLING:- Just had all his body in then.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55'At least he's getting a much-needed meal.'
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Doesn't look like a cat that's got a problem.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04'As Toby cleans up after his snack...'
0:20:04 > 0:20:06This is a losing battle.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10'..Trevor decides there's only one option left.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13'Time to call in the experts.'
0:20:13 > 0:20:16I think it's going to have to be fire service.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Hi, it's Trevor Walker from the RSPCA.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21I'm back with the cat.
0:20:21 > 0:20:27I've tried to get it down with some extending poles and a net.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29OK. Cheers.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34Fire service will go "Sh-sh-sh" and it'll be down in a minute.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Miaow.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Mia-aow.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48'After half an hour, the fire crew arrives with some very long ladders.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'They should easily reach Toby.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58'Despite the crew's expertise, this new strategy is still risky.'
0:20:58 > 0:21:03Once it gets in it, just twist net over like that, to hold it in.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08'If frightened, Toby could retreat higher and out of reach.'
0:21:08 > 0:21:11CLICKS TONGUE Toby. Toby.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Good lad.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18'Thankfully, Toby's an inquisitive and friendly cat and doesn't flee
0:21:18 > 0:21:20'from the firefighter's grasp.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24'This time, there's no escaping the net.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- OK?- Yeah.- There you go.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34'On the ground, Trevor gets a good look at Toby
0:21:34 > 0:21:36'after his stay in the treetops.'
0:21:36 > 0:21:38I thought he might have been thin
0:21:38 > 0:21:42but doesn't appear to have lost a great deal of weight.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45There is a bit of an issue with dehydration,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48but he's still bright.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51He was grooming himself on the branch -
0:21:51 > 0:21:54in between playing with the net.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57I think, all in all, he's fine.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02'It's been a lucky escape for the juvenile cat.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06'Trevor's optimistic he'll have learned his lesson.'
0:22:06 > 0:22:11Hopefully, he'll remember and he won't venture up any more trees.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20'Still to come...'
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Go straight across here.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26'The calls come in thick and fast in the hunt for the poachers.'
0:22:26 > 0:22:31These guys we've been chasing are the guys we pulled over earlier.
0:22:31 > 0:22:37They said they had permission but I don't think this is the right farm.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44We're back with Babe, the emaciated Great Dane.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47She was brought in to the Greater Manchester animal hospital,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50so skinny she had collapsed.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Staff have been working to keep her alive
0:22:53 > 0:22:56and it's time to see how she's getting along.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04'Babe has been living at the surgery for almost a week now.
0:23:04 > 0:23:10'Although well cared for, hospital is the last place she wants to be.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16'Today, vet Sean Taylor needs to check her health.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Let's have a look at you.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23'And see if she's fit enough to move to the local kennels.'
0:23:23 > 0:23:28I believe she's been eating well. She has put on some weight.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32She is an awful lot brighter than she was last week.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34She's much livelier.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40I'm going to give her a quick examination, give her the all-clear
0:23:40 > 0:23:45with regards to getting out of hospital to go into boarding.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48We need to get some weight gains back on her.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Once we know that she's back to full health,
0:23:51 > 0:23:56it's over to the RSPCA to allow them to do their follow-up
0:23:56 > 0:24:02with regards to the owner allowing her to get into this condition.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07'Great Danes are large dogs but Babe's a shadow of her former self.'
0:24:07 > 0:24:11For her breed, she's probably about 50% underweight.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15I would expect a Great Dane, a female Great Dane,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19to be somewhere in the region of about 55 to 60 kilograms.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24When we weighed her last week she weighed 30 kilos.
0:24:24 > 0:24:30She looks like she's put a bit of weight on over the last seven days.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33We need a small percentage of weight gain
0:24:33 > 0:24:38each week, hopefully, to get her back up towards 55, 60 kilos.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41She's got a way to go.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43'This is a big moment for Babe.
0:24:43 > 0:24:49'If she's put on weight, she can move to a more comfortable place.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54'RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson has been investigating this case
0:24:54 > 0:24:57'and has arrived for the crucial weigh-in.'
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Hiya, Sean. She looks so much better, don't you?
0:25:03 > 0:25:07'Just one week ago, Babe weighed 30 kilos...'
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Let's get you weighed, then.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12'..less than half of her ideal weight.'
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Come on. Up you get.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Put your paw on.
0:25:24 > 0:25:30- 36?- 36, yeah. We'll go with that. - Six kilos in a week. Amazing!
0:25:30 > 0:25:32'Lisa's delighted with this result.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36'Sean also has the results of Babe's blood tests.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41'These show there is no underlying condition to cause weight loss.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44'Further proof that Babe has been starved.'
0:25:47 > 0:25:53- Just from, literally, feeding her. - Yeah.- Makes you sick, doesn't it?
0:25:53 > 0:25:57- Haven't done anything else, really. - That's brilliant news!
0:25:57 > 0:26:01'It's not just Babe's weight that's improved.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04'Her character is beginning to shine through.'
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- I can't believe how much more lively she is.- She is.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12You're very strong, dragging me around.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17'Sean is happy that Babe is well on the way to recovery.'
0:26:17 > 0:26:22Right, are we taking you to your new home? They're going to love you!
0:26:24 > 0:26:29'She's discharged from hospital to continue her journey to health.'
0:26:29 > 0:26:32A week ago, I was really upset
0:26:32 > 0:26:34by the state of her condition.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39It's awful seeing any dog skinny.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I think it's more emphasised
0:26:41 > 0:26:45when it's a large breed such as a Great Dane.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47They've dropped a lot more weight.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50In a week, she's put on six kilos.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54I feel happy that we've got her and we're helping her.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01'Across town is the Oldham RSPCA centre,
0:27:01 > 0:27:05'Babe's new temporary home.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09'In charge of her care here is Luke Johnson.'
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- She's very skinny. She needs fattening up, Luke.- OK.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- She seems lovely. - She's so nice tempered.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21- Hi, darling! - She sits down for biscuits!
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- Oh, right. - She does sit when she wants to.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29- Do you want to go through to kennels?- Come on, sweetie pie.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33'It's been a traumatic week for Babe.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36'She's clearly still quite distressed.'
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- She'll be safe and warm.- She will.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- She'll have a nice comfy bed. - Brilliant.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46'She's in the best place to build her strength up.
0:27:46 > 0:27:52'Staff will work round the clock to help her build confidence, too.'
0:27:56 > 0:27:59'Still to come, Babe's fighting fit,
0:27:59 > 0:28:04'but satisfying her hunger is a different challenge entirely.'
0:28:04 > 0:28:07She steals food. She empties bins.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11She jumps over the gate to the shop to get herself bones.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16She's just doing anything she can to get food.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Now, back to North Yorkshire, where I went on the road with the police.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26It was part of Operation Jumbo,
0:28:26 > 0:28:30set up to crack down on crimes like badger baiting and poaching.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33I was in for a dramatic night.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46'Tonight, the North Yorkshire Police are out in force.'
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Yeah, what's your location?
0:28:49 > 0:28:54'PC Kevin Kelly and his team are getting tough on wildlife crime.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59'He knows they're up against some very organised criminals.'
0:28:59 > 0:29:04They'll have everything with them - the dogs, the guns, the lamps.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07They'll go out across fields.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- They drive with lights out and go for anything.- Why?
0:29:10 > 0:29:16- What do they want with these animals?- It's a strange one, really.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19It's their kind of sport.
0:29:19 > 0:29:26We do what we do sport-wise, but this is what they do as their social time.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30They're genuinely nasty people that do it.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'One of the major problems is badger baiting,
0:29:33 > 0:29:37'in which owners set their dogs to attack badgers.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40'It's a gruesome and barbaric blood sport.'
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Because the badgers are so tough, they'll maim it.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48It's common to hit round the head with spades.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53I've heard of teeth pulled out so they can't lock on to the dogs.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56You've got to ask yourself, somebody willing to do this...
0:29:56 > 0:30:02The badgers are persecuted and the way they do it, it's unspeakable.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Operation Jumbo, PC Kelly speaking.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10'Operation Jumbo involves the local community
0:30:10 > 0:30:14'who phone in to report suspicious behaviour.'
0:30:16 > 0:30:21We've got an incident reported on the mobile phone for the operation.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26A female in a property by herself. There's somebody on her land.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28She can see the lamps.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31'And the calls keep coming in.'
0:30:31 > 0:30:36Two reports from two separate witnesses on the same incident.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40So you could say the trail's pretty hot at the moment.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45'This incident turns out to be a false alarm,
0:30:45 > 0:30:49'just a man with a lamp walking his dog.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53'Further down the road, we come across some tyre marks
0:30:53 > 0:30:57'in a field where Kevin has had problems before.'
0:30:57 > 0:30:59What draws your attention here?
0:30:59 > 0:31:04Farmers have to access their fields, but you see vehicles have been on.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08This is a favourite. They can get in at this field easily.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11What did you find in this field?
0:31:11 > 0:31:15A week ago, there were two badgers, the worst that I have seen.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20They've been torn to pieces by dogs and the people who have done it
0:31:20 > 0:31:24placed them in clear plastic bags and left them for people to see.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26We should go on.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31'It's half past ten and the hotline is ringing again.'
0:31:32 > 0:31:35They've seen a vehicle off the road.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38There's lights in a field, moving about.
0:31:38 > 0:31:44I'm just going to shout it up to the rest of our units in the area.
0:31:50 > 0:31:56'Traffic officers have pulled over a 4x4 that's been seen off-road
0:31:56 > 0:31:59'on private land.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02'Kevin wants to know why it's here.'
0:32:03 > 0:32:08Traffic officers have stopped a vehicle.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12They've got dogs, some lurchers in the vehicle.
0:32:12 > 0:32:19They're saying they've got permission to be on land but they could still commit offences.
0:32:19 > 0:32:26'If these men have permission to hunt on this land, they may not have been breaking the law.'
0:32:26 > 0:32:28It's Kevin Kelly from the police.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33'Kevin needs to check if their stories add up.'
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- What can you see, Richard? - Three lurcher type dogs.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41Generally connected with hare coursing.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46Camouflage stuff, type of vehicle, it matches what we're looking for.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51'It seems the men do have permission so Kevin sends them on their way.'
0:32:51 > 0:32:52All right.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56'Back on the road, everything's quiet for a while,
0:32:56 > 0:33:00'then Kevin sees a tell-tale light.'
0:33:00 > 0:33:03I noticed out the corner of my eye, a lamp.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08It goes as quick as it comes. You see it scan across the top.
0:33:08 > 0:33:14'These could be "lampers" who locate an animal with a beam before shooting it or releasing dogs.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20'So we pull over and make sure nobody can see us.'
0:33:20 > 0:33:26We'll turn lights out and go quiet and we'll see what comes.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34'It's not long before the lights become visible for us all to see.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38'It's clear there are people out there.'
0:33:38 > 0:33:421072 Jumbo unit. We've got some activity in entrance to quarry.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46They've got green lights and a lamper's light.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50We've got to stay dark, so I'm using a light from this mobile phone.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54The officers are convinced it's a team of lampers.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59The police are trying to assemble a team to surround them.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03'The lights are too far to go on foot and there's no way to drive.'
0:34:03 > 0:34:06They're walking towards the railway track.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11'The police don't want to scare the suspects away so they pull off
0:34:11 > 0:34:14'with their headlights off.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19'The other cars are surrounding the area so we head off-road.'
0:34:20 > 0:34:241072 units. We've got a possible contact. Stand by.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28'We're following fresh tracks in this field.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32'Somebody else has been driving through it.'
0:34:32 > 0:34:34We've got a contact.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37'This 4x4 looks familiar.'
0:34:39 > 0:34:40It's the same guys.
0:34:40 > 0:34:46These guys we've been chasing are the guys we pulled over earlier.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52They said they had permission from the farmer but I don't think this is the right farm.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Kevin wants to know if it's their lamps.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00Have you got a green lamp? How many lamps have you got with you?
0:35:00 > 0:35:02'They're still claiming permission.
0:35:02 > 0:35:08'Kevin takes their details and will follow up later with local farmers.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12'For now, there's another call for us to investigate,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15'and this one seems urgent.'
0:35:15 > 0:35:20We've got a vehicle that's actually rammed a police vehicle,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23and we've got runner from it.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27This is the lengths people go to to get away from us!
0:35:27 > 0:35:34'Officers know this car. It was involved in a chase on last night's patrol, but got away.'
0:35:34 > 0:35:37This is the one from last night.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42'After ramming a police car tonight, the suspects deserted this Subaru
0:35:42 > 0:35:45'and ran off across the open fields.'
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Good shout, mate. Well done.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52'This raises Kevin's suspicions that they've been breaking the law.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57'A look inside backs up these initial impressions.'
0:35:57 > 0:36:00See the lamps in the rear foot well?
0:36:00 > 0:36:06You can see where they're wired up, adapted to a cigarette lighter.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- As far as you're concerned... - This is the poacher's chariot.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15The lamps they've been shining out the back window to police officers.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Was this the vehicle you chased and they shone the lamps...?
0:36:19 > 0:36:25And it's done the exact same tricks again. So, dangerous people.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30'The police helicopter is out searching for the suspects.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34'The car will be seized and taken back to the station.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45'It's the early hours of the morning and the shift has come to an end.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48'For me, it's proved how prolific rural crime is,
0:36:48 > 0:36:52'and how seriously the police are taking it.'
0:36:59 > 0:37:05Four weeks ago, it was almost impossible to tell that Babe was a Great Dane,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08weighing less than half her ideal weight.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Staff at the RSPCA animal home fought to keep her alive.
0:37:12 > 0:37:18Now, remarkably, this once-starving dog is making an amazing recovery.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27'This is the RSPCA's animal home in Oldham.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32'Babe has been living here for almost a month.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35'The improvement is amazing.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39'She's put on 16 kilos since she was rescued.'
0:37:39 > 0:37:42What have we got, Babe? What have we got?
0:37:42 > 0:37:45'She's become a favourite around the centre.'
0:37:45 > 0:37:49We decided to have her with us. We've been cooking for her.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55She has potatoes, pasta, mashed potato, chicken.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00Lots of home-cooked food every two hours. Beef, ham.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02She's grown to love us all.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05She greets us all in the morning,
0:38:05 > 0:38:11gets on the bed with the people who are sleeping overnight.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15She's become part of the animal centre.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19'Despite the regular treats, Babe's still ravenous.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24'The home-cooking hasn't been enough to satisfy her hunger.'
0:38:24 > 0:38:29When she came, she was quiet, didn't have the energy to get out of bed.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Now we've had to put baby gates up.
0:38:32 > 0:38:37She steals food. She empties bins.
0:38:37 > 0:38:42She jumps over the gate to the shop and gets herself some bones.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47She's doing anything she can to get food. She's a greedy girl!
0:38:47 > 0:38:51'And Babe's scavenging hasn't stopped there.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55'This once lifeless dog has even learned to open the fridge.'
0:38:55 > 0:39:01We thought we had someone in who was eating the staff lunches.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Then we found out it was Babe!
0:39:03 > 0:39:06She even took an onion out of the fridge
0:39:06 > 0:39:10and was sat there trying to eat a full onion.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14She took somebody's Cup-a-Soup.
0:39:14 > 0:39:20'With height on her side, no food is safe from this greedy Great Dane.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27'Babe's lovely nature and character are really shining through.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31'She's making new friends wherever she goes.'
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Thank you.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40'But, as much as she is loved, Babe can't stay here for ever.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44'In a few weeks, she'll be put up for rehoming,
0:39:44 > 0:39:47'where she can continue this amazing recovery.'
0:39:47 > 0:39:50We're going to miss her when she goes.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53She's a people dog - loves people.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Needs lots of cuddles, don't you?
0:40:00 > 0:40:03'Four weeks later,
0:40:03 > 0:40:08'and a few miles from the animal centre is Stalybridge, Babe's home.
0:40:13 > 0:40:19'She's now living with the Davis family, who have renamed her Tia.'
0:40:19 > 0:40:24She's a thief. We're all starving. She's well-fed.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27She takes everybody's food out their hands,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30which is just pure greed, definitely.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35There's no limits to what she'll eat, even down to curry.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40'After piling on the pounds, she weighs seven and a half stone.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44'Her love of food is showing no signs of abating.'
0:40:44 > 0:40:47She'd been starved.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51It's obvious from the pictures when we first saw her.
0:40:51 > 0:40:57She's trying to make the most of everything that she can get.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01Obviously, her height is a bonus to her.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05She's in reaching range of everything.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Luckily, she's not found our fridge yet.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13When that day comes, we will be getting a fridge lock.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18'Just two months ago, this dog was so skinny she struggled to stand.
0:41:18 > 0:41:24'Everyone was concerned she might not be strong enough to survive.'
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Go on, then!
0:41:26 > 0:41:30'But she's defied the odds and is living life to the full.'
0:41:30 > 0:41:34I don't think she had the energy before to do this.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37She was easy to walk then,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41but I can't really control her much any more!
0:41:41 > 0:41:42Sit!
0:41:42 > 0:41:46'The improvement in this dog's health and temperament
0:41:46 > 0:41:49'has stunned everyone.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53'Tia now looks much more like a Great Dane should
0:41:53 > 0:41:57'and has the strength to match.'
0:42:01 > 0:42:07If you know of a wildlife crime or a creature that needs protection,
0:42:07 > 0:42:12there are dedicated professionals out there right around the clock.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24'Next time on Animal 24:7, a sickening act of animal cruelty.'
0:42:24 > 0:42:29The amount of pain that must have had associated with it
0:42:29 > 0:42:32is absolutely horrendous.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36'Rescue for the family of cats living in an Aladdin's cave.'
0:42:36 > 0:42:41These cats, some of them have got cat flu and that ain't good enough.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I didn't know they had cat flu.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49'And how will this posse of badgers settle into their new home?'
0:42:49 > 0:42:53There are now three badgers. One's joined in here.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57They're engaging in a bit of home improvement.
0:43:19 > 0:43:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd