0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10All too often, our wildlife and pets are victims of cruelty,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12persecution and neglect.
0:00:12 > 0:00:19Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people caring for them around the clock.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22This is Animal 24:7.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45'Today, on Animal 24:7,
0:00:45 > 0:00:48'a sickening act of animal cruelty.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:52The amount of pain that must have had associated with it
0:00:52 > 0:00:55must have been absolutely horrendous.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00'Rescue for the family of cats living in an Aladdin's cave.'
0:01:00 > 0:01:05These cats, some of them have cat flu and that ain't good enough.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08I didn't know they had cat flu.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13And I'll be digging in to help a family of badgers find a new home.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Britain is a nation of collectors,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23from stamps to old coins,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25vintage comics or classic cars.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28It can be a rewarding hobby,
0:01:28 > 0:01:34but when the collector chooses animals, problems can soon arise.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44'This small house near Bath
0:01:44 > 0:01:49'has become overrun with a colony of breeding cats.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57'There are adults and kittens in every corner of the home and garden.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02'It's a situation that can soon get out of hand.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07'Inspector Ian Burns needs to talk to the cats' owner, Keith Murgatay.'
0:02:07 > 0:02:13Hello. I want to have a chat to you about your kittens. Can we come in?
0:02:16 > 0:02:20'It's clear the cats aren't the only thing Keith's collecting.'
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Cor! You've got some stuff in here!
0:02:27 > 0:02:30'It's semi-organised chaos,
0:02:30 > 0:02:35'an Aladdin's cave of statues, toys,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39'magazines, videos, wind chimes and trinkets.'
0:02:40 > 0:02:45What do you do, then? Do you sell any of this or just collect it all?
0:02:45 > 0:02:51- I used to do boot sales. - Are there not many around?- No.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00'And amongst Keith's car boot bounty are cats - lots of cats.'
0:03:00 > 0:03:05Give me a rough estimate how many cats you've got.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08I've got... I don't know, about five, six.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13I've got that cat. That's my other cat there.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18That's another cat down there. And that's my ginger cat.
0:03:18 > 0:03:24- How many kittens have you got? - Quite a few. 11 kittens.- 11.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27'In total, there are 11 kittens
0:03:27 > 0:03:31'and six adults, but it doesn't stop there.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33'Ian thinks some may be pregnant.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39'Keith's collection could grow even further.'
0:03:39 > 0:03:43I feed 'em regular. I'm not starving them.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- I'm not ill-treating them. - I know you're not ill-treating them.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51I like the company. Cats are company to me.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55'Keith loves his cats but the way they're being kept
0:03:55 > 0:03:58'is simply not good enough.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05'All the cats are unvaccinated, several have infected eyes
0:04:05 > 0:04:09'and are showing signs of a spreading illness.'
0:04:09 > 0:04:12These cats, some of them have cat flu.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- And that ain't good enough.- I didn't know they had cat flu on 'em.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- Because you've got so many.- Yeah.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23'Allowing these cats to breed at will
0:04:23 > 0:04:27'has left them at risk, which Keith is struggling to see.'
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- I am coping.- You're not coping cos you've got kittens everywhere.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36You've got too many cats.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40'If disease and further breeding is to be halted,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42'Ian needs to act quickly.'
0:04:42 > 0:04:46I want to take the kittens so they can all be checked,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49all be vaccinated and all be homed.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54That's what I want to do. Are you happy with that?
0:04:54 > 0:04:57'Keith agrees, but wants to negotiate.'
0:04:57 > 0:05:02I want the ginger kitten and that little blue. I just like the colour.
0:05:02 > 0:05:08I've always wanted a pure ginger cat and I ain't got one.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'Keith is treating his animals as collectables.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18'It's trying Ian's patience, but he'll have to work with this owner.'
0:05:18 > 0:05:21I don't barter and do things like that.
0:05:21 > 0:05:27We let you keep that ginger one, OK? We get it neutered and checked.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32But I'm not coming back in 12 months and we're back to square one.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- I don't want no more kittens.- Right. - I'm trying not to have them.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42'The deal is struck. Keith will keep the ginger kitten and four adults,
0:05:42 > 0:05:48'on condition he gets them neutered. Ian will take the rest away.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50'If he can find them!
0:05:51 > 0:05:56'Somewhere under all of this are 16 cats.'
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- The trouble is, it's not easy to jump round.- I've got nowhere...
0:06:01 > 0:06:05I'm not being rude, but you're a bit cluttered.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09'Ian spots one and makes his move.'
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- I've got one. - No. You're not taking that one.- Why?
0:06:12 > 0:06:17That's my ginger cat. You can't have my ginger.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21'The search continues, but only reveals adults.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23'The only kitten around...'
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- Shall I have the ginger one?- No.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29'..is the one Ian can't have.'
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- What about the ones outside?- Yeah. They're easier. Let's try them.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37'Two kittens make a break for it.'
0:06:37 > 0:06:40One...two...
0:06:40 > 0:06:44'The back garden is littered with cats.'
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Can you carry that one out this way, Keith?
0:06:48 > 0:06:53'Three are caught. The rest continue their game of hide and seek.'
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Gentle. Don't get yourself cut.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01'Kitten four is quickly followed by number five.'
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- That's another kitten.- Well done. Like that. Well done.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10'For now, that's all that Ian is going to get.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14'He'll have to come back for the rest.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21'Ian is determined to put an end to this cat collection, however long it takes.'
0:07:21 > 0:07:26We're aiming for this time next week you just have six cats left.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30These are all happy and we're done, then I'm going on holiday.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Where are you going?
0:07:39 > 0:07:43'Still to come, Keith has a change of heart.'
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- We said five, didn't we? - You said six.- We said five.- Six.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Four and two kittens. This is not an auction.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56'And how will this posse of badgers settle into their new home?'
0:07:56 > 0:08:01There are now three badgers. One's joined in here.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04They seem to be engaging in a bit of home improvements.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12Sometimes, the RSPCA encounter cases of cruelty
0:08:12 > 0:08:16that not only require hours in surgery to save the animal's life,
0:08:16 > 0:08:21but they're so callous they shock the most experienced inspectors.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26At a vet's in the northeast, they've admitted a dog named Dougie.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29His story shocked everyone who's met him.
0:08:34 > 0:08:40'This is Dougie, a three-year-old racing greyhound
0:08:40 > 0:08:43'and a shocking victim of animal cruelty.'
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Such a canny dog.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51'In a barbaric and brutal act, Dougie had both his ears cut off.'
0:08:51 > 0:08:55The amount of pain that must have had associated with it
0:08:55 > 0:08:58is absolutely horrendous.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01'Vet John Prescott has stitched the wounds
0:09:01 > 0:09:06'and Dougie is no longer distressed.'
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Such a nice dog, after what he's been through.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11'A week ago, it was a different story.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17'Dougie was found at night dumped by the side of the road,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21'bound and gagged with electrical tape,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23'bleeding profusely from his ears.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25'He'd been left for dead.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30'A member of the public rushed him to the vet's,
0:09:30 > 0:09:35'where he underwent a long and complicated operation.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39'Remarkably, he survived.'
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Is he eating OK?- He's eating fine.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45He's just started to pick up his eating.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46Good.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50'Such cruelty may be hard to comprehend,
0:09:50 > 0:09:56'but John believes he may know why someone removed Dougie's ears.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Akin to all racing greyhounds,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02he'll have had identification in the form of ear tattoos.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Somebody has wanted to get rid of him
0:10:06 > 0:10:09without his origins being traceable.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12They've opted to hack his ears off.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17The first ear, horrendous.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22For a dog in that degree of upset, that terrified in that much pain,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26to then have a second ear hacked off is absolutely horrendous.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31'Whether the intention was to dump him or kill him,
0:10:31 > 0:10:36'someone wanted to make sure, when found, Dougie wouldn't be traced.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41'Despite his ordeal, Dougie appears to be a fighter.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44'John is amazed with his progress.'
0:10:44 > 0:10:46He's doing brilliantly.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48He's absolutely smashing.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53The nursing staff all adore him, so he's not short on attention.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Clinically, he's doing very nicely.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01It's never going to be an aesthetic wound he's got, but he'll be fine.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05'Although Dougie seems to be recovering,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08'cruelty such as this cannot be ignored.
0:11:10 > 0:11:17'The RSPCA has been called in to investigate who's responsible for this sickening act.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21'Inspector Ian Smith is heading up the investigation.'
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- Morning, Ian. How are you? - Very well.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- How's Dougie doing?- Smashing. He's settling in brilliantly.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37We've no problems with him at all. He's such a canny dog.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- His ears?- Nothing there. They've dried up beautifully.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43He's going to go on great.
0:11:43 > 0:11:49'Despite Ian's years of experience as an investigator,
0:11:49 > 0:11:54'it's difficult to understand the scale of this cruelty.'
0:11:54 > 0:11:58It must have been horrific for him. I'm really very angry.
0:11:58 > 0:12:04That someone in this day and age can do this, which is unacceptable,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07it's unnecessary and unforgivable, really.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10How they can sleep at night,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14I have no idea, they must have no conscience whatsoever.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22'The RSPCA's first step to finding who did this to Dougie
0:12:22 > 0:12:26'is to appeal for witnesses in the local press.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34'Today, Ian has come back to the scene to search for clues.'
0:12:34 > 0:12:38There's no signs of any blood or anything.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42There's been a small amount of rain that may have washed away.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44There's no real clues.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Somebody may have seen something that may give a clue,
0:12:48 > 0:12:53but there's nothing physical or visible at all.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57'So far, no-one has come forward with any information.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01'The greyhound community is a close-knit one
0:13:01 > 0:13:05'and Ian gets in contact with officials.'
0:13:05 > 0:13:11I wonder if you can help. I'm Ian Smith, an inspector with the RSPCA Northumberland...
0:13:11 > 0:13:16'He hopes they'll be able to help with the complicated investigation.'
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Not a bad bone in their body, and they do stuff like this!
0:13:20 > 0:13:26'Ian is told the details of all racing greyhounds are on a national database.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:29It's the best bit of news I've had.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32'But that's not all.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'Many have had their DNA taken.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40'These details are also stored with the names of breeders and owners.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45'This could be the breakthrough Ian has been searching for.'
0:13:45 > 0:13:48He's going to have the DNA sent to Ireland.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53Takes its time but, at the end of the day, we'll wait.
0:13:53 > 0:13:59As long as we get something on this through other contacts he's got...
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Er... I'm optimistic.
0:14:02 > 0:14:08'But there is still a long way to go, and no guarantee Dougie's DNA will be held.'
0:14:08 > 0:14:13I feel a lot more buoyant today than I did yesterday.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18The dog could be passed on several times from its breeder.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20But it's a start,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24having somewhere for us to go.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29'In the meantime, Ian will keep up the pressure to uncover any clues
0:14:29 > 0:14:32'as to who was responsible for this brutal attack.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40'Coming up...'
0:14:40 > 0:14:43People have actually come forward anonymously
0:14:43 > 0:14:49and I've managed to find who I suspect has been the owner.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52'And the rescued kittens finally see the light.'
0:14:52 > 0:14:55They've got horrible conjunctivitis.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01When you get a lot of cats in a household they usually get cat flu.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Most of us need to dig ourselves out of a hole now and then.
0:15:08 > 0:15:14A family of orphaned badgers have the opposite problem - they need to find one.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18I'll be joining the team from Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital
0:15:18 > 0:15:23as they try to build the perfect sett for this new family.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31'It's spring at Tiggywinkles,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34'and patients who've been in over the winter
0:15:34 > 0:15:37'are lining up to get back to the wild.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40'The aim is always to return rescued animals
0:15:40 > 0:15:43'back to where they came from.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47'Today, it's the turn of some special inmates
0:15:47 > 0:15:49'who are up for release.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54'Meet the centre's latest posse of badgers,
0:15:54 > 0:15:59'all rescued independently, who have formed their own family unit.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05'I'm helping wildlife manager Les Stocker get them on their way.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08'That's not as easy as it sounds.'
0:16:12 > 0:16:15It looks fierce in terms of security at the moment.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20Badgers go through anything. They are nature's bulldozers.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25'They may look soft and cuddly, but these guys punch above their weight.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30'Les handles them with caution - and a few essential tools.'
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Is this all for catching them up?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Yes. We've got graspers.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41- One of these?- Yeah. A grasper. Put it around the neck to catch it.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- You keep the badger at arm's length. Is that important?- Yes.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49They've got this locking jaw. It doesn't separate.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53I think they've got more bite than a crocodile.
0:16:53 > 0:17:00- Our badger's toughest of them all. - The badger could have 'em?- Any day!
0:17:00 > 0:17:04'With these tough customers, back-up's required.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12'I find it hard to believe something so cute can be so ferocious.'
0:17:12 > 0:17:16They're gorgeous. Look at them all snuggled up.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18'Badgers easily get stressed.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22'This needs to be done quickly and efficiently.'
0:17:22 > 0:17:27They get a fairly agricultural shove up the bum to move them along!
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Here comes one!
0:17:29 > 0:17:31In you go. I've got one.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33He don't like that.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- First one in.- I got one.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40'Number two needs a little assistance.'
0:17:42 > 0:17:43Well done.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48They look cuddly but they don't smell too cute close up.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53'Within minutes, all six badgers are ready to go.'
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Just when you think they're not going to go, "I'll go straight in!"
0:17:58 > 0:18:02Badgers don't do what they're told. They do what they want.
0:18:02 > 0:18:08A job I thought I'd never have - being a removal man for badgers.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12'In the wild, strangers aren't welcome in established families.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17'In captivity, badgers bond together to form new family units.'
0:18:17 > 0:18:19One, two, three...
0:18:19 > 0:18:23'These six have been welcome lodgers for ten months,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26'but they need a home of their own.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28'I'm interested to see
0:18:28 > 0:18:34'how Les plans to start them on the first foot of the housing ladder.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41'In this field, a short drive from the sanctuary,
0:18:41 > 0:18:45'Les has grand designs for the badgers' starter home.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48'Rather than leave them to fend for themselves,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52'we're building them an artificial sett.'
0:18:54 > 0:18:56That's pretty good, isn't it?
0:18:56 > 0:19:00What are the key requirements for a nice home for a badger?
0:19:00 > 0:19:05Basically, if they're in seclusion, away from everything, in woodland,
0:19:05 > 0:19:10nice drainage, somewhere where they can make themselves at home.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15'Now it's time to get to work.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18'The builders have dug the three-foot deep foundations,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22'so I've got the easy task of making the beds.'
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- Where do you want this, Les? - Just throw it in.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30They'll get underneath it. They do like making their own bed.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33'I can't resist trying it out for comfort.'
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- LES LAUGHS - It works.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38I don't need any on top!
0:19:38 > 0:19:42'It's not long before I'm back on the job.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45'I've got a feeling there are going to be no tea breaks.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48'It's beginning to take shape.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51'The sett is almost complete.'
0:19:51 > 0:19:56We're putting up a fence round the hole so we can release the badgers.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00They can run into the hole and get a feel of what's around.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04They might move on, but it's good enough to stay!
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Let's get our guests, see if they like it.- Yep.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09'Now, it's crunch time.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14'Will the badgers take to their new home?
0:20:14 > 0:20:19'While Les and I bring the badgers, the team take up their positions
0:20:19 > 0:20:24'around the enclosure, to help coax the badgers into the sett.'
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- You've had these guys for ten months.- A long time. Yes.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Come on. Out you go.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36David, just guide him.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38'The best made plans have flaws.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43'The first badger makes a beeline for the woods.'
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Great(!)
0:20:45 > 0:20:48'There's a good chance he'll rejoin the family
0:20:48 > 0:20:50'once we're out of the way.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54'The next goes according to plan.'
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Yes!
0:20:58 > 0:21:03'With some gentle persuasion and a bit of exploration...'
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- He's studying every bit, apart from where the hole is.- I know!
0:21:08 > 0:21:11'..they all venture into their new home.'
0:21:11 > 0:21:13That's the way, my boy!
0:21:13 > 0:21:19'As the badgers bed down for their first night back in the wild,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22'it's almost time for us to make tracks.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24'I can't resist a final peep.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:28We've rigged a little camera underground in the sett.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32I can't keep my eyes off it. There are three badgers.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34One's joined in here.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38They seem to be engaging in a bit of home improvements.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42It's great to see them below ground.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47It's nice to know that tonight they might be foraging in these woods.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57'Still to come, Dougie the greyhound gets the life he deserves.'
0:21:58 > 0:22:03It's touched people's hearts to know that someone could do that,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06but he's settled in really well.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14Now, we're back to Bath, where RSPCA inspector Ian Burns
0:22:14 > 0:22:21is trying to prevent car boot salesman Keith Murgatay from being overrun with cats.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25There are 17 cats and kittens living in Keith's house.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30Many have serious eye infections and are showing signs of cat flu.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Ian's already removed five,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36now he's determined to take away some more.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47'It's 24 hours since Ian was last here,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49'and owner Keith has been waiting.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53'He hasn't slept and he's not happy.'
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- You upset me yesterday. - What do you mean?- Taking me cats.
0:22:57 > 0:23:03- Do you want me to tell you about them?- Yeah. You can, if you want.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07'Keith is having second thoughts about signing over his cats.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12'Ian must persuade him that he's doing the right thing.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16'The house is overcrowded, leaving all the cats at risk of illness.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:22Would you rather be...? You're going to say yes cos you're stubborn.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Would you rather have cats with flu,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- sticky eyes...?- No, no, no...
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- Would you rather that? - I don't like cats having that.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Tell me why you can't sleep, then.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- It's just for... - They're well. They're happy.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- They've gone away! - That's fair enough.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46'Keith finally calms down.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50'Now Ian can return to the job catching the cats.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54'But there's confusion as to how many are staying.'
0:23:54 > 0:23:59- We said five, didn't we? - You said six.- We said five.- Six!
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- You said six! - Four and two kittens, then.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05This is not an auction.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13'Ian agrees to leave Keith with six cats.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18'But with so many unvaccinated pets under one roof, illness is spreading.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23'Some are already showing signs of serious eye infections.'
0:24:23 > 0:24:26How long's the eye been like that?
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Quite a while. I've cleaned it up once or twice.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35You can't get near. The problem is, they're inter-breeding...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Don't let him go down the back!
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- I got him.- Don't... Hold tight.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48'This kitten's infected eye will get some much-needed treatment.'
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- Is that the mum or the kitten? - Yeah. The mum and the kitten.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57She'll stay in there, anyway, won't she?
0:24:57 > 0:24:59'Next to go is the new mum.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02'Her kittens are too young to be separated,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06'so all four will leave together.'
0:25:06 > 0:25:09That went better than I expected.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13'Ian turns his attention to the pregnant female.
0:25:13 > 0:25:19'It's vital she's taken away before her kittens are born.'
0:25:19 > 0:25:23She's pregnant. She's big and pregnant, isn't she?
0:25:23 > 0:25:25'This could have been avoided.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29'Keith unwittingly caused harm and suffering
0:25:29 > 0:25:32'by putting his own needs before his pets'.'
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- No. Come here!- Put her in.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40'At least Keith's cat collection is smaller and much more manageable.'
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I'll shake your hand.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Thank you for helping me. I appreciate what you've done.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51- Well, you didn't yesterday.- That was too much of a shock to the system.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- See ya.- Bye.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Bye. See ya later.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04'Bath Cats & Dogs Home,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08'one of the largest rehoming centres in the UK.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15'Over 3,000 animals are taken into the centre every year.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22'Here, the cats and kittens begin their journey to find a new home.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27'With some needing urgent treatment, first, it's a trip to the vet's.'
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- They've been taken off somebody? - Yeah. Signed over.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37'Examining the cats is vet John Gould.
0:26:41 > 0:26:47'Out of all the cats, the babies seem to be suffering the most.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49'They're all showing signs of flu
0:26:49 > 0:26:54'and their eyes are so badly infected, they're glued shut.'
0:26:54 > 0:26:57I think they're just gummed up with discharge.
0:26:57 > 0:27:03We'll have to bathe it and see what their eyes are like.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06I expect they've got horrible conjunctivitis.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10When you've got a lot of cats, they'll usually get cat flu.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18Best thing to do is get your cats vaccinated as kittens.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Then they won't get cat flu. These are mildly affected.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26It's not pleasant for them. Some can be worse affected.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Some can die with cat flu.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32'Luckily, to restore this kitten's sight,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35'all that's required is a simple wash.'
0:27:35 > 0:27:39- There we go. - It's a bit much, isn't it?
0:27:39 > 0:27:44'She seems pleased to finally be able to see again.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52'The remaining kittens have similar symptoms - sore, sniffly
0:27:52 > 0:27:54'and a little worse for wear.'
0:27:54 > 0:27:57They've all got respiratory tract infections.
0:27:57 > 0:28:02We need to watch these. They could get worse before they get better.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06'The kittens need lots of treatment
0:28:06 > 0:28:11'but, if it hadn't been for Ian's timely intervention,
0:28:11 > 0:28:15'the situation could have been a whole lot worse.'
0:28:15 > 0:28:17If we hadn't called yesterday,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21next year, it would have been far harder to resolve,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23probably a cruelty case.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27I'm going to speak to him, he was sitting on a time bomb
0:28:27 > 0:28:32that was going to explode cos all these cats needed treatment.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34They wouldn't have got it.
0:28:34 > 0:28:40I think we got there in the nick of time, really.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43KITTEN MEWS
0:28:48 > 0:28:50'Later...'
0:28:50 > 0:28:54We've got a nurse bathing those cats' eyes every two hours.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59Now you get a bit cross that I've come, et cetera,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01but if we hadn't, they'd have got worse.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09We're heading back to Northumberland and Dougie the greyhound.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14Dougie has suffered a sickening and horrific act of cruelty.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19He was found dumped by the side of the road with both ears cut off.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27'Dougie's story touched the hearts of everyone at the surgery.'
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Good boy!
0:29:29 > 0:29:34'His trusting nature has helped him become the centre of attention.'
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Just put your cream on! What's this?
0:29:38 > 0:29:42'Nurse Grace Spedding is in charge of Dougie's day-to-day care.'
0:29:42 > 0:29:46We've made a really close bond just within a week.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51He's a lovely animal and it's such a shame that it's happened to him.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56I'm trying my best to make him happy and comfortable.
0:29:56 > 0:30:02'Although Dougie has remained placid, he may still be in pain.
0:30:02 > 0:30:08'As his treatment, his stitched ears need constant attention.'
0:30:08 > 0:30:13I'm just applying some cream. It speeds up the natural healing.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18Because he's had his ears stitched, the skin's a bit sore around there.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22I'm just applying the cream to make him more comfortable.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24It brought me to tears.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29He's such a nice dog. You'd have thought he'd be very nervous.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33He's just the most trusting dog you could have.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37For someone to walk away from him like that,
0:30:37 > 0:30:42I don't know how they live with themselves. It made me very angry.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53'Meanwhile, the investigation into who did this to Dougie
0:30:53 > 0:30:55'is gathering pace.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59'It's believed Dougie is a failed racing greyhound
0:30:59 > 0:31:04'and his tattooed ears were cut off so he couldn't be identified.
0:31:05 > 0:31:11'Inspector Ian Smith has been asking questions in the racing community.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15'Now his enquiries have finally paid dividends.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18'Ian has a tip-off about a potential owner.'
0:31:18 > 0:31:21He's been known to race dogs
0:31:21 > 0:31:25and Dougie, particularly, he's been seen.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29He was actually with the dog...
0:31:29 > 0:31:35um...only a few days before he was actually found dumped.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39'Ian needs more evidence than hearsay.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44'He's found out about a DNA database that could provide crucial clues.'
0:31:46 > 0:31:52We'll take some hair plugs from Dougie and send them to Ireland.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57Just the same as it is in humans, it'll show who actually owned Dougie
0:31:57 > 0:32:01and who he's been sold to, until we come to the end of line.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07'Dougie's hair has been sent to Dublin.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10'This is the Irish Equine Centre.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15'These labs develop drugs to treat and prevent diseases in horses.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19'Since the 1980s, the lab has been home to the DNA database
0:32:19 > 0:32:22'for racing greyhounds.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27'Ashley O'Malley is one of the centre's main scientists
0:32:27 > 0:32:30'who's been working on Dougie's sample.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35'The first stage was to add one of Dougie's hairs to a chemical solution.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39'This begins the DNA extraction.'
0:32:39 > 0:32:41That looks like a good one there.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46'It's a long and complicated operation.'
0:32:48 > 0:32:54I'm going to add 100 microlitres of this solution.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58'Eventually, DNA's released from the hairs and, after 48 hours,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00'the results come back.'
0:33:00 > 0:33:03These are the final results.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06'Unfortunately, there is no match for Dougie,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10'but Ashley has found a match for his parents.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12'This should help investigations.'
0:33:12 > 0:33:15This is good news for the RSPCA.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18We'll now be able to inform them
0:33:18 > 0:33:23that we have found the parents, the mother and father of Dougie.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28So that will help them with their investigations.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33'The findings from the lab confirm Ian's suspicions
0:33:33 > 0:33:35'about who owned Dougie.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42'Even armed with all this scientific evidence,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46'Ian can't yet prove who did this to Dougie.'
0:33:48 > 0:33:54His story is that he gave Dougie away to someone on the west coast,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58who wanted it to cross with a saluki.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08I think it's...cods wallop, really.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12If this gentleman had taken Dougie to cross with another dog
0:34:12 > 0:34:15from the west coast of England,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19how come it's been found on the river bank at Bedlington?
0:34:19 > 0:34:26'Although Ian is convinced the owner's not telling the truth, he can't yet prove it.'
0:34:26 > 0:34:30What happened to Dougie was wholly unnecessary.
0:34:30 > 0:34:36Dougie could quite easily have been rehomed through our rescue.
0:34:36 > 0:34:42Whoever did this should be completely ashamed of themselves.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46I'm furious. I really am furious, and I'm not going to let it lie.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51'The investigation is on-going
0:34:51 > 0:34:55'but for Dougie, the future is much brighter.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00'It's been three months, and he's made a brilliant recovery.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05'He also has a new owner.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09'Vet nurse Grace has fallen in love with Dougie.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12'She's given him a life on the northeast coast,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15'where he's making lots of new friends.'
0:35:15 > 0:35:21He's doing really well and settles in more and more every day.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25He's took over the house. It's his house now.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29Everyone just runs around him, which he likes.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31We're really happy.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34It's touched people's hearts.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38To know someone could do that, it hurt a lot of people.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42We've had a lot of support, which has been amazing.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48'After a terrifying and painful ordeal,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52'Dougie has the life an ex-racer deserves.'
0:35:57 > 0:36:02Earlier in the programme, we saw RSPCA inspector Ian Burns
0:36:02 > 0:36:05remove 11 cats from an overrun house in Bath.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10Interbreeding was rife and had left many with serious eye infections.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Ian's now back to the house.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18This time, he's armed with neutering vouchers and a few home truths.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30'It's been five weeks since Ian visited Keith.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35'The cats he took away had serious eye infections and fleas.
0:36:37 > 0:36:44'Ian wants to make sure Keith realises how ill his cats were.'
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- Yes?- How are you doing?
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- It's the RSPCA again.- Yeah. - Have you got a minute, I hope?- Yeah.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58'Inside, there are fewer cats, though little else has changed.'
0:37:00 > 0:37:05- Look at all these wind chimes! - They're there cos I like them.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10They're not meant to be stuck there but I've nowhere else to hang 'em.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- Right. Your cats.- Yeah.
0:37:13 > 0:37:19- We must not let this happen again. - Yeah, I won't let this happen again.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21I won't have any kittens.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25I wish you could have seen the vet examine those kittens.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- It took quite a long time.- But I...
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- I wouldn't have minded looking... - We've got a nurse there.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36She's bathing those cats' eyes every two hours
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- cos they just need it.- Yeah.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42I know you get cross that I've come,
0:37:42 > 0:37:46but if we hadn't, they'd have got worse.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51- We're not going to have any more kittens.- I don't want more kittens.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Let's do these neutering vouchers.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00'The vouchers should ensure Keith's collection of cats stays small and manageable.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08'Ian insists Keith makes an immediate appointment with the vet.'
0:38:08 > 0:38:13I help you with the neutering. The rest, you're responsible.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- Nobody else apart from you.- I know.
0:38:15 > 0:38:21- If you can't cope, you ask for help. Yeah?- Yeah.- OK. Take care.
0:38:21 > 0:38:22Bye.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27One more cat that's in kitten to be removed.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30As soon as we find space, that'll be homed.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33That has taken a few visits.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38When someone says thank you it's worthwhile, cos they've listened.
0:38:38 > 0:38:45'It's a short visit, but Ian is sure his message has got through.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49'Sure enough, as soon as Ian leaves, Keith gets on the phone.'
0:38:49 > 0:38:54I want to book two cats in to be neutered please.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02'For over a month now, Keith's cats have been at Bath Animal Home.
0:39:02 > 0:39:09'While most have fully recovered, others need round-the-clock care.
0:39:09 > 0:39:14'These are the three youngest kittens - Hans, Heidi and Heather.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18'Their eyes were so badly infected...'
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Out you come.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25'..manager Jackie Doulton still has to treat them every two hours.'
0:39:27 > 0:39:32I don't think it'll be long before they're rehomed. They're pretty.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35They're mad as hatters!
0:39:35 > 0:39:38They look cute. The cute factor always wins.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Hopefully, they'll get a home very quickly.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Miaow!
0:39:43 > 0:39:47'Their mum, Hannah, has packed her bags already.'
0:39:47 > 0:39:50She has got a home to go to.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55She's a bit nervous. That's why she's miaowing nicely.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58She's been spayed and she's ready to go.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01She'll be going to her new owner.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Miaow.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08'Six weeks later,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12'and all the cats have been found new homes.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18'Two of the older kittens, Valentino and Darcy, were the last to go.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20'Their new owner is Fiona Harrison.'
0:40:20 > 0:40:24The RSPCA home had an open day.
0:40:24 > 0:40:29I'd seen that they had an influx of kittens over the summer period.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31I happened to go up there,
0:40:31 > 0:40:36while I was there to see if there were any dogs suitable for adoption.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I saw him and fell in love.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43They were encouraging people to take home two kittens,
0:40:43 > 0:40:45so they would have company.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49She caught my eye as well.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I decided that cats suit my lifestyle better.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56I'm loving it. They're so sweet and playful.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Such lovely creatures to have around.
0:41:00 > 0:41:06'Valentino and Darcy haven't been trouble-free since being rehomed.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11'They're both still showing signs of their previous suffering.'
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Within a week of having her home, she had conjunctivitis in one eye.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19I took her to the vet's to get treatment and she's fine now.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Touch wood, no problems.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28'From troubled beginnings, these moggies couldn't be happier.'
0:41:28 > 0:41:31He loves fuss and attention.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34He's waiting by the door when I come home.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36She's a bit more aloof.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40She loves licking my feet and sleeping on my bed!
0:41:40 > 0:41:45I don't spoil them, but I do look after them and they respond to that.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50It is nice to think that I've done something
0:41:50 > 0:41:54to give two lovely creatures a decent start in life.
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 people who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15They are who we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20'Next time on Animal 24:7...'
0:42:20 > 0:42:24I have a warrant to enter the premises and examine the dogs.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28'..overweight and under-walked, the elderly dog in need of help.'
0:42:28 > 0:42:33The owner became extremely aggressive and obstructive.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37'Catching the pets living in a filthy home.'
0:42:37 > 0:42:39That's a poorly guinea pig.
0:42:39 > 0:42:45- Obviously, if you want to take them. I think it is cruel.- You said it.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49'And it's a full house at this mobile chip van.'
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Mandy in there thinks there are now so many dogs here,
0:42:53 > 0:42:57they'll have to try and shut the gates.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd