0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09All too often our wildlife and domestic pets
0:00:09 > 0:00:13are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people trying to protect
0:00:17 > 0:00:19and care for them right around the clock.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22This is Animal 24/7.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Today on Animal 24/7...
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- Hello?- Catching up with an owner who's neglecting her pet.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Well, we've just been told by a neighbour that she came to the top of the street. When she saw my van
0:00:54 > 0:01:00outside her property she went, which makes me worry that there's something wrong with the dog.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Rescuing the animals from a sanctuary in crisis.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08People would come and dump animals at their front gates, tie them to the front gates.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10It just got to the point of total saturation.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And I meet some old friends.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- One of the kites released the last time you visited us here... - Oh, really?- ..in 2006.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- I give that bird its freedom! - Absolutely!
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Owning any pet can be a time-consuming business,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31but if you choose to keep a puppy the demands can be even greater.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34In Lancashire, the RSPCA have just received a call
0:01:34 > 0:01:37about a young dog that isn't getting the attention it needs.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52On a street in Wigan, concern has been growing over the treatment of a puppy.
0:01:52 > 0:01:59The RSPCA has just received a call claiming that a young dog is not getting the attention it needs.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Inspector Lisa Lupson arrives to investigate.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04I can hear the dogs barking.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06They sound very distressed.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10They've stopped now I've knocked.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Concern is growing.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Let's see if I can see anything.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19There's a bit of a smell coming from the house.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25With no-one answering she heads round the back.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33In the yard, a neighbour spots Lisa.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Nobody in? You've not seen anyone for a bit?
0:02:36 > 0:02:41He tells her that the dog is a Staffordshire bull terrier and he's concerned about its condition.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45It was curled up on that chair there. That was the first time I've ever seen it.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- So I shoved a tray of water under the door...- Yeah.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51And it drank that down in one.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- Really?- Straight down. - What was its body condition like?
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- Not good, thin? - No, I would say thin.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Lisa is now even more worried about this dog.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Then she notices that the lock on the back door is broken.
0:03:04 > 0:03:05Oh!
0:03:08 > 0:03:09Hello?
0:03:09 > 0:03:11RSPCA.
0:03:12 > 0:03:13Hello?
0:03:16 > 0:03:19I can't legally go in without the police, so...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22But she has no idea when the owner will be back.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25I will, thanks a lot.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30She can't understand why the dog hasn't come to the door and wants to investigate further.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Hello, my name's Lisa. I'm an inspector with the RSPCA.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Could an officer could assist me at an address, please?
0:03:37 > 0:03:42Then, as she's on the phone to the police, Lisa gets a tip off.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Some neighbours have just seen the owner walk straight past her own house.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- Just down that side of the... - She's just gone.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Lisa gives chase.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55We've just been told by a neighbour that she came to the top of the street, when she saw my van
0:03:55 > 0:04:01outside the property she went, which makes me worried that there's something wrong with the dog.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04So, apparently she's got an orange buggy so we're just going to try and find her.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08At the end of the road there's no-one to be seen.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14It looks as if the dog's owner has given Lisa the slip.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17But just when hopes are fading...
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Hello.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Can we just nip to your house?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- What for?- About your dog.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27(INAUDIBLE)
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Yeah.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Well, we've had a call for one thing saying she's been abandoned,
0:04:30 > 0:04:36that's obviously not the case, but I'm also concerned about the dog's condition.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39We've had a call saying it's underweight.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Can I've a look?
0:04:45 > 0:04:48The owner admits she's been away for 24 hours.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51She lets Lisa into her house so she can check the dog over.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Let's have a look at her. Where is she?
0:04:54 > 0:04:58You keep her in a cupboard? You can't even open your cupboard!
0:04:58 > 0:05:03Lisa is shocked to see that the Staffie, a lively puppy called Chico,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07has been locked in a dark cupboard under the stairs.
0:05:07 > 0:05:14She has no food, no water and the floor is covered in urine and faeces.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Oh, it stinks in there! Can you not smell it?
0:05:17 > 0:05:21There was no light in there, there's no ventilation.
0:05:21 > 0:05:27That is disgusting. I could... I could prosecute you now for that cupboard. It absolutely stinks.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30The owner explains that she's living on her own.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34For Lisa it's obvious she's unable to cope with such an energetic puppy.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38She wants her to sign Chico over to the RSPCA.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42You've got a baby, you're on your own, a puppy is the hardest thing
0:05:42 > 0:05:46to deal with anyway without never mind having a baby and being on your own.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Are you going to sign her over for me?
0:05:49 > 0:05:54After several minutes the owner agrees to let Chico go to be found a more suitable home.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58All right, thanks for being so cooperative.
0:05:58 > 0:05:59All right, see you later.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04This puppy has been locked in the dark for the last 24 hours.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07You're a big girl! Are you a big girl?
0:06:07 > 0:06:11She seems relieved to be out in the fresh air.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16Really glad I've got her out today. It was so, so hot. There was no water in there.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21She's probably gasping, actually. I might just give her a proper drop of water now.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22The smell in there was horrendous.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26It's no life for any dog, never mind a six-month-old puppy.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31Right, in you get.
0:06:33 > 0:06:39After being deprived of water in the cupboard, Chico enjoys a much needed drink.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Oh, good girl. Are you thirsty?
0:06:44 > 0:06:49Lisa takes Chico straight to the rehoming centre to see a vet.
0:06:49 > 0:06:55Living in such terrible conditions can be harmful to any dog, especially a puppy.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59And Chico is in urgent need of a health check.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- Hello.- Hi.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Right, I've got a little puppy for you.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Vet Stephen Gilmore begins the examination.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Let's have a look, Chico. Show us what you've got.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12She has got a smell about her.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- Oh, yeah.- She's a little bit thin.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19When you feel her ribs there's no abdomen on her at all.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21You can see the bones of her pelvis.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- She's very well-behaved considering she's lived in a cupboard.- Yeah.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Not a very good start in life, is it?
0:07:27 > 0:07:31Poor start and a very sad start.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36Although Chico seems friendly, Staffies do have a reputation for boisterous behaviour.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40This can make it difficult to rehome them.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- If you can look out for a new home for us...- Yeah.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- ..then that would be a nice... - We'll see what we can do. - Give her a better start in life.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- Right.- Thanks very much.- OK. Thanks very much.- See you again. Bye. Bye.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56But the staff here will do all they can to help.
0:07:58 > 0:08:04Because what Chico really needs now is an owner who can give her the care and attention she deserves.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15Coming up,
0:08:15 > 0:08:20Chico's got a new lease of life, but will she be too much of a handful to attract a new owner?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23There's a lot of Staffies out there that need homes.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Hopefully, we'll get the right owner.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27Good girl. Yeah.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- And catching the kite. - Yeah, we've got him now.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32But is it ready for release?
0:08:32 > 0:08:37He's doing that playing dead thing, they just go...urgh... and stick their tongue out.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39It's very, very convincing.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47For people who love rescuing animals, sometimes it's difficult to know when to stop.
0:08:47 > 0:08:54A sanctuary in Sussex has taken in so many that they've now had to issue an SOS of their own.
0:08:54 > 0:09:01It's a painful reminder that when it comes to caring for animals, simple good intentions are not enough.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12At a farm on the outskirts of Chichester there are all the signs
0:09:12 > 0:09:15of a charitable project gone terribly wrong.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22This farm was set up as a refuge for unwanted and neglected animals,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24but as more and more began to arrive
0:09:24 > 0:09:28the owners soon found themselves overwhelmed.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30There's a lot of very emaciated animals.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32There's animals suffering disease.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Thin, stressed animals are far more prone to disease
0:09:34 > 0:09:36and that's exactly what's happened here.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39The owners have now asked for help.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43With 30 horses, pigs and other animals at risk
0:09:43 > 0:09:48a team of professionals need to act quickly before the crisis gets any worse.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53People would dump animals at their front gates,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- tie them to the front gates... - Or throw them over.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Or throw them over the gates because they couldn't cope.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01It just got to the point of total saturation.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11This is a huge rescue mission. Three charities and an army of volunteers
0:10:11 > 0:10:12have been called in to pick up the pieces.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Take hold of the other side, Becs, will you?
0:10:14 > 0:10:18The RSPCA, World Horse Welfare and HorseWorld
0:10:18 > 0:10:22are working together to save these animals and give them a better life.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- Oh, well.- That would be better, wouldn't it?- Go for it, yeah. - Yeah?- Yeah, that's fine.
0:10:28 > 0:10:29Oh, this one's already numbered five.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Come on, darling.
0:10:33 > 0:10:39The condition of the horses here shows their intervention hasn't come a moment too soon.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41They're generally all in very poor bodily condition.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44They've got a thick winter coat, but underneath
0:10:44 > 0:10:47this whole pelvic region is very prominent
0:10:47 > 0:10:51and if you look between here how thin they are between the legs.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56They're very, very matted in faeces and mud where they've just been in that barn.
0:10:56 > 0:11:02And this one in particular is very weak on all its legs
0:11:02 > 0:11:06and generally seems quite nervous and not very well handled at all.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18Examples of how the owners were struggling to cope can be seen in every corner,
0:11:18 > 0:11:23enclosures full of mud and dangerous metalwork.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27And inside the barns, conditions are even worse.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31The reason this location is so dangerous for horses,
0:11:31 > 0:11:39we have electric cables that are live hanging down from the ceiling, we have obviously the mud.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43They've got nowhere that is dry in order to lay down and to eat and rest.
0:11:43 > 0:11:49The ends of the gates are broken off, there are bolts exposed.
0:11:49 > 0:11:57The horses over the back there have been so hungry that they have chewed through all the boarding.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02It is just totally inappropriate to keep any animals, particularly horses.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07But it wasn't just the horses who weren't getting the attention they need.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11These are quite interesting. They're from New Zealand, the kune kune,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15and rather like pot bellies before then they became rather fashionable
0:12:15 > 0:12:21as just sort of... As pet pigs. Pigs are specialised animals and they're not pets,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25that's the truth of them, and it's only somebody who has got an agricultural establishment,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28who could really consider taking on kune kunes as pets.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34Away from their parents, the health of these two kune kunes has already started to deteriorate.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39That one's got a cataract there and they've got quite flaky, so they've got some kind of skin condition.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43We'll need to investigate that further. It might potentially be some sort of parasite.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Now the piglets are safe and will soon be getting the right treatment.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55Although the animals are suffering, the owners have not acted maliciously.
0:12:55 > 0:13:01They've simply had too many animals to deal with and at least they've asked for help.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Most of the horses will now get the treatment they need,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10but there's one pony that may be too ill to save.
0:13:13 > 0:13:19This mare called Biscuit is carrying a contagious disease which can prove fatal.
0:13:19 > 0:13:25It's suffering from equine streptococcus, which is strangles.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30It's not an unusual phenomenon with horses when they're packed together,
0:13:30 > 0:13:36but this one is probably the worst of the lot and is a very, very sick horse.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41And Biscuit's rug hides even more problems.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44The horse is critically underweight.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47As you see we've got... We've got the raised spine.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51We've also got the effects here, underneath here of what we call
0:13:51 > 0:13:55rain scald which is all this coat is going to come out at some stage.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59This horse has obviously been out and if you run your fingers along it,
0:13:59 > 0:14:03it's...like a hedgehog all the way along the back here.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07And you can see the way in which we've got concave quarters here.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09There's absolutely no muscle.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13If you imagine that this horse should be totally rounded,
0:14:13 > 0:14:17right round here. Obviously, if a horse is in this condition
0:14:17 > 0:14:23when it contracts strangles it stands a lesser chance of survival
0:14:23 > 0:14:26than a fit horse that contracts it.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29The operation is drawing to a close.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33The last horses are loaded into the lorries to begin their new lives.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37Biscuit will have to travel alone and will be put
0:14:37 > 0:14:42into solitary confinement as soon as she arrives at the recovery farm.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46We've currently got a stocking level of 120 on the farm,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48so it's important that we can keep any contagious diseases
0:14:48 > 0:14:53completely isolated to our isolation unit. It is a very serious quarantine risk.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59But as the animals are herded on to the lorries, staff realise
0:14:59 > 0:15:02that some of the others are also showing symptoms of strangles.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06The legacy of this sickness could take a heavy toll.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Later, vital tests for the rescued ponies.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23I would be a little bit more concerned about him because it is likely that out of all of them
0:15:23 > 0:15:26this is the one that will come back as positive for strangles.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30And another day, another dog for Lisa Lupson.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Are you coping all right with her?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Yeah.- Are you sure, because she's a bit thin?
0:15:35 > 0:15:39You can see her ribs and you can feel her spine quite easily.
0:15:42 > 0:15:49Just outside a shopping centre is not where you might expect to begin a great wildlife experience,
0:15:49 > 0:15:54but here in Gateshead you'll find red kites circling in the sky
0:15:54 > 0:15:57above the shoppers searching for a bargain.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00In fact, the scheme to protect and introduce the birds is so popular
0:16:00 > 0:16:05it's even got its own bus service. I think I'll get on.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06Morning!
0:16:12 > 0:16:20This was the moment when the project to bring back red kites to the North East got off to a flying start.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Whoa! Beautiful, they both shot out!
0:16:25 > 0:16:31Back in 2006 I helped as some of the 94 red kites were released into the Derwent Valley.
0:16:31 > 0:16:37And they're circling the field, one going right, one going up and left.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41The Northern Kite Initiative is part of a unique project to reintroduce
0:16:41 > 0:16:46kites to an urban landscape where they'd been missing for 150 years.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Lovely, thank you. Bye.
0:16:50 > 0:16:56And today I'm back with manager Keith Bowie to see how it's all gone.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59The thing that's really struck me here is how you've got the people involved.
0:16:59 > 0:17:05The bus is obviously an example and the people on it, they couldn't stop talking to me about the kites.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10And that's really humbling when we actually realise just what level we've connected to local communities,
0:17:10 > 0:17:14and it was actually right at the outset we said we had to have people at the heart of this project.
0:17:14 > 0:17:20They had to help to deliver the project and it had to be for them, it wasn't just a wildlife project.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23I was going to say, that I can see is good for people because they like the birds.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Is it good for the birds to have everybody know where they are?
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Absolutely. And the measure is we have only had a single persecution incident
0:17:30 > 0:17:36in the North East of England. Sadly, red kites are still one of the most persecuted birds of prey.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38It's been a huge success.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41The kites have settled in the area and many have bred.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I feel very proud to have been a small part of that.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47And this one, it seems, is an old friend of mine.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51So, the bird that's actually on the pylon is a green tagged kite.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55So, that would have been one of the kites released the last time you visited us here...
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- Oh, really!- ..in 2006. So that one's out there in the wild doing what kites are supposed to be doing.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- I gave that bird its freedom! - Absolutely!
0:18:02 > 0:18:07And, better than that, that bird now has babies in those trees just off to our left here.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Can I have a look at that one? - Yes, certainly, by all means.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14The Northern Kite Initiative is now almost complete.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16There it is there.
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Oh, yes.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21But there's one last captive bird to be set free.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26We're heading to the project's nursery where a baby kite
0:18:26 > 0:18:29which fell out of its nest has been nursed back to health.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35Last time I came here we had to keep this place a secret, but now Keith is so confident
0:18:35 > 0:18:40of the community support, he's happy for people to know, although it's still pretty well hidden.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49And here he is, the last graduate of the northern kite academy.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Oh, he's fantastic.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55And, boy, does he look ready to take off!
0:19:00 > 0:19:04And as the red blanket goes down, our feisty friend is tamed.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Did you get him? - Yeah, we've got him now. Yeah.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14He's doing that playing dead thing I remember, they just go, urgh, and stick their tongue out.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18It's very, very convincing, but he's certainly alive and well.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- I can feel him breathing. He's... - He looks very fine.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23He's very healthy. I can feel he's a big, fit bird.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Well, let's get him in here, then.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Once the birds are released it's crucial for Keith and his team
0:19:32 > 0:19:35to be able to monitor their progress and keep a track on their movements.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43So, now it's back to Kite HQ to prepare our bird for freedom.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Right, Tom, if you could possibly just put that little bag
0:19:47 > 0:19:50over his head and that will just keep him quiet.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54After being weighed to make sure he's healthy enough for release...
0:19:54 > 0:19:571.04 kilograms...
0:19:57 > 0:20:04He's ringed, then given a more visible tag in his wing which will help with day-to-day observations.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09It goes around the front edge of the wing, so that goes very quickly straight through the bird's wing.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11He doesn't even flinch, no pain or anything like that.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- Finally, he's fitted with a tracking device. - It's a two-phase transmitter.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20In case of emergency researchers can find out exactly where this kite is.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24So what that essentially does is give us a bit of extra information.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28When the kite is sitting like that it's perched, when it's sitting
0:20:28 > 0:20:33like it's either flying, on a nest, or in the worst case scenario, lying dead.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37The transmitter is attached to a harness on the bird's back.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40It's less than two per cent of the kite's body weight and will stay there for life.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45There is really no hiding place for this bird, is there?
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Tags, two kinds and a transmitter.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51He can't lead a secret life, can he?
0:20:51 > 0:20:54He cannot, no. No, we'll know exactly what it's up to.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Keith's work is now complete.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58It's time for me to say my goodbyes.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01You'll be free in a few days.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Two days later and the kite is taken home.
0:21:07 > 0:21:14As a crowd of press and well-wishers stand by, our bird is prepared for its date with destiny.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18Five, four, three,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21two, one, clear!
0:21:21 > 0:21:25And after a few moments to get its bearings,
0:21:25 > 0:21:30the last kite of this remarkable project finally heads for the sky.
0:21:30 > 0:21:36Flying, very, very strongly. Clearly OK, so that's good.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40But there's a tinge of sadness because this is the last, that's the end of the process.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Coming up, the rescued piglets enjoy life on the farm.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53They are great pets. They are going to be with us
0:21:53 > 0:21:56for a long time and I wouldn't let them ever go back to the state
0:21:56 > 0:21:58they were in when we found them.
0:22:01 > 0:22:09Earlier on we saw Chico, a young Staffordshire bull terrier kept in a dark cupboard at a house in Wigan.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Her owner admitted to RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson
0:22:13 > 0:22:17that she couldn't look after her dog and signed her over.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Chico is now waiting at kennels for a new home.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25Meanwhile, Lisa has just received another call about another dog.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36I've come to see you, I'm afraid.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37We've had a call about your dog.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40Can I have a look at it?
0:22:43 > 0:22:47The dog Lisa has come to see is Lady, a Great Dane cross.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Can I just...
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Can you bring him out cos I want to have a closer look?
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Do you want me to shut this gate and then he won't run out, then?
0:22:56 > 0:23:01This four-year-old's been reported to the RSPCA for being in poor condition.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06Lisa can see that Lady is too thin and now she wants to know why.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Are you coping all right with her?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Yeah.- Are you sure, because she's a bit thin?
0:23:10 > 0:23:13What are you feeding her and how often are you feeding her?
0:23:13 > 0:23:14- Every day.- Right.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17She needs to put some weight on.
0:23:17 > 0:23:24She's not that thin at the minute where I could prosecute you, but she's getting borderline.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28You can see her ribs and you can feel her spine quite easily.
0:23:28 > 0:23:35Although Lady's underweight, Lisa's willing to give this family a chance to prove they can look after her.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41But then she's taken by surprise when they offer to sign the dog over to the RSPCA.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Just let me make some phone calls then and see if I can get a space for her
0:23:46 > 0:23:49and then I'll come back with the paperwork, all right?
0:23:49 > 0:23:51So, I'll just nip to my van and make some calls.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Large dogs take a lot of looking after.
0:23:54 > 0:24:01This family's willingness to sign Lady over confirms Lisa suspicion that they are struggling.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- You've not got any other dogs, have you?- No.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05You're not going to get any more, are you?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08With the paperwork complete Lisa can take Lady away.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09She's huge.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12She's strong, isn't she?
0:24:12 > 0:24:17For this big girl, it's the big kennel in the back of the van.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18In you get.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Lady's owners say goodbye.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Lisa knows this is for the best.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31You're doing the right thing because there's obviously something not quite right.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36She needs a lot of money spending on her in terms of the amount of food that she's getting.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37Come on, then, sweetheart.
0:24:43 > 0:24:49Nestled in the Pennines is the Lancashire East RSPCA centre in Accrington.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56It's here where Lady will spend the next few weeks building up her strength
0:24:56 > 0:25:00and where staff will decide if she's suitable for rehoming.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Hello, Lady. Have you been a good girl? You have.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13She's really nice, really friendly dog.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16She didn't make a peep in my van.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18She seems really, really sweet.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Considering her size, a lot of people would be quite intimidated by her,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24but, look, she's just wagging her tail, she's really happy and friendly.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Although the early signs are that Lady is good natured,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32with a dog this big, the RSPCA can't take any chances.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Hello.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Lady's temperament will have to be put to the test.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Do you want to sign your name? Will you sign your name?
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Good girl.
0:25:48 > 0:25:55Every year the Lancashire East Centre takes in more than 200 dogs that need new homes.
0:25:56 > 0:26:03Before Lady can join these in the kennels she needs a health check from deputy manager Steve Carpenter.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08- Ribs are prominent, but they're fine.- No fleas or flea dirt?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Nothing seen, no. We'll spray her anyway.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Ears?
0:26:12 > 0:26:14A bit greasy, but clean.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19Although Lady seems healthy, her lack of weight is still a worry.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- Come on, sweetheart, pop your bum on. - So it's time to hit the scales.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26About 27, yeah.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31- 27 kilos.- A bit underweight, isn't she?- She is.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Lady is ten kilos under her ideal body weight.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- Sit down.- And her reaction to food says it all.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49She's eating that fast she's almost bringing it back up.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54Dogs of this size do need a large amount of food.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Yeah, they might just need one large bowl daily or twice a day
0:26:57 > 0:27:02or three times a day, but they're going to need a large quantity which does costs a lot of money.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07And people, when they realise that, either panic, don't feed the dog,
0:27:07 > 0:27:13which could have happened in this case, and just give them what they can afford to give them,
0:27:13 > 0:27:16or get to the stage where they can't cope and ask for our help.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21And that's why we end up with, you know, a number of large dogs on the premises.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28For Lady the next few weeks are going to be crucial.
0:27:28 > 0:27:34She'll undergo a series of tests that will determine whether she can be found a new home.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37But even if she passes there's a worry that Lady's size
0:27:37 > 0:27:42and how much it costs to care for such a large dog could count against her.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Later, Lady faces the ultimate test.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04She's doing fine. She's not bothered with the cat at all. We've got a couple here spitting at her.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I think she's more interested in the cat food that she is the cat!
0:28:11 > 0:28:17At an animal sanctuary in the Sussex the professionals have had to step in to avert a crisis.
0:28:17 > 0:28:2131 horses were discovered living in atrocious conditions
0:28:21 > 0:28:25and at least one has a contagious disease called strangles.
0:28:25 > 0:28:32Most of the ponies were taken to World Horse Welfare's farm in Norfolk where sadly one of them,
0:28:32 > 0:28:39Biscuit, has since died from the illness and now it's feared another pony may be carrying the disease.
0:28:46 > 0:28:52Three days have passed since the horses were rescued from the ailing sanctuary.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56After being given full health checks most of them are now being settled
0:28:56 > 0:28:58in much more comfortable surroundings.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02But for Quest, it's not that simple.
0:29:02 > 0:29:08After showing signs of suffering from strangles he's been kept on his own to protect the other animals.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13We use the quarantine unit for any horses that we suspect may be carrying a contagious disease.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16It's out of the way of the rest of the stock.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18It allows us to completely isolate
0:29:18 > 0:29:20the horses when they first arrive.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24There are 120 other horses on the farm.
0:29:24 > 0:29:30It's vital vet Andrew Williamson keeps this contagious disease under control.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Strangles is a respiratory infection.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37Symptoms include high temperature, difficulty breathing and nasal discharge.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42OK, that's fine. We'll bring him round so his head's facing the door.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Andrew needs to check for signs of the disease...
0:29:45 > 0:29:47OK. Are we ready?
0:29:47 > 0:29:50..and take a sample from the back of Quest's throat.
0:29:50 > 0:29:51There's some discharge already.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56It is just a sign that there may be a bit of an active infection.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00Andrew's initial assessment seems to confirm his worst fears.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05I would be a little bit more concerned about him because during the course of the endoscopy
0:30:05 > 0:30:09where he's been sneezing, a fairly large amount of unpleasant looking mucus
0:30:09 > 0:30:12has come out and it's likely that out of all of them
0:30:12 > 0:30:14this is the one that will come back as positive for strangles.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21If the tests do come back positive Quest will need a course of antibiotics.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26For now, though, he'll continue to be kept away from the rest of the herd
0:30:26 > 0:30:28until he's given the all-clear.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42Several months later and the change in all the horses is remarkable.
0:30:42 > 0:30:48Lynne Parkinson has been nursing the animals back to health and is delighted with their progress.
0:30:50 > 0:30:51Hello.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56They've settled in very well and we've been working on a daily basis, handling them,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00getting them used to being caught up, having their feet done,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04because some of them were quite nervous, so we had to work on that quite a bit.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12For Quest, the antibiotics cured the strangles and now he's going from strength to strength.
0:31:14 > 0:31:20He's put on a good amount of weight and his coat is very shiny and in very good condition.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25Seeing the change in the ponies from when they arrived to us, the condition and mental state of them,
0:31:25 > 0:31:30it's great to now see how they are relaxed and happy now that they're living with us.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40250 miles away is HorseWorld in Bristol.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Staff here have been caring for the other ponies taken from the sanctuary
0:31:44 > 0:31:48and they've also come on leaps and bounds.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51But what about the other two rescued animals?
0:31:54 > 0:31:59Meet Wilf and Wilma, the two kune kune pigs. They're cheeky...
0:31:59 > 0:32:01PIGLET GRUNTS
0:32:00 > 0:32:01- ..noisy...- Morning, guys!
0:32:01 > 0:32:06..and have been keeping Kayleigh McLeod very busy.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09The condition of these piglets were terrible.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13They were only seven weeks old and shouldn't have been without their mother.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18Both had skin infections and this little man had a really bad open sore on his hind leg.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22They had to have medicated baths for about four weeks.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27Wilma came away from the sanctuary with a few long-lasting effects.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29We think
0:32:29 > 0:32:32that she may have had a blow to the eye when she was younger.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36We believe that she may be partially blind or completely blind in this right eye,
0:32:36 > 0:32:42this could have been a birth defect or an accident that happened when she was just born.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48But that hasn't stopped her and Wilf from learning a few crowd-pleasing tricks.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51And, as you can see now, they love people.
0:32:51 > 0:32:52They love coming out to play.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55They love their scratches and down in their outdoor enclosure
0:32:55 > 0:32:59they will actually roll over for you like dogs so you can scratch their bellies.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03After being hand-reared, Wilf and Wilma now have a place of their own
0:33:03 > 0:33:08outside where they've become firm favourites all round.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11They are great pets. They are going to be with us
0:33:11 > 0:33:15for a long time and I will make sure that they have a very nice home in the future
0:33:15 > 0:33:19and I wouldn't let them ever go back to the state that they were in when we found them.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Finally, we return to the tale of two dogs in Lancashire.
0:33:33 > 0:33:40Chico, a Staffie kept locked in a cupboard and Lady, a malnourished Great Dane cross.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45Both were signed over to the RSPCA by owners who simply couldn't look after them.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Now comes the really tricky part, finding them the right kind of home.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01Three weeks ago Chico the Staffie was being kept in the dark without food and water.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07Now at a vet's in Wigan, she's growing in confidence.
0:34:09 > 0:34:16They've assessed her personality and vet nurse Amanda Wright is confident that Chico is ready to move on.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19She's got a really lovely temperament.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Loves everybody that strokes her, cuddles her.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24She needs a good loving home.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25Good girl. Yeah.
0:34:26 > 0:34:32Needs a lot of exercise and a lot of wearing out, but she's very friendly.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Chico is full of life and that means she needs to find the right kind of owner.
0:34:38 > 0:34:46We need someone that's prepared to spend a lot of time with her, you know, just to,
0:34:46 > 0:34:50you know, house-train her and look after her, really,
0:34:50 > 0:34:52because she's very lively and boisterous.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59There's a lot of Staffies out there that need homes, which is a shame,
0:34:59 > 0:35:05because a lot of them are really, really lovely dogs, but hopefully we'll get the right owner.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Good girl. Yeah.
0:35:10 > 0:35:1725 miles away in Accrington, Lady, the Great Dane cross, has been piling on the pounds.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23When she arrived at the RSPCA centre she was underweight.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Now Steve Carpenter is delighted with her progress.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31Lady's weight gain has been amazing, actually.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36It's 2.7 kilos just in ten days - quite an incredible weight gain.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39If you think about that, that's about two-and-a-half bags of sugar.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44With Lady's health back on track, it's time to put her through her paces
0:35:44 > 0:35:46to see if she's suitable for rehoming.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Call. Good girl.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53All aspects of Lady's personality need to be tested.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Lady. Sit!
0:35:55 > 0:35:57First, following commands.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Down.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04There are a few meet and greets with other dogs.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06That was a play thing, her tail was going all the time.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11She was wanting to play. She's shown no aggression towards the other dog at all.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Then it's the real test...
0:36:15 > 0:36:17..the cattery walk.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21CAT GROWLS
0:36:19 > 0:36:21The cats aren't keen,
0:36:21 > 0:36:23but the dog is the perfect lady.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26She's doing fine. She's not bothered with the cat at all.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28We've got a couple here spitting at her.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31I think she's more interested in the cat food than the cats!
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Lady's passed all the tests with flying colours.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37There's just one potential problem.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40The only thing that goes against her is her size and her strength.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44A lot of people are looking for a smaller dogs that they can handle,
0:36:44 > 0:36:51but I'm hoping her temperament and how brilliant she is will sort of oversee that she's quite a big dog.
0:36:51 > 0:36:59Hopefully, this big friendly dog will find a new home soon, but, for now, this lady's in waiting.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06A month later, for Chico the Staffie the dark days of being shut in a cupboard are now behind her.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09SEVERAL PEOPLE LAUGH
0:37:09 > 0:37:14She's got a new home with Stephen, Mandy and Samantha Merrell.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18You're not quick enough. Yeah, got it.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22Well, we lost our other dog at the beginning of the year and we thought
0:37:22 > 0:37:25we'd leave it a little bit before we look for another one.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- You wanted a rescue dog, didn't you? - Definitely, give something back.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32The vet gave us a call and said "There's this little rescue dog in,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35"would you like to come and have a look at it?" Staffordshire bull terrier.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39We were a little bit unsure because we didn't know much about the breed
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- and they've got a reputation.- Yeah.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45So we looked it up on the internet, found to our surprise
0:37:45 > 0:37:48they were completely different to what we expected,
0:37:48 > 0:37:52went to the vets, had a look at her for the first time, took her for a walk
0:37:52 > 0:37:55and then decided, yeah, it would be a great addition to the family.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57- And she is, isn't she?- She is.
0:37:58 > 0:38:06After such a traumatic start, things have turned round dramatically for this puppy and Chico time is up.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08We didn't like the name Chico.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12We didn't fancy shouting that down the park, so we had a think about it at first and I thought,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16you know, something that's going to be more in the character of the dog and we decided on Ellie.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20The Merrell family can give Ellie the attention she needs
0:38:20 > 0:38:24and they've been going that extra mile to try and calm her excitable ways.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27We've been watching The Dog Whisperer, you know,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30trying to pick up tricks and I'm supposed to be the alpha dog!
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Because I think she likes to be a little pack leader, doesn't she?
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Yes, yes.- She's fitted in quite well. Very, very pleased with her.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38I think we've chosen well...
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- Yeah.- ..and been fortunate to have her.
0:38:46 > 0:38:52But for every dog that finds a new home there's another one still waiting.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57While other dogs have come and gone, Lady the Great Dane cross has been
0:38:57 > 0:39:00looking for new owners for a month now.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04But today her life is about to change, too.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Come on, we'll go and pick Lady up. Hiya.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- Hi, are you OK?- Yeah.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Mr Holt come to pick Lady up.
0:39:13 > 0:39:14Thank you.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Brian Holt is the proud new owner of Lady.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21For this dog lover there was no other girl for him.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25As soon as I came here I went to see the dogs and she was the only one that came up to the cage
0:39:25 > 0:39:30and turned sideways on at the cage at the mesh and put her head right to the cage
0:39:30 > 0:39:34and I put my fingers in and that was it, I automatically fell in love with her.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37I had to have her. Brilliant dog.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43This is a big day for Brian. He's brought his family along for the occasion.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Darren, could you bring Lady out, please? She's going home.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52Have to sit down, Stephen, please, because it might knock you over this dog. It's a big dog.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58It's time for Lady to meet her new owner and Brian can't wait.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Champion. I'm excited!
0:40:01 > 0:40:05I feel good. I seem to have been waiting ages for her.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Hello.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13It's been an unsettling few weeks for Lady.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16It could take time to adjust to her new owner.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Good girl. She's a good girl.
0:40:19 > 0:40:27But with a few reassuring words from Brian, Lady realises that she is in safe hands.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28We're going home, now.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Take you home.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Yeah, and I'll take you out a good walk down there.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38And in no time at all they seem like a real double act.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Yes, she's happy!
0:40:44 > 0:40:48So, Brian's taking Lady home... or is Lady taking Brian home?
0:40:52 > 0:40:56Back in Brian's street there's plenty of interest in the new neighbour.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58I see it's taking you for a walk, Brian!
0:40:58 > 0:41:00It's a big dog, isn't it? >
0:41:02 > 0:41:04It's a bloody monster, aren't you?
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- Oh, you've got a good dog there. - Yeah.- She's in!
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Lady's going to be a popular addition to the community...
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- Good girl.- ..and is certainly well-loved in Brian's house.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20Over the moon. Over the moon. I think I've won the lottery.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26I'll give her loads of love and I'll get a lot of love back off her, I know. I know that, I can tell.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29I can feel it, you know? I really can.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32I've always had dogs, I appreciate dogs, I love dogs, so,
0:41:32 > 0:41:37you know, hopefully she'll live a long and happy life,
0:41:37 > 0:41:39which I think she will.
0:41:41 > 0:41:48So, two young dogs who both had a difficult start in life have now found loving homes...
0:41:48 > 0:41:49Ellie!
0:41:49 > 0:41:51WOMAN LAUGHS
0:41:52 > 0:41:55..and they're lapping up the attention.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Sit! Sit! Give me your paw.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59Yeah, good girl!
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- Cracking dog, isn't she?- Yeah.
0:42:06 > 0:42:12If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime or a creature that needs immediate protection
0:42:12 > 0:42:17remember there are people out there who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20They are who we meet on Animal 24/7.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Next time on Animal 24/7...
0:42:25 > 0:42:30DOGS BARK
0:42:26 > 0:42:30..scared and unsure, the young dogs leaving their sheltered life...
0:42:30 > 0:42:34It's a problem of over-breeding and particularly of dogs like border collies
0:42:34 > 0:42:36who can be quite difficult to train and need a lot of attention.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40..an anxious wait to see if this baby will come round from surgery...
0:42:40 > 0:42:44You want them to wake up after everything they've been through, but there is the odd time
0:42:44 > 0:42:49where they don't wake up from the anaesthetic so it is always a nerve-wracking time.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53..and on the frontline against smuggling, with Cleo the customs canine.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57What interesting animal products has Cleo found?
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- Recently she found a bear's foot. - Well, that's absolutely illegal.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02On so many levels.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Subtitles by Red Bee Media
0:43:28 > 0:43:31Email Subtitling@bbc.co.uk