0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:13All too often our wildlife and domestic pets are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people
0:00:16 > 0:00:19trying to protect and care for them right around the clock.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22This is Animal 24:7.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Today on Animal 24:7...
0:00:46 > 0:00:47I don't like being bossed about, me.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- Aw, no-one's pushing you about, are they?- Tensions run high on a Leeds housing estate.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Why don't you leave people alone?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57I can't leave you alone until you get your situation sorted.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Investigations into the illegal trapping of wild birds.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05The net is very fine. Animals won't see this as they come through the hedgerows.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09I would suggest it's for the sole purpose of catching finches.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- And a security breach. - Driving towards me, I'm over here.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17The troops are called in to catch an unlikely infiltrator. There it is.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21It turns out it was us that was outflanked, not the deer.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Taking dogs away from their owners
0:01:28 > 0:01:32can be mean RSPCA inspectors find themselves in tricky situations.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Sometimes they face open hostility,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39others just make everything as difficult as possible.
0:01:39 > 0:01:45In West Yorkshire, Emma Ellis knows a potential confrontation is only a door knock away.
0:01:53 > 0:02:00A housing estate in Leeds, and RSPCA inspector Emma Ellis knows this next job is going to be difficult.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07She's just arrived at a flat where she's encountered resistance before.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11He's got four dogs. Some of them have got a problem with fleas.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13The conditions in there are pretty grotty.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18When I came last time he wasn't very receptive to advice
0:02:18 > 0:02:22and quite argumentative, so hopefully he's listened, but I'll have to have a look.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27With four dogs in the flat, the owner's in breach of his tenancy agreement.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31The behaviour of his pets is also cause of concern.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Four dogs obviously in there. They're quite large.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Emma's met by housing officers and the police.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40They're hoping to take away at least two dogs.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45When I spoke to him he was like, "I'm not getting rid of any of them." So, we'll see what happens.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Failing that, I mean, we'll have to go down
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- breach of tenancy and may end up losing his property.- OK.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- So, is his tenancy agreement that he can only have one dog or... - Two.- Two.- Yeah.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00Emma's previous meetings with the owner, Herbert Laycock, have been tense affairs.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06And their sparring continues as soon as he opens the door.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- RSPCA. Do you remember we came before?- Oh, yes.- Yeah?
0:03:10 > 0:03:14We've come to see about getting rid of some of your dogs.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16About re-homing some of your dogs.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22The suggestion is that you re-home three of them and keep one.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24All right.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Emma's clearly got a battle on her hands.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34As they haggle over exactly how many he's going to be allowed to keep,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Herbert ushers Emma and the team inside.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Hiya! Hello.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44In the living room she's faced with a barrage of noise.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47BARKING Hello, hello, hello. Hiya.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Hello. Shh.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52These are big unruly dogs.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57They're intimidating and untrained. If allowed out on their own,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Emma's worried they could pose a threat to the public.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Come on, then, let's go.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06She now has to decide which ones should be taken away.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I'd rather take the two that have the problem with fleas,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13that you aren't managing. You're obviously struggling as you need to get rid of...
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Well, I'm not sure that you can, OK?
0:04:18 > 0:04:24Emma wants to check the dogs for fleas, but they're so unused to being around people
0:04:24 > 0:04:26she can't begin to get close.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31DOGS BARK
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Emma isn't making any progress.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38She decides to take the conversation outside.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43No-one's pushing you about, we're just
0:04:43 > 0:04:47doing what's right for the dogs and trying to help you at the same time.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49You don't want to lose your temper.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51This visit is becoming heated.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Emma gives Herbert time to cool off.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56You're not around in Leeds anywhere, are you?
0:04:56 > 0:05:00She's also worried that the dogs' size and lack of training
0:05:00 > 0:05:03could mean they're difficult to handle. She calls for backup.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Because he said that they were likely to rear up on the lead,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10I'm a little bit concerned about how they're going to react.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13I'm concerned about their reaction when they come out of the house.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17I don't think they leave the house much. It will be completely alien.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19They'll be, potentially, a bit frightened
0:05:19 > 0:05:22when they come out, so I think with two of us it'll be much better.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25DOGS BARK All right, all right, all right.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Back at the house it's still chaos.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Two of the dogs are now tied up together.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- Hey! Oh, they're off! - The other two have escaped.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43But they're not used to being outside.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47They're clearly very scared. As soon as they're out, they run off.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Rosie looks completely bewildered.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53If we get some biscuits they'll both come in.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Right, can you go in and shut the door, please?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Go on, sweetie.- But finally the dogs are persuaded back into the house.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07This is a form that signs them over to the RSPCA, OK?
0:06:07 > 0:06:11You can't get them back, do you understand that? Yeah?
0:06:13 > 0:06:16OK. Signature there, please. Yeah, there, please.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20The paperwork is complete, now Emma can take the dogs.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24But Rosie is terrified.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Herbert agrees to carry her out.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29You just bring her out, all right?
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- Is she going to be all right?- Yeah.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Yeah? Because I'm worried she's a bit timid.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- As soon as she leaves you, she might get a bit funny.- Try to hold her.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41All right, all right.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Are you going to come with us, though?
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Look.- All right, let go.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Let go, it's all right. I've got her. There you go.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Together, Emma and Herbert keep Rosie relaxed.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- Good girl.- Keep her going, yeah.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56We'll keep them together for you, as well.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59That will be nice for them, they'll know each other, then.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01All right? OK.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06A few minutes later backup arrives and Judy, Rosie's mother, can be taken away.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12Emma makes it clear that things have to change here.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16I'm going to come back and see you once the guys have come and cleaned it out.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20I'll come back and see you then, and see how you're coping with the other two.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22I'll see you in a couple of weeks.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Bye.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28For Emma, the difficult work here today has been done.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35But Herbert must improve the conditions at home, soon.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39If he doesn't, his other dogs may be taken away as well.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- Coming up... - I want to try and loosen that lead. It's just not loosening at all.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51A distressing time for Rosie.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54She's absolutely terrified and by trying to get away from it
0:07:54 > 0:07:57she's making it tighter and tighter and tighter.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02And it's D-day for a deer, but it's not a straightforward operation.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05He is... He's just very nervous now.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Just getting the right opportunity, and getting us and the deer
0:08:08 > 0:08:10in the right position at the same time.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Finches are the most colourful of all our birds.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Sadly, in some circles they're also the most sought after.
0:08:20 > 0:08:27An increasing demand on the black market means birds are being illegally trapped and sold.
0:08:27 > 0:08:32It's a cruel practice where the birds often suffer and sometimes die.
0:08:32 > 0:08:40And it's a crime which wildlife officers and the RSPCA are determined will not go unpunished.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51In the peaceful Lincolnshire countryside there's a serious allegation of wildlife crime.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54We've intelligence suggesting that there's a male at the property
0:08:54 > 0:08:57trapping wild birds by use of mist nets.
0:08:57 > 0:09:03It's nine o'clock in the morning and a team of RSPCA and police officers have gathered for their briefing.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07The intention is to approach the address from the wooded area to the north,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10and for everybody to go on to the premises and conduct a full search.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15The officers are preparing to mount a raid on a house where they suspect
0:09:15 > 0:09:18wild finches are being illegally trapped.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Aiming to do the operation at 10.00 hours today.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27Wildlife crime officer PC Dave Brennan is leading the operation.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32The search will be carried out under the Wildlife Countryside Act '81, Section 19.3.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39People who illegally take birds from the wild will often try and cover their tracks.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46But Dave knows exactly what he's looking for.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50We're hoping to find a mist net, set up on poles,
0:09:50 > 0:09:54and potentially cages in some of the outhouses.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56And we're hoping to find
0:09:56 > 0:09:59some evidence of birdlife.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Trapping birds is incredibly cruel.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08They can get caught up in nets and can die from stress.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13At the property, the owner isn't home, but his son is.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17PC Brennan, Wildlife Crime Unit, Lincolnshire police.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Under the Wildlife And Countryside Act, I'm entering the premises.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26This is a large garden.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Dave begins a methodical search of every inch of it.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35I'm just looking for nets within the hedgerows at the moment, or any poles that would be supporting the nets.
0:10:35 > 0:10:41But obviously, coming up to aviaries now, which would strongly suggest
0:10:41 > 0:10:43he's keeping some form of birds,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46but I'll have a look and see what we've got, first.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51The keeper has several large enclosures full of birds.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53The aviaries are very dirty to the base.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59It will be up to the experts to determine whether these have been taken from the wild.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03For now, Dave needs to uncover some more solid evidence.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09And it doesn't take him long to find what he's looking for.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13There, we see there is evidence of netting here.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16It's suspended between poles.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20The net is very fine. Animals won't see this as they come through the hedgerows.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24And I would suggest for the sole purpose of catching finches.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29The back of this garden is totally shrouded in nets.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34There's also bait that seems to have been deliberately positioned.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Dave has seen enough.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Numerous feeding points that will attract a number of finches and wild birds.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45He'll catch all sorts. But also things like the teasels is an ideal feed for finch,
0:11:45 > 0:11:49On that basis I'm going to invite the other people in, to have a look round.
0:11:52 > 0:11:58He informs the RSPCA and an independent bird expert of his findings.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03The RSPCA now will go down and just do a very brief resume of the area that we're looking at.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Then we'll go back to the beginning of the property
0:12:05 > 0:12:08and go through the aviaries, cataloguing the birds in there,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11whether they're wild or domesticated birds.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19Bird specialist, Roger Cayton, has investigated dozens of cases like this,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22but is shocked by what he finds here.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I've never seen such a classic bird trapping site.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29There's feeders here for the birds to come in and they'll get used
0:12:29 > 0:12:31to coming in and feeding freely, coming and going.
0:12:31 > 0:12:38Then he'll drop these mist nets down and the birds will fly into those and get caught, so this is a...
0:12:38 > 0:12:40a trapping site.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45The team believes it has firm evidence that wild birds are being trapped here.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Can I have a general wander round?
0:12:47 > 0:12:53It's not illegal to keep finches, but an owner must be able to prove they were bred in captivity.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Roger needs to check all these birds.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58He's looking to see if any are behaving in a way that suggests
0:12:58 > 0:13:03they're not used to living in aviaries, and have been taken from the wild.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09In here there are some greenfinches and redpolls.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14These are the larger type of domesticated greenfinches.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17From their behaviour and colour, etc, I'm not concerned about these.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20I think these are captive bred.
0:13:22 > 0:13:29But then Roger spots a group of finches displaying behaviour that suggests they might be wild.
0:13:29 > 0:13:35When placed into captivity it doesn't realise that the wire cladding of the aviary
0:13:35 > 0:13:39is a barrier through which it cannot pass. Therefore it spends a lot of time
0:13:39 > 0:13:43trying to fly through it, and in doing so, can injure itself.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47The bullfinches are very active and they're searching the mesh
0:13:47 > 0:13:49for a way through.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54Roger believes these birds have been taken from the wild.
0:13:55 > 0:14:02Meanwhile, the rest of the team continues the search, and soon uncovers more compelling evidence.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Three traps that have been seized, all spring loaded.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09The birds would land on a perch inside the trap
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and then the door would just drop down.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14It's perfectly legal to own them, but illegal to use them.
0:14:14 > 0:14:21Two hours into the search, the owner returns home to face the allegations against him.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24I need to caution you, OK? You do not have to say anything, but it may harm
0:14:24 > 0:14:29your defence if you don't mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31and if you do so it may be given in evidence.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37By passing off wild finches as captive bred, the owner could have been making considerable profits.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41There's a big demand for certain finches,
0:14:41 > 0:14:46and a bullfinch can fetch up to £100.
0:14:46 > 0:14:52When the birds are flocking during winter, he could probably trap 20 or 30 goldfinches at one time.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57The owner will now be interviewed under caution.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Meanwhile, bags and bags of evidence are removed from the site.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05Numerous nets of different gauges and sizes.
0:15:05 > 0:15:11The team also seizes 11 birds they suspect really belong in the wild.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14They're all in good bodily condition,
0:15:14 > 0:15:19but we'll get them off to our centre and get them looked after.
0:15:19 > 0:15:25But the fate of these tiny birds now rests on the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30They can't be released until the keeper has been successfully convicted.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41Later, more clues that these birds belong in the wild...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44There is a loss of nasal bristles.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49This would have been caused pushing its head through the bars of the cage in trying to escape.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52..and a final act of defiance from Herbert.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- You've got two weeks to clean it up, that's what that says. - Litter, litter!
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- If it's not sorted out then, they'll be removed.- No!
0:16:06 > 0:16:12This is Fort Blockhouse on the Solent, built to repel invaders from land and sea.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20But recently its defences have been breached, by an 18-month-old deer!
0:16:22 > 0:16:28The fort has guarded the entrance to Portsmouth harbour for almost 600 years,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31but despite all its defences designed to keep invaders out,
0:16:31 > 0:16:36this daring young roe deer has somehow managed to break in.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- Wow, you get a fantastic view across the bay and everything.- Yeah, yeah.
0:16:40 > 0:16:47Ministry Of Defence Police Wildlife Officer Eddie Williams believes the deer may have swum into the base.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Well, it begs a whole load of questions, even if you say it swam in,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54you know, it's a congested waterway, it's a busy waterway...
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- That's correct, it is, yeah. - Sea walls and craft everywhere.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01The fact is, obviously, it's the only place it could have actually got out.
0:17:01 > 0:17:07After its amphibious landing, the deer evaded capture and penetrated deeper into the base.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- They're great, these buildings, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:17:10 > 0:17:17It's finally made camp in the memorial gardens of Haslar Hospital, just next door to the main complex.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20So, this was journey's end for our deer, was it, behind bars?
0:17:20 > 0:17:27Yeah, it had to be because it was the only way we could have a safe location where we could capture it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- So the deer should be in here now? - Yeah, if he's not, he's got out since I looked this morning!
0:17:34 > 0:17:39Surrounded by high walls, the young buck's been unable to escape.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- We've got a good sighting there, haven't we?- Yeah, he's fit and well.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45I was going to say, he looks very agile.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50This is no place for a growing deer, and now he's been given his honourable discharge.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53There, going to the right, heading to the right.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58But first he needs to be caught, so Eddie's called in the reinforcements.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04In command are Les Stocker from Tiggywinkle's...
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Have you got cable ties there?
0:18:06 > 0:18:11- ..and Trevor Weeks from the Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service.- Once he sees the gate shut, then it stops.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- Yeah, he's not going to go, sure. - OK.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20When it comes to animal rescue, Les and Trevor are the Special Forces.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23It's been charging towards the entrance gate
0:18:23 > 0:18:25to get out into the bigger site,
0:18:25 > 0:18:30so whether or not we can use this as a channel to try and catch it, it might be a possibility.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37With their target clear, the question now is how to catch it.
0:18:39 > 0:18:45- Are there any dangers to the deer itself?- Darting is dangerous for the deer, but netting it should be OK.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47It's dangerous for us.
0:18:47 > 0:18:53And he will kick, he will kick like mad, but the antlers are very, very sharp, very, very dangerous.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59It's a risky mission for animal and rescuer alike.
0:18:59 > 0:19:05If we put nets right the way across and tie them to that tree, so we've got quite a large sweep.
0:19:05 > 0:19:12Having formulated their battle plan, generals Trevor and Les lead their troops out for action.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Well, the team are splitting up a bit.
0:19:14 > 0:19:20Trevor and Sharon are going to be on this side, hoping the deer is going to come this way,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24and Les and the rest of the team are going to go up the far wall and hopefully flush it round.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28It's D-day for the deer.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33He should come out of that opening there.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Les leads his squadron off along the left flank.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42I help the team prepare the trap in the centre and get into position.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It doesn't take long for the buck to break out from cover.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49He's coming round now.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52The deer's on its way round this side.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56As predicted, he's heading straight towards the gate and the waiting net.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Someone drive him towards me, I'm over here.
0:20:00 > 0:20:06But this is terrain the deer knows well, and as fast as he appeared, he's gone to ground again.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08He's stopped again.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12We think the deer's come round the wall,
0:20:12 > 0:20:16but he likes to hide in the greenhouses behind here, it gives him a lot of cover.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Eddie acts as a beater, and the deer's flushed out of his hiding position.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24There it is.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I never even saw it come through there!
0:20:27 > 0:20:29But not into the net.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Catching this deer is proving difficult.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36To me, I'm over here. Right into three o'clock.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41He's fast and agile, and soon finds a gaping hole in our defence line.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Time for plan B.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49We're just going to get another net up across this gap,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52because twice the deer's come through here.
0:20:54 > 0:21:00And just when the additional trap looks to have channelled the buck in the right direction,
0:21:00 > 0:21:02he escapes again!
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Oh, jeez!
0:21:05 > 0:21:09It appears the nets are in the perfect position,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12but amazingly the deer hits the brakes and avoids our ambush yet again.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16He is... He's just very nervous now.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- Obviously he's been through here a few times now.- My heart's racing, I don't know about the deer's!
0:21:21 > 0:21:25While the thrill of the chase may be exhilarating for me,
0:21:25 > 0:21:29it's important that the team snare this runaway soon.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34If the dear gets too stressed, he could collapse and die from shock.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Coming my way. Now he's turned.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41This feisty deer's proving a worthy adversary,
0:21:41 > 0:21:47but then as he makes another dash for the garden's exit, our tactics finally pay off.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50He's caught! Caught!
0:21:50 > 0:21:53To calm him down, the deer's head is covered
0:21:53 > 0:21:57and he's given an injection by the team's wildlife nurse.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Put him over my head onto my shoulders.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04With the deer sedated, Les is able to transfer him into a van for relocation.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07I'll just put him in here, now. Take my head out.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09This is a very quick door shut, is it?
0:22:09 > 0:22:13But the question now is where to release him.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21Some reconnaissance work soon identifies a suitable release site
0:22:21 > 0:22:25just a couple of miles away from Fort Blockhouse,
0:22:25 > 0:22:30a woodland nature reserve, perfect for this young roe deer to grow up in.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- Keep coming.- I can just... I can just see a guy beckoning me towards him!
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Almost a month since it penetrated military security,
0:22:37 > 0:22:42it's time for the infiltrator to go back to its natural habitat.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51Hardly the worse for wear.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55I like the way he almost kind of went up and turned round as if to say thank you.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08And, Les, quite a success for you and the team, really. You know, you proved you could do it.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13We have quite a bit of practice, but it's good because you never know what you're going to find,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16you never know what's going to happen to the animal,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- and I think we all did pretty well and...- One big team.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Coming up, the illegally trapped birds are back where they belong.
0:23:29 > 0:23:35It's the exciting part, they finally get to go back to the wild, and we'll see how they go.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37It's up to them after that.
0:23:40 > 0:23:47In West Yorkshire, RSPCA inspector Emma Ellis has just endured a tense showdown with a pet owner,
0:23:47 > 0:23:49as she took two of his dogs into possession,
0:23:49 > 0:23:54and she's had to warn Herbert Laycock that she may seize the rest of his animals
0:23:54 > 0:23:56if things don't improve.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01In the meantime, she's struggling to keep control of the two dogs she has seized.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Emma has bought Rosie and Judy to the local kennels to be checked over.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20But the two dogs have rarely been outside their home.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Come on then, sweetie pie.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Rosie in particular is finding it too much.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28She doesn't want to come out. It's all right, sweetie...
0:24:28 > 0:24:34To try and make her feel more at ease, her mother Judy is brought out first.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39- Who's this?- Come on, little one. - Come and see her.- Hello.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40Who's this?
0:24:40 > 0:24:44I think, because he said they hadn't been outside, she's absolutely terrified.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48She feels quite safe in that little enclosed space because that's what she's used to,
0:24:48 > 0:24:53and she doesn't want to come out, and even with her around she doesn't want to come out.
0:24:53 > 0:24:59Emma needs to get Rosie out of the van, but when she is finally persuaded out...
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Good girl, good girl.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04She makes a powerful attempt to break free.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10It's all right. Come here, come here, come here, come here, come here, come here, come here.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12You're all right. You're all right.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16With such a violent reaction, there's a real danger she could hurt herself.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19It's obvious Rosie's never been on a lead.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- Ssssh!- This resistance will certainly count against her
0:25:25 > 0:25:28when it comes to assessing whether she's safe to be re-homed.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32I just want to try and loosen that lead off, it's just not loosening at all.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Just hang on. Come here, come here, come here...
0:25:35 > 0:25:38The more she writhes, the greater the danger of choking.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Calm down.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Emma knows by covering her eyes, she will begin to calm down.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52She's absolutely terrified, and she's never been on a lead before,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56so she's just going ballistic and trying to get away from it,
0:25:56 > 0:26:00and then by trying to get away from it, she's making it tighter and tighter and tighter.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06Emma gives up trying to lead Rosie, and decides to carry her instead.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Come on, sweetie.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12And now the two dogs make their way towards their new home.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21Three weeks later, Emma is back at the kennels to find out how both dogs are settling in.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30Judy is a model pupil, but Rosie is still causing problems.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Hello.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37Dog welfare manager Jo Wall is worried that she's struggling to adjust.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I think the majority of this is that she's scared, and I think that's why...
0:26:40 > 0:26:45I think with having the cage in between us, that's why she's bearing her teeth,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47whereas if we were to walk in, she wouldn't necessarily do that.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51She would just run off and run into the kennel.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54But still, we can't get close enough to her to get a lead on her,
0:26:54 > 0:26:59and when we have tried putting a lead on her before, she's got that stressed,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01she's passed out in her kennel.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03This is the behaviour she was displaying in the house.
0:27:03 > 0:27:08She was all barky, barky, and then as soon as you went towards her, she would hide behind the couch.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12It's very, very much fear aggression which she has got.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17- Yeah.- As I say, it is improving, but not to the point where we could put her in a family home.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Whereas she's completely the opposite.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21She's wagging her tail. Hiya! You're happy.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Although comfortable in each other's company,
0:27:28 > 0:27:32it is inevitable that mother and daughter will soon be split up.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38Mum Judy is ready to be found a new home,
0:27:38 > 0:27:44but Rosie's wild nature means that prospect seems to be getting further away.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49And the way she's behaving has left Emma even more worried about the two dogs left behind at the house.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56A week later, Emma is back to see Herbert.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Hiya. RSPCA, again.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04I'm back.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07At the door, she's given another frosty reception.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10I want to see come and see how you're doing with your dogs.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Your two dogs.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Is it all right if I come in?
0:28:14 > 0:28:18Inside, she's confronted with a mess, and a familiar wall of noise.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20DOGS BARK
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- Do you want to get them in the corner for us?- Eh?
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Do you want to get them in for us?
0:28:26 > 0:28:27Do you want to get them in for us?
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Look at the conditions in this room.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Well, they shouldn't be doing it inside, should they?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Yeah, and they should be allowed to go outside.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42This dirt on the floor shows things appear to have got worse.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46I thought you were supposed to be getting the house cleaned?
0:28:46 > 0:28:50OK.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53No, I thought it was being done...
0:28:55 > 0:28:57It's not my job to clean your house for you.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00OK, let's go outside, because I can't hear you.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04Conditions are worsening. It's time for an ultimatum.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08As it stands, if you don't get that sorted out in there, OK,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and you don't get those dogs out of that room,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13and get them exercised, and allow them to go out...
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Let me finish, let me finish.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Allow them to get outside, OK, you risk losing them,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21because I will take them off you if you don't. It's not hygienic.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25I don't believe you.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Well, I'm afraid I do, so you've
0:29:28 > 0:29:30got two choices here, Mr Laycock,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32you get it sorted, or you end up losing them.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37I can't leave you alone until you get your situation sorted.
0:29:37 > 0:29:43Herbert is unwilling to change. The argument reaches stalemate.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46I can't stand it when, firstly, people ignore you,
0:29:46 > 0:29:51and, secondly, they can't see what you're saying, it just drives me absolutely mad, it really does.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56He's just shouting at me for no reason, yet he won't listen to anything anyone's telling him.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Emma's patience is starting to wear thin.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Then Herbert shows another reason why this is a priority case.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Don't kick her.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11I saw you, so don't do it.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Emma decides to issue a written warning,
0:30:14 > 0:30:19but her attempts to get Herbert to accept it fall on stony ground.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Can I give you this paperwork?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27With all hopes of compromise slammed in her face,
0:30:28 > 0:30:33Emma is given no option but to post the warning through the door.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36And as she briefs the head office...
0:30:36 > 0:30:38I've not explained it because he's too busy shouting.
0:30:38 > 0:30:44..Herbert emerges from the house, with a final act of defiance.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49- You've got two weeks to clean it up, that's what that says that you've just ripped up.- Litter, litter!
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- If it's not sorted out, then they'll be removed.- No!
0:30:52 > 0:30:56It's a futile gesture, and Emma has the final word.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00He's not meeting their needs, and if he's given a chance and he doesn't do it,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03then we do have the power to get the police to come and take them,
0:31:03 > 0:31:08and we will do that, because the way they're currently being kept is not acceptable.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19Still to come, Judy finds her perfect partner.
0:31:19 > 0:31:25Oh, she means a lot to me because I can talk to her,
0:31:25 > 0:31:28and I'm sure she understands a lot of what I say.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Now we're back to Lincolnshire,
0:31:34 > 0:31:39where the police and RSPCA are searching a house for evidence of bird trapping.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43They've found nets, traps and 11 finches.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48The birds are now being cared for at a local RSPCA centre,
0:31:48 > 0:31:52and they're about to be examined to find out where they came from.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03The seized finches have been living in this aviary for almost three weeks now.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11Today, bird expert Roger Cayton will begin his assessments
0:32:11 > 0:32:14to decide whether these are, in fact, wild birds.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19He will monitor and record every aspect of their behaviour.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24He will also check each bird individually for clues as to where they've come from.
0:32:26 > 0:32:32First, he positions himself, ready to watch their every move.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37Well, the birds are very active, flying about. They're not perching for any length of time.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42They're flying on to the aviary mesh, investigating the mesh,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44looking through it, pecking at it,
0:32:44 > 0:32:50and going into the corners to see if there's somewhere where they can escape.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57The way these birds are reacting suggests they're not used to living in captivity.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01These birds are pretty active, as they were when they were seized.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06It would appear to me that they were recently taken wild birds.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10But Roger still needs more evidence.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19So, the birds are caught and moved inside.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24Now Roger can begin more detailed examinations of each and every finch.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25This is a male goldfinch.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30You can see that there is a loss of nasal bristles.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35Now, this would have been caused shortly after the bird was taken from the wild,
0:33:35 > 0:33:39pushing its head through the bars of the cage in trying to escape.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44Now, looking at the primary feathers, the first primary is broken at the tip,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48and the following two are in fact frayed.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53This is one of the features that I'm looking for, which is plumage damage.
0:33:53 > 0:33:59Roger believes the finch injured itself after flying around the cage looking for a way out.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04He's confident he now has all the evidence he needs
0:34:04 > 0:34:09to prove that these birds were taken from the wild.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14But the finches still face more time in captivity.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Their fate now hangs on a successful prosecution.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27Four months later, George Littlewood appeared in court.
0:34:29 > 0:34:36He pleaded guilty to possessing 11 wild birds and the nets and traps used to take them from the wild.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43He was ordered to pay fines totalling £675.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45For the police and the RSPCA,
0:34:45 > 0:34:51this case was a chance to show that crimes like this will not go unpunished.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00The successful conviction means the finches can now go back to the wild.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08They've been moved from the rescue centre to the manager Alison Charles' own back garden.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15After such a long time in captivity, these birds need a helping hand.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19This is a perfect location for them to finally spread their wings again.
0:35:19 > 0:35:24They've been in here for ten days. They've acclimatised, and hopefully they think this is home.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28This is the exciting part, they finally get back to the wild, and we'll see how they go.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It's up to them after that.
0:35:32 > 0:35:38After being forced to live as captives, these finches can finally be free again.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43Alison leaves the door open, so the birds can fly out in their own time.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49And our cameras stay well back, so as not to spook them.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53At first, they seem unsure.
0:35:53 > 0:35:59- They'll go when they're ready. - But it's not long before one brave soul makes a break for freedom.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Living in captivity has been a tough ordeal for these finches, but now,
0:36:06 > 0:36:12as they make a dash for the trees, they're back where they belong.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16So, they're out there! It's up to them, it's great stuff!
0:36:22 > 0:36:27Finally today, we're back in West Yorkshire, where it's decision day.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Herbert Laycock has already had two of his dogs seized,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34and has been given plenty of warnings on how to look after the rest.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39Now the RSPCA will decide if there's been enough improvement.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50This is Herbert's last chance to show he can change.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55We've given him a few weeks now to see if he improves the conditions there.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58I've heard from housing that there has been cleaning done here,
0:36:58 > 0:37:03so hopefully today we'll see a vast improvement on the conditions last time.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Emma's previous visits here have ended with heated exchanges,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11and today's knock at the door is met with a lukewarm response.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Hiya. Me again.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- How are we doing?- Eh?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21How are you doing?
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Have you been cleaned up in here, have you?
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- Eh?- Have you got everything cleaned up in here, have you?
0:37:27 > 0:37:33Emma wants to do all she can to make sure that Herbert and his remaining pets are kept together.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37The discussions continue, but behind closed doors.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42We're trying to sort out the best thing for these dogs, aren't we?
0:37:42 > 0:37:45We both want what's right for the dogs. I'm sure that's what you want.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49The house is cleaner and Emma's confident the dogs are being treated for fleas.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54Their skin... Certainly the fur looks a little bit better.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Herbert is at least making an effort.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- No, I can see from here it's much better.- Emma leaves happy.
0:37:59 > 0:38:05All I want to say is, you've got to keep on top of it, because you know what will happen if you don't.
0:38:05 > 0:38:11Although there are still improvements that could be made, he is at least making some progress.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16Being here has certainly made a massive difference to the dogs' welfare.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19He's better able to cope with two rather than the four he originally had.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21He can keep on top of that a lot better.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25We've worked with the housing company to improve conditions in there.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30Hopefully I've annoyed him enough that he's changed things a little bit
0:38:30 > 0:38:33and, you know, that's an improvement from my point of view.
0:38:35 > 0:38:42Away from Herbert's house, the two dogs, Judy and Rosie, are now facing very different futures.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49This was Rosie two months ago when Emma first tried to bring her under control.
0:38:51 > 0:38:57Today, having been given plenty of TLC, she's become much calmer.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01When she first came here we wouldn't have been able to get this close at all.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05We struggled to get in the kennel with her, she'd run away from us.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Whereas now, although she's still scared, she is letting us sit and stroke her.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11And she quite enjoys it, after a little while.
0:39:11 > 0:39:17- Clever girl. - It may be taking time, but there's definitely progress with Rosie.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20She's slowly becoming much more relaxed.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22She's also been learning to socialise,
0:39:22 > 0:39:26developing a close bond with a kindred spirit called Charlie.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Charlie's a lot more outgoing than Rosie is, now.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31A few months ago, when he first came in he was...
0:39:31 > 0:39:34he was just the same as her. He wouldn't come to us or anything.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38He's quite cheeky. He'll come and bring us toys and things like that. They're quite close.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43They'll lie next to each other and give each other a little bit of company at least.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Hi, Rosie.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48The new chums make a charming pair,
0:39:48 > 0:39:52and Rosie has certainly mellowed since she found someone else to share her bed.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57And it's not just Rosie who's made a new friend.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Her mother has found the perfect partner, too.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Judy, come on.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10As Judy enters the autumn of her life she's linked up
0:40:10 > 0:40:16with new owner, Marjorie Milne, who was looking for a friendly retirement companion.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19We liked the look of her and thought she looked a nice dog.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21A nice, quiet kind of dog.
0:40:21 > 0:40:27Not a young one that would want me to run after it a lot! Ha-ha!
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Marjorie lost her husband recently.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Judy is providing her with just the tonic she needs.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37I wanted her for a bit of company and,
0:40:37 > 0:40:42you know, he'd have liked Judy.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45He liked dogs. He did.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50Oh, she means a lot to me because I can talk to her
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and I'm sure she understands a lot of what I say.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Judy.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01And to make sure Judy and Marjorie are coping,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04they're also getting an occasional visit from a few old friends.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Jo Wall is the RSPCA's Dog Welfare Officer in Leeds.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12She's come to check on Judy and see how well she's settling in.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13How's she been, has she been OK?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- Yes, yes. - Yeah, settled in well?
0:41:15 > 0:41:17She has. Straight away, she did.
0:41:17 > 0:41:23She soon gets tired after she's played. Mind you, she's nine year old, isn't she!
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Yeah, she's very good,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27aren't you, lass?
0:41:31 > 0:41:37With Marjorie and Judy both the retiring type this is a perfect match.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Judy looks to have improved so much and she seems so settled,
0:41:41 > 0:41:46which is what I hoped to achieve, today. I really wanted to come in and see Judy in a happy home,
0:41:46 > 0:41:51feeling very comfortable and relaxed, which is what she has. So it's been very, very positive.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54After all she's been through, this is really, really rewarding,
0:41:54 > 0:41:56so it's a happy ending for Judy.
0:42:03 > 0:42:09If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:09 > 0:42:14remember, there are people out there who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17They are who we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24Next time on Animal 24:7,
0:42:24 > 0:42:28rescue for a big dog locked in a dirty stairwell.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30In my opinion it is pretty skinny.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34You can see the definition of its rib cage. He needs to come out.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37A seal release in a very unlikely setting.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41You seem to have brought me to the heart of an industrial estate-cum-estuary!
0:42:41 > 0:42:46I suppose if you look that way, over there, you'd think, "where are seals going to go?".
0:42:46 > 0:42:49But look over that way, there's open sea and then the Farn Islands, over there.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54And who will love this strange looking stray?
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I didn't expect her ears to have been completely removed.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59It was a bit of an initial shock!
0:43:22 > 0:43:25Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:25 > 0:43:28E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk