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 care for 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 > 0:00:50'left for dead - the puppy put out with the rubbish.'
0:00:50 > 0:00:56It's disgusting. A dog that's in such bad condition is dumped.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00'Inspector Clare Ponsford gets the runaround.'
0:01:00 > 0:01:04We just had a call that your dog never goes out for a walk.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Rubbish complaint.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12'And catching the birds who mistake our highways for waterways.'
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Why do swans end up on motorways?
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Once they get a wet sheen on them, they look like a river.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23The job of an RSPCA inspector is certainly a busy one,
0:01:23 > 0:01:28especially when based in the heaving metropolis of London.
0:01:28 > 0:01:34Inspectors Clare Ponsford and Imara Alagaratnam cover a patch in the north of the capital,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38and have to deal with around 450 calls a year.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49'Harringay in London.
0:01:51 > 0:01:57'Clare's visiting an address following reports that a dog is locked in a backyard
0:01:57 > 0:02:01'and, it's alleged, is never taken for a walk.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07'Although Clare's not convinced about the information, she has to follow up the complaint.'
0:02:07 > 0:02:13The caller says the dog has shelter but it never comes into the house.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16So I'm not really sure what the problem is.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25I've had a call about your dog.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- Can I come in?- Yeah. He's just gone out for a walk.- He's gone out?
0:02:30 > 0:02:33'The owner's news is a surprise to Clare.'
0:02:33 > 0:02:37The call is that he lives in the garden and never goes out.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41He stays out during the day and comes in at night.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- Then someone takes him out? - Yeah. My partner.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50'April's happy for Clare to wait and check Charlie when he returns.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54'Clare doesn't think this will be necessary.'
0:02:54 > 0:02:56No. I've got a million things to do.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01The call was the dog never went out. If he's not here, then...!
0:03:01 > 0:03:04'It seems the caller has got their wires crossed.'
0:03:04 > 0:03:10Thank you very much for your time. Have a good day. Bye.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15'There's more confirmation that Charlie is well cared for
0:03:15 > 0:03:20'when Clare bumps into him and Joe Brody returning from their walk.'
0:03:20 > 0:03:25We've had a call that your dog never goes out for a walk.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30I've knocked on the door and dog's out for a walk. Rubbish complaint.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- He has a good run out the back. - Yeah. He's got a nice shelter.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40Waste of my time and of yours. Sorry to have bothered you.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Just people are jealous. - He's a nice boy.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- He's as good as gold.- Thanks very much for your time. Thanks, mate.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- Thanks, anyway.- Thank you. See ya.
0:03:53 > 0:03:59'Clare leaves, happy that Charlie is a healthy, well-exercised hound.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06'Hackney is one of the smallest of London's 33 boroughs.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10'With more than 200,000 people, it's a crowded place.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14'It's not just people who are competing for space.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19'Clare's with colleague Imara to pay a visit to a one-bedroom flat
0:04:19 > 0:04:25'that's supposedly home to a large number of cats.'
0:04:26 > 0:04:28'Imara has visited before
0:04:28 > 0:04:33'and found the flat was covered in cat urine and faeces.'
0:04:33 > 0:04:36The RSPCA. You let my colleague in before.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41We need to look at an address. It's about animal cruelty.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43DOOR BUZZES
0:04:45 > 0:04:48'She left, asking them to clear up,
0:04:48 > 0:04:54'but it seems the family has now taken on even more moggies.'
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Hiya.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00It's Clare, the inspector at the RSPCA. Can I come in?
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- We've had some more calls... - MAN: They're my cats!
0:05:05 > 0:05:10'One of the residents is not happy, but Clare's not easily deterred.'
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- We've had a call about the animals. - They're all right.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19Then I need to come in and have a look, don't I? Thank you.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24'The flat's cleaner. Now, Clare wants to check the animals.'
0:05:24 > 0:05:26I'm looking at cats, mate!
0:05:26 > 0:05:30'With such an affectionate dog, it's proving tricky.'
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Darling, that's great...
0:05:32 > 0:05:36'Jacqueline has taken in two more cats,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40'but it seems she's looking after them for a relative.'
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- What have you called this one? - That's Patch.- Patch!
0:05:46 > 0:05:51They were underweight. Didn't look like they were fed much.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- You've been putting some weight on them, have you?- Yeah.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00'Jacqueline tells Clare she plans to keep them for a short time.'
0:06:03 > 0:06:07As long as your daughter-in-law's going to take them back.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13'Clare wants to assess the cats but the dark bedroom makes it difficult.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16We've got Jack, Angel, Patch and Yankee.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- California?- Yeah, California.
0:06:18 > 0:06:24- Where's that?- He's probably hiding. - What colour is he?- Black and white.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26He was here before.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30'The cats appear healthy, but with two extra mouths to feed,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33'Jacqueline's feeling the strain.'
0:06:33 > 0:06:37I'm going to help the lady, provide some food and things.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40The cats are relatively healthy.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43We've done neutering for them in the past.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- I can't let them go without food. - No. They're obviously not hungry.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52You've got food in the bowl. They're not starving.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55We've got five cats and one dog. Nothing else?
0:06:55 > 0:07:01- No lizards, snakes...?- No. No. - Scary spiders?- No.- Scorpions?- No!
0:07:01 > 0:07:06'Since the last visit, conditions in the flat have improved,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10'but there's one issue to resolve.'
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Imara, I'm going to get some food.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Can you have a quick chat about the litter tray?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19'With such a large number of cats,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22'the single litter tray is struggling to cope.'
0:07:22 > 0:07:28- You might need more than one. - I could get a bigger one?- Yeah.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31You can get a large one, nice and deep,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35or one that's covered so the smell doesn't come out.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42'Jacqueline's doing her best, but Clare offers an alternative option.'
0:07:42 > 0:07:47If you don't hear anything, ring me and I will come and take them.
0:07:47 > 0:07:54'The inspectors are assured the extra cats will be moving on to a new home soon.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59'Clare's been pleasantly surprised with Jacqueline's progress.'
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I was expecting to see the flat looking much worse than it did.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06I expected to see more cats than we saw.
0:08:06 > 0:08:12I thought that the lady had acquired more, ones that could have litters.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15She's done exactly what I asked her.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18She's maintained the flat nicely for the last year.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21The situation's got a little bit worse
0:08:21 > 0:08:24because she's acquired these two cats.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29That litter tray is being used by all five cats
0:08:29 > 0:08:32and probably hasn't been cleaned out for a week.
0:08:32 > 0:08:38That's not acceptable for the humans, let alone the animals.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42She's agreed to do something, and I think she will.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47Clean out the litter tray, it's not a difficult thing to do.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58'Later, the tiny puppies left to suffer after an internet scam.'
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Looking at puppies on the internet, buying them,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05having them delivered like shopping!
0:09:05 > 0:09:09'And how to stay on the right side of a swan.'
0:09:09 > 0:09:15They will try and hit you with their wings, which is quite painful.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- Feeling confident, Peter?- Oh, yes!
0:09:21 > 0:09:26Keeping a dog involves commitment on the part of the owner.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31They need time and energy, but the commitment is also financial.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36It's estimated that to keep a dog costs around £1,000 a year.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40Sadly, some people underestimate these costs,
0:09:40 > 0:09:45especially when an animal gets ill and the prospect of vet bills looms.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57'This is the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Leeds.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01'Every year, the charity cares for 15,000 abandoned,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04'unwanted or neglected dogs across the UK.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10'These hopeful hounds on display are trying to catch the eye
0:10:10 > 0:10:15'and be given the chance of a new home and a fresh start in life.
0:10:16 > 0:10:22'But not all the dogs that arrive here are well enough to be rehomed.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26'Assistant manager Emma Cooper's helping one unfortunate pup
0:10:26 > 0:10:30'recover from a traumatic start to its life.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37'Just a few days ago, Cracker was dumped in this backyard,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40'suffering from a broken leg.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46'Cold and wet, she'd been put out with the rubbish and left for dead.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49'Shockingly, it's thought this was simply because
0:10:49 > 0:10:54'her owners didn't want to pay to take her to the vet.'
0:10:54 > 0:10:59It's disgusting. A dog that's so young in such bad condition
0:10:59 > 0:11:01is dumped because of that.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06Nowadays, pet insurance could have paid for an injury like that.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10It's disgusting that she was left in such a terrible condition.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15'The owners' disregard for their pet has meant the Dogs Trust
0:11:15 > 0:11:19'has had to pay for Cracker's extensive treatment.'
0:11:19 > 0:11:23The vet bills have come in at over £1,000.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27She will need a lot of treatment for the next few months.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30She's undergoing physiotherapy.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34'As Cracker's injury wasn't dealt with straight away,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36'treatment has been complicated.'
0:11:36 > 0:11:41Because it had been left, the body had started to heal itself.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45It was quite a difficult operation to get the bones realigned.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48She does now have a pin in her leg.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53Her tail has been docked. It is illegal to dock tails.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I don't know why it's been docked.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00Sometimes, it's so that other dogs or people find it difficult
0:12:00 > 0:12:03to read the dog's body language.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08If it's not swishing around, it's difficult to tell if the dog's happy.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11'Although the scar may look nasty,
0:12:11 > 0:12:17'it's clear from her behaviour this pup is making a good recovery.'
0:12:17 > 0:12:20CACOPHONY OF BARKING
0:12:21 > 0:12:27'A week later. While Emma catches up with work, she's got company.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32'Cracker still needs rest
0:12:32 > 0:12:37'but, according to Emma, she's not usually this relaxed.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:40She's a typical 14-week-old puppy.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44She loves her balls. She loves running in the garden.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49She's still on some cage rest. We don't want her overdoing it.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54'But it's not all play for Cracker. It's time for her physio session.'
0:12:54 > 0:12:59All we have to do is support her leg up there
0:12:59 > 0:13:02and gently bend it in and out.
0:13:02 > 0:13:08It's to make sure the muscles aren't fusing to the plate in her leg.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13That's 30 of those, and we have to do that twice a day.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Doesn't cause her any pain.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18It's very gentle movements.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Doesn't bother her.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22'Cracker's leg is healing well.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27'Before she can be rehomed, there's an appointment she needs to keep.'
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Important day today. We've got a check-up with the specialist vet.
0:13:32 > 0:13:38He's going to make sure the fracture site is healing properly.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Hopefully, he'll give the all-clear to send her to a new home.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Come on, madam. To the vet's!
0:13:47 > 0:13:51'Emma and Cracker are making the short journey to Morley
0:13:51 > 0:13:55'for an appointment with vet Tom Clarke.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59'He performed the operation to fix Cracker's broken leg.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01'It will be up to him to decide
0:14:01 > 0:14:05'whether she's strong enough to leave the Dogs Trust.'
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Hello, Cracker. How are you?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- She's doing really well.- Very good.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13That's great.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16'After checking Cracker's health,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19'Tom turns his attention to her damaged limb.'
0:14:23 > 0:14:27If you could hold on to her head, we'll have a feel,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30make sure everything's OK.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35That's good. I think you've got a bit more movement,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37which is really good.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42'Tom is satisfied the leg is healing. He can remove the stitches.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47Hold on to her head. I'll take her legs gently from under her.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51You can have your tummy tickled for this little bit.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55'This is a simple process, it might not be as easy as it should be.'
0:14:55 > 0:14:59We're going to try and take these stitches out.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03It's a bad idea having black stitches on a black dog!
0:15:03 > 0:15:08We will do our best and see how we get on. Good girl, Cracker.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12'This procedure can be painful,
0:15:12 > 0:15:18'but Cracker's courage shines through and she doesn't flinch.'
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- You're so brave. Good girl. - That's healed up nicely.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- Brilliant.- Good girl, Cracker.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27That wasn't so bad, was it?
0:15:29 > 0:15:35'So far, so good, but there's one final test Tom needs to perform.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39'He needs to check how freely Cracker can walk.'
0:15:39 > 0:15:42See how she's getting on with that leg.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45There's a good girl.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Cracker, come on. - Are you going to come over here?
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Are you going to come here?
0:15:53 > 0:16:00She's a lot better than she was in the week. She's coming on well.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05'But Tom thinks Cracker needs a little more rest and recuperation
0:16:05 > 0:16:07'before she's fit for adoption.'
0:16:07 > 0:16:09You know what you're doing.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12You know about the physiotherapy.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15In a week's time, she can go to a foster home.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18I would see her after a week.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22You could show them what you've been doing
0:16:22 > 0:16:26and the degree of restriction she still needs.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- Thank you, Tom.- It's been pleasure. - Come on, madam. Good girl!
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- There we go. See ya later.- Bye, now.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37'For now, at least, it's back to the Dogs Trust.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42'Emma's hoping it won't be long before Cracker's found an owner.'
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Cracker's story has generated a lot of interest,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49because of where she was found and the injuries she had,
0:16:49 > 0:16:54being found on a discarded sofa by the rubbish bins.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57She's had such a bad start, it would be lovely
0:16:57 > 0:17:03to see her in a new home, starting a new chapter and being happy.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08'Though she's loveable, Cracker is going to need more vet treatment.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14'Will anyone be prepared to give her the fresh start she needs?
0:17:21 > 0:17:26'Later, a test for Cracker. Will she get on with her new big sis?'
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Let's go meet your new mummy and daddy! Good girl.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35Be on your best behaviour, won't you? Yeah. Good girl.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39'And two tiny puppies in desperate need of help.'
0:17:40 > 0:17:43They're absolutely loving their milk.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Do you want some more?
0:17:50 > 0:17:53On Animal 24:7, we often point out
0:17:53 > 0:17:58how wildlife and our modern world don't always get on.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Swans are a perfect example of that.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05They may look robust, but they do get into trouble with pylons,
0:18:05 > 0:18:10fishing tackle or even motorways - the casualties just pile up.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Here at Shepperton Swan Sanctuary
0:18:13 > 0:18:16there are plenty on the road to recovery, too.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21'A bird's-eye view of Britain.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28'This intricate system of roads and motorways can be confusing
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'to a bird in flight.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38'Often, swans are injured after trying to land on a wet road,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41'mistaking it for a river.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50'Today, traffic officer Peter Irons has come to the swan sanctuary
0:18:50 > 0:18:54'for an important training exercise.'
0:18:54 > 0:19:00- How important is it that traffic officers are confident around birds? - We need to be confident.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05We do come across swans on the motorways or near them.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09They're a danger to themselves and to the general public.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11A 35-pound swan through the windscreen!
0:19:11 > 0:19:17We need to try to learn how to handle them before we have to.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Why do swans end up on motorways?
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Our motorways, once they get a wet sheen on them, look like a river.
0:19:23 > 0:19:29- The glistening top looks like water. - They come in ready to land on water.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35'So, it's time to begin the swan-catching lesson...'
0:19:35 > 0:19:37This is your main lake...
0:19:37 > 0:19:40'..with handler Peter Beeson.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44'First on the timetable is theory.'
0:19:44 > 0:19:47The first thing is to keep the birds away from our area.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52We need to keep them away from the area, the motorway.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56The best thing is to push them back to a fence, woodland,
0:19:56 > 0:20:02where they can't use the power of their wings to give them advantage.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04They won't peck you!
0:20:04 > 0:20:08They will try and hit you with their wings,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11which is quite painful, I assure you.
0:20:13 > 0:20:19'This sounds like a dangerous task, but Peter has a plan.'
0:20:19 > 0:20:23We'll try pushing them back as a pair, you and I,
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- and then try to pick out a bird and catch them, yeah?- Yeah.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Feeling confident, Peter?- Oh, yes.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33All right, then. Let's try.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37'It's time to put that theory into practice.'
0:20:37 > 0:20:42You see the large bird here on the left? Go for that one, shall we?
0:20:42 > 0:20:48'Teacher and pupil work together to herd the bird into the corner.'
0:20:55 > 0:20:58That's it. Lovely. To the side...
0:20:58 > 0:21:01'And the verdict? It's full marks.'
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Very well done there, Peter.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08You think you'll be confident if you find one on the motorway?
0:21:08 > 0:21:13Provided I can find a corner to push it into, that's the difficulty.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18Plus, you've got other added bonuses of trucks going past or whatever.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20You can't stop them.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26I feel more confident than I did, due to Pete's expert training.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32'So, after his crash course in helping crash-landing birds,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35'Peter heads back out on patrol.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46'It's not just roads that these birds fly into.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50'This male swan has had a serious run-in with a pylon.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52'I've donned surgical scrubs,
0:21:52 > 0:21:57'because this poor swan's wing is going under the knife.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01'Vet Sally Gouldon treats over 200 birds a year here,
0:22:01 > 0:22:07'many of them having collided with manmade structures.'
0:22:07 > 0:22:13He was flying along and flew into some pylon wires and crashed.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Although the wing has mended, it's mended in a fixed position,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19so the end of the feathers...
0:22:19 > 0:22:22This is the normal side.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27This is the dropped wing side and the feathers look a bit ropey.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31These wings are supposed to be the same length.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- This one's a few inches shorter, and also they're a bit mangey.- Yes.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42Unfortunately for this bird, its wing will have to be removed.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Although amputation seems rather drastic,
0:22:46 > 0:22:50the danger from feather rot and infection is much more threatening?
0:22:50 > 0:22:56He won't ever be able to fly with the wing in this condition anyway.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01'Sally preps the swan for his operation.'
0:23:01 > 0:23:05This is to allow us to give some anaesthetic
0:23:05 > 0:23:08and to run intravenous fluids in during the operation.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Is the head gradually going to go?
0:23:10 > 0:23:14It is! I feel like I need to catch it.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20'She begins by clearing an area of feathers.'
0:23:20 > 0:23:25- Does the wound smell a bit? - It's infected. Yes.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28'The infection would spread and kill this swan.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32'Sally must act fast to remove it.'
0:23:32 > 0:23:35It's tricky telling the difference
0:23:35 > 0:23:38between muscle fibres and blood vessels.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43The muscle fibres she can cut. Blood vessels need to be sewn up.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47Otherwise, you get a lot of blood loss.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50'Sally has a stronger stomach than I do
0:23:50 > 0:23:53'and focuses on the job in hand.'
0:23:53 > 0:23:57This is where we hope we don't go back into the arteries.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00It's reached a more vigorous phase.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Sally's got her hand on the bone
0:24:03 > 0:24:08and is twisting it back to see what's still attaching it.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10'Sally carefully removes the wing.'
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- There you go.- One for you.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18'With the infected bone removed, this swan should recover.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23'This has made me think I may not be cut out for surgery.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26'For Sally, it's pretty routine.'
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Looks a bit better, doesn't it?
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- A bit tidier.- Take your word for it!
0:24:32 > 0:24:36'Finally, Sally stitches up the swan.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40'He'll have to live out the rest of his days at the sanctuary.
0:24:40 > 0:24:46'And, a short while later, a groggy swan starts to come round.'
0:24:49 > 0:24:55Our amputee seems to be making a good recovery.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00It's time to come out of intensive care and into the general ward.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05He may not be missing his wing too much,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08but swans do like a bit of company.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13So he's got a friend in here, to aid his recovery.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21'Coming up...'
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Who's this? Your big sister?
0:25:23 > 0:25:28'..Cracker the Rottie attempts to win over her new family.'
0:25:28 > 0:25:33They have a Rottweiler. Hopefully, they'll be as good as they sound.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42We were following RSPCA inspectors Clare Ponsford and Imara Alagaratnam
0:25:42 > 0:25:44on their rounds in London.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46It's a busy patch.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Often the issues can be dealt with quickly.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54However, some cases can be a lot more complicated.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02'Bethnal Green.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06'Clare Ponsford and Imara Alagaratnam are responding
0:26:06 > 0:26:10'to what sounds like a critical case.'
0:26:10 > 0:26:15I've had a call to say that there's been a bitch and a 12-day puppy
0:26:15 > 0:26:18that's been removed from this property.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23There are still two 12-day-old puppies at the property,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26not feeding on the mum, and the mum is still lactating.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30'Without their mother, the puppies could be in a bad way.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34'Imara's prepared to take drastic action.'
0:26:34 > 0:26:37The puppies are only 12 days old.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40They are dependent on the mother.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44If there is no-one at the property, we'll force entry with the police.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47'Imara's hoping that someone's at home.'
0:26:47 > 0:26:50KNOCK ON DOOR
0:26:50 > 0:26:51Hello.
0:26:51 > 0:26:58'They are, and inside, Imara and Clare get a first look at the puppies.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01'The bull mastiff pups have been well cared for,
0:27:01 > 0:27:05'but Imara is keen to reunite them with Mum.'
0:27:05 > 0:27:08You shouldn't separate the pups from the mum...
0:27:08 > 0:27:12'The woman explains she innocently bought
0:27:12 > 0:27:16'the mother dog from the internet for £75,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18'unaware she was pregnant.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23'When she realised, she contacted the seller again.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28'He returned and took back Mum and the pick of the litter.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30'The woman kept two puppies.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33'Clare is sure this woman has been conned.'
0:27:33 > 0:27:37You have, unfortunately, been the victim of a scam.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42You've looked after his dog, taken it to the vet.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46He's still got his breeding bitch back and the puppies.
0:27:46 > 0:27:52'It's an unfortunate situation, but Imara and Clare's priority has to be the puppies.'
0:27:52 > 0:27:56We can help rehome them immediately.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00'The woman agrees to let Imara and Clare take the puppies.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07'These two dogs are so tiny their eyes have still not opened.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13'They will not only be missing the comfort of their mother, they will also be hungry.'
0:28:13 > 0:28:17She's stuck with two puppies that she's trying to hand-rear.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21She's taken advice from the right organisations.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25This gentleman's got the breeding bitch and the best of the litter.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29'Sadly, it's a scam that Clare's coming across often.'
0:28:29 > 0:28:35People advertise their dogs, which they know are pregnant, on the internet.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39If you have a number of breeding bitches, you need a licence.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43He probably had one too many bitches so he advertised the dog.
0:28:43 > 0:28:4875 quid for a bull mastiff's extremely cheap.
0:28:48 > 0:28:56People are looking at dogs on the internet and having them delivered like it's shopping. Unbelievable!
0:29:01 > 0:29:03'It's vital these two see the vet.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08'Clare takes them to the Harmsworth Hospital.'
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Come on.
0:29:10 > 0:29:16- PUPPIES WHIMPER - Oh, I know!
0:29:16 > 0:29:21'These baby boys don't enjoy having their beauty sleep disturbed.'
0:29:21 > 0:29:27They're angry cos I woke them up. I'll get them inside, in the warm.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- Do you want to look at some puppies? - Yes...!
0:29:31 > 0:29:34'Giving them the once-over will be vet Rachel Kirby.'
0:29:34 > 0:29:37She's squeaking!
0:29:37 > 0:29:40They both look very strong and healthy.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43They're really mobile and active.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Just checking their palates. They can get split palates.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52That they've not got any hernias, that their heart sounds healthy.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57These guys look pretty good. Pleased with that.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59'With a clean bill of health,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03'the pups can be transferred to the hospital's nursery.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10'After vet nurse Gemma Wilson has sorted out their beds,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12'it's dinner time.'
0:30:15 > 0:30:19They're absolutely loving the milk. You want some more?
0:30:19 > 0:30:24'With no mother to suckle from, the team will become surrogate mums,
0:30:24 > 0:30:28'providing for the orphans around the clock.'
0:30:28 > 0:30:30They need two-hourly feed.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33That'll be for the first few weeks,
0:30:33 > 0:30:38so it's quite on-going caring for puppies at this age
0:30:38 > 0:30:40without a mum.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44'These youngsters have had a frightening start to life,
0:30:44 > 0:30:48'but they're in the best place and should grow stronger every day.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59'Still to come,
0:30:59 > 0:31:03'the playful pups come out of their shells.'
0:31:03 > 0:31:07You're not allowed to chew that! No!
0:31:07 > 0:31:12None of that, please. You're not allowed to chew wires, OK?
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Not allowed to chew wires. Bad dog.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22Back to Leeds and the story of Cracker.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26The 14-week-old Rottweiler had suffered a badly broken leg
0:31:26 > 0:31:29and had been dumped in a dirty backyard.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Thankfully, she was rescued.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Following an operation,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Cracker's injured limb healed well.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40After being given the all-clear, she's ready for rehoming.
0:31:48 > 0:31:54'At the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Leeds, every dog is treated well.
0:31:54 > 0:32:00'But there's one puppy who's being spoilt more than most
0:32:00 > 0:32:04'by assistant manager Emma Cooper - Cracker the Rottweiler.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10'This adorable pup's days of relaxing in Emma's office
0:32:10 > 0:32:13'could be about to come to an end.'
0:32:13 > 0:32:19A family that were registered with us are on their way to see Cracker now.
0:32:19 > 0:32:25They have a Rottweiler already. Hopefully, they'll be as good as they sound.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27'Tracey Gee and her son Tom
0:32:27 > 0:32:31'spotted Cracker on a recent visit to the centre.'
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- I've come to see Cracker. - Take a seat in the training barn.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Somebody will bring him through.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41'They own one Rottie, a female called Diesel.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44'Before they can take Cracker home,
0:32:44 > 0:32:48'they need to find out if the girls get on.'
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Let's go meet your new mummy and daddy! Good girl!
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Be on your best behaviour, won't you? Yeah.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00'This is a big moment for Emma and Cracker.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04'If they don't like each other, this youngster's search for a family
0:33:04 > 0:33:07'will have to begin all over again.'
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Who's this? Your big sister?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13You going to say hello?
0:33:13 > 0:33:18'While you might have expected Cracker to be the nervous one...
0:33:18 > 0:33:22'it's Diesel who's not sure of this young whippersnapper.'
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Who's that? Are you a bit frightened of her?
0:33:26 > 0:33:32'But thanks to a couple of toys, Diesel overcomes her fears
0:33:32 > 0:33:37'and Little and Large are soon happily playing ball.
0:33:40 > 0:33:46'It looks like Cracker's passed the Diesel test with flying colours.'
0:33:46 > 0:33:49That went absolutely perfect.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54Their dog seemed to like her and she seemed to like their dog.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Absolutely spot-on. I'm really excited for her.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03'Cracker will leave the comfort of Emma's office in a few days,
0:34:03 > 0:34:09'to begin life with the Gees, but cases like hers aren't rare.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14'The Dogs Trust regularly takes in sick or injured dogs
0:34:14 > 0:34:20'that have been abandoned by owners unwilling to pay for treatment.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22'Just like Slinky the greyhound.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28'Like Cracker, Slinky's owners dumped their pet
0:34:28 > 0:34:32'without getting his broken limbs fixed.'
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Cracker's a lucky dog.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Being a puppy, her bones will probably heal very quickly
0:34:38 > 0:34:41without repercussions.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43We do have dogs such as poor Slinky.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47He was limping badly when we picked him up and, after examination,
0:34:47 > 0:34:53we discovered that he'd had two broken ankles at the front.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56'Slinky's bones have repaired themselves,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59'leaving him permanently disabled.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03'It seems this is preventing him finding a new owner.'
0:35:03 > 0:35:05I don't know if it's that he hobbles
0:35:05 > 0:35:10and his injuries are long-term that's putting people off him.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13You couldn't wish for a better dog. He's loving.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Good with dogs, good with people.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19I can't believe he's still here.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27'Emma's more optimistic about Gaby the Jack Russell,
0:35:27 > 0:35:31'another pet abandoned because of disability.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34'Her right eye is damaged and she'll soon have it removed.
0:35:34 > 0:35:40'Emma hopes this one-eyed Jack will tug at a visitors' heart strings.'
0:35:40 > 0:35:44I don't think the fact that Gaby will only have one eye will hinder
0:35:44 > 0:35:47her prospects of finding a home.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Hopefully, someone will come along and she'll have the sympathy vote
0:35:51 > 0:35:56because she has only got one eye and she'll find herself a home.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01'A new life for all the dogs here could be just around the corner.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06'It all depends on who walks through the door.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13'And Cracker is living proof of that.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16'Now renamed Roxy,
0:36:16 > 0:36:21'she's enjoying her new life with the Gee family in Wakefield.'
0:36:24 > 0:36:28I don't understand why people can dump them.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30When you look at them,
0:36:30 > 0:36:34who would want to do any harm to them?
0:36:34 > 0:36:38But now, better quality of life, and certainly looked after.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41'Tracey got Diesel from a rescue centre.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46'Although it's taken her a while to get used to her new step-sister,
0:36:46 > 0:36:50'they're getting along like a house on fire.'
0:36:50 > 0:36:55The big one sulked for a while. Now they never leave each other alone.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Best of friends.
0:36:57 > 0:37:03'Diesel's not the only member of the family that loves having Roxy.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05'Son Tom's delighted, too.'
0:37:05 > 0:37:07She enjoys having fun.
0:37:07 > 0:37:13I think she's got to run around and do all the things other dogs do.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15She's lovely, puts a smile on your face.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Can't wait to see her when you come home
0:37:18 > 0:37:23or when you wake up, you want to make sure she's OK.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Really nice to have around.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31'A month ago, Roxy was dumped with the rubbish in the freezing cold.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34'Now she can enjoy the snow, safe in the knowledge
0:37:34 > 0:37:39'she'll soon be in a cosy warm place inside her loving new home.'
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Finally, we're back to London.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Two bull mastiff pups were rescued
0:37:53 > 0:37:56after being forcibly orphaned from their mother.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01Without Mum's milk, the 12-day-old pups were in danger of starving.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06Thanks to the RSPCA's intervention, they were taken to be hand-reared.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Time to see how they're getting along.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17'Harmsworth Animal Hospital in north London.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22'The two bull mastiff pups are relaxed in their temporary home.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31'It's been a month since they were brought in.
0:38:31 > 0:38:37'David Grant and his staff have been busy helping the bundles of fur
0:38:37 > 0:38:39'grow into strong boys.'
0:38:39 > 0:38:45They came in very, very young and unable to feed for themselves.
0:38:45 > 0:38:51They were syringe fed by the nurses and that had to be round the clock.
0:38:51 > 0:38:58They've just got to the stage now where they can eat for themselves.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02'While the intensive care has helped them survive the first six weeks,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05'it's no substitute for their mum.'
0:39:05 > 0:39:09With these puppies that should be with their mother,
0:39:09 > 0:39:14they don't get the colostrum from the mother's milk, the first milk,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16which contains antibodies
0:39:16 > 0:39:20and protects them in the first eight weeks.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25They probably haven't had that and so they're at risk of infection.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29So it's a real challenge rearing these to an age
0:39:29 > 0:39:33where we can send them on to a homing centre.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37They horse around with each other, jump and play
0:39:37 > 0:39:42and all the joie de vivre things you get with puppies.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45They look as though they're zonked out,
0:39:45 > 0:39:47they've been having a good old time.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50They're probably having a siesta.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54Come on, then. Oh! You're a big boy!
0:39:54 > 0:39:56That's a god dog!
0:39:56 > 0:40:00That's a good puppy!
0:40:00 > 0:40:05'It doesn't take long before the siesta becomes a fiesta
0:40:05 > 0:40:08'for one of the brothers.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15'While one stays asleep, it's clear David's got his hands full.'
0:40:19 > 0:40:21You're not allowed to chew that.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23No! No. No.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25None of that, please.
0:40:25 > 0:40:31You're not allowed to chew wires. OK? Not allowed to chew wires.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33You bad dog.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39'Despite their cheekiness,
0:40:39 > 0:40:43'everyone has fallen for the puppies, which is a good thing.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47'They're going to have to stay a little while longer.'
0:40:47 > 0:40:49You might think it's easy
0:40:49 > 0:40:53to get this cute little puppy into a rehoming centre.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Let me tell you, it isn't.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00The homing centres all over the country are completely full.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03The reason they're completely full
0:41:03 > 0:41:08is lots of people are abandoning pets, not just at this time of year,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11which is traditional, at Christmas.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14It seems to be going on all the time.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17We have to phone round the county,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20begging for places.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24So they're going to stay with us for Christmas.
0:41:24 > 0:41:30We hope we can rear them up another three or four weeks,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32and then send them to a good home.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37You're trying to bite, are you? Are you trying to bite?
0:41:37 > 0:41:40In you go. That's a good puppy.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45'The puppies will go to a rehoming centre in a few weeks.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50'For now, they're in the best place to take things nice and easy.'
0:41:55 > 0:42:01If you know of a wildlife crime or a creature that needs protection,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04there are dedicated professionals
0:42:04 > 0:42:07who'll answer your call around the clock.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15'Next time on Animal 24:7,
0:42:15 > 0:42:19'investigations into an alleged dog fight.'
0:42:19 > 0:42:21The dog was covered in blood.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26The wounds were bleeding profusely. There was a large pool of blood.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31On a white dog, that would look pretty shocking, pretty horrific.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34'Two donkeys crippled by cruelty.'
0:42:34 > 0:42:38The feet are very, very long and overgrown and twisted.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43This is the worst case I have seen at Newton Farm.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47'And I don a disguise to see if this dog's ready for rehoming.'
0:42:47 > 0:42:52It's like Stars In Their Eyes, but I'm not sure who I'm coming back as.
0:43:14 > 0:43:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd