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 > 0:00:16Fighting 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.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45Today on Animal 24:7...
0:00:48 > 0:00:51..rescue for a big dog locked in a dirty stairwell.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53In my opinion, it is pretty skinny.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56You can see the definition of its rib cage.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58He needs to come out.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01A seal release in a very unlikely setting.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04You seem to have brought me to the heart
0:01:04 > 0:01:06of an industrial estate cum estuary!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10I suppose if you look that way and over there, you think, "Where will the seals go?"
0:01:10 > 0:01:15But if you look over that way, there's open sea and then there's the Farne Islands over there.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18And who will love this strange-looking stray?
0:01:18 > 0:01:22I didn't expect her ears to have been completely removed,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and it was a bit of an initial shock.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Dogs come in all shapes and sizes.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Some can be cute and cuddly, others much bigger and perhaps frightening.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39But for RSPCA inspectors,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43coming face to face with large and potentially aggressive canines
0:01:43 > 0:01:46is all part of a day's work.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Skelmersdale, Lancashire,
0:01:52 > 0:01:57and there's a complaint about two large dogs that have been fighting.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Inspector Karen Chisholm is used to dealing with calls about big dogs,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06and knows boisterous behaviour can often lead to problems.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10If you're dealing with male dogs that haven't been neutered,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13they can decide to exert their dominance on one another,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17and what can start off as an innocent play
0:02:17 > 0:02:19can turn into something slightly more serious.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Karen's been told the dogs are now injured and the owner has failed to take them to see a vet.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34This could be classed as neglect.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Hi, I'm with the RSPCA.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- Can I have a quick word with you about the dogs?- Yeah.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44At the house, Karen is met by two American bulldogs, Dan and Rogan.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Hello! Hello!
0:02:46 > 0:02:49Basically, somebody's contacted us.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52They're concerned that they'd had a fight,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55and one of them had quite a bad injury to its ear or something.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Whoa! Whoa! Hello, mate.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03Straight away, it's clear that these brothers are a couple of big softies.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06But Debbie Andrews and Gary Douglas
0:03:06 > 0:03:10admit there's been some kind of sibling rivalry.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14Once, when he was a little pup, he had a little dominant thing
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and then the other day, but it was a bone, you know what I mean?
0:03:17 > 0:03:22One had a bone and the other one wanted the bone off him, and they had a little scrap over it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26It seems Dan's come off worse in the battle for the bone.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Karen needs to examine the extent of the injury to his ear.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31That does...
0:03:31 > 0:03:34That does need seeing to, definitely.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38If you leave it, it's going to first and foremost affect the dog
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and cause the dog unnecessary suffering, which is an offence.
0:03:43 > 0:03:49Debbie and Gary had realised Dan's ear needed treatment, but simply couldn't afford the vet's fees.
0:03:49 > 0:03:55However, failing to get the injury sorted could end up costing them a lot more in the long-run.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01What you might find is that bit of infection now can be treated
0:04:01 > 0:04:05very quickly, very effectively and, you know, relatively cheaply.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10If you leave it, you'd start running into more serious injury.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Apart from the bite, Karen is happy with the dogs' condition.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18I've ticked no for those two, but obviously you've got yes, for everything else.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21But to make sure damaged Dan gets taken to the vet,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24she issues Debbie with a compulsory Animal Welfare Notice.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- Right, I'll leave that with you. - All right.- OK?
0:04:27 > 0:04:32You need to get it sorted today, really. There is an infection there.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37He's shaking his head, he is in some type of distress with it.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42These two dogs may be big, but Karen leaves happy that these brothers are good-natured.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45All right, thanks very much. Cheers.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- Bye.- Bye.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52For now, though, she's on the trail of another large dog.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00Karen's been called in to help Inspector Claire Fisher, following reports that a Rottweiler
0:05:00 > 0:05:02has been left home alone for days.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Claire needed to know whether anyone was coming home to care for the dog.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14So, four days ago, she placed tape over the seals and locks.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- Which one? This one?- Yeah.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23Daily checks have shown that no-one has been back...
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Ah-ha!- ..until now.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- Have they gone?- Yeah. - After all that.- Someone has been in.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Claire's optimistic that the dog's owner may be home...
0:05:33 > 0:05:35KNOCKING
0:05:35 > 0:05:37..but once again, there's no reply.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41I think we need to see this dog... whatever way.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47It's proving hard for Claire to get a good look at the pet...
0:05:48 > 0:05:53..but then Karen spots an opportunity round the back of the property.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58I'm just looking at that window. Do you think that's going up the stairs?
0:05:58 > 0:06:00If we can get up to that window?
0:06:00 > 0:06:04All inspectors carry stepladders for situations just like this,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and now Karen can finally come face to face...
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Hello, sweetheart.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12..with the large Rottweiler.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17But as he turns away,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21it's instantly clear that this dog is nowhere near as big he should be.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23As it's come down the stairs,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I can quite clearly see its hip bones.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Its rib cage is quite prominent.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Karen needs to gather evidence of the dog's condition
0:06:34 > 0:06:36in case the owner is prosecuted.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Do you want to get down from there so I can take your picture?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The inspectors are now faced with a dilemma.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48Although it seems someone has been home, this dog is underweight and needs medical help.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- He's still too thin.- Yeah.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55And I still stick by the fact that...
0:06:57 > 0:07:01How thin is he going to go before anybody makes contact?
0:07:03 > 0:07:09Claire calls the housing association that owns the flat to see if they can help them get the dog out.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14We're looking at trying to get the dog out today, because the fact that we've left paperwork since Friday
0:07:14 > 0:07:19and the owner hasn't been in touch, we don't think he will be in touch.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23If this fails, Claire's next call will be to the police.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27In my opinion, it is pretty skinny.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30You can see the hip bones,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33you can see the definition of its rib cage, and for a Rottweiler,
0:07:33 > 0:07:38which is normally quite a big, chunky dog, it is definitely in my opinion underweight.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40He needs to come out.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Later...
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Under the Welfare Act, there is still power of entry into the property,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55but because it's a private dwelling, you need a warrant.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01And it's a clean sweep, gathering the seals up for release.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04We're going to flip the box on its side and we're going to move
0:08:04 > 0:08:08the one we want over to a wall, scoop him up and the net goes across the top.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10So it's like a giant dust-pan in a way?
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Yeah, big scooping up! That's it, yeah.
0:08:14 > 0:08:20Every year, the RSPCA rehomes over 30,000 cats,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24but it isn't always easy to find each of them a home.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27And when a moggy isn't looking their best,
0:08:27 > 0:08:31it can be even harder to find someone willing to take them on.
0:08:36 > 0:08:42This is Belle, a scruffy-looking stray who's become somewhat of a local at this Cardiff pub.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49But it's been reported that Belle has damaged ears.
0:08:49 > 0:08:55Now Inspector Nicola Johnston wants to know if landlady Toni Young has any idea who owns her.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- The white cat, the lads out the front said...- It's not mine. I'm trying to look after it.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- Where did it come from? - It's just appeared, to be honest.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08We don't know where it's from. Obviously it's in a bit of a state.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12We've been feeding it, I've de-flead it and wormed it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- How long has it been hanging around here?- Um, a couple of weeks?
0:09:16 > 0:09:19And nobody's come in and said that they've lost a white cat?
0:09:19 > 0:09:22No, not at all. It is quite tame, quite friendly.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26It's clear Belle is happy with her pub life,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30but she does need to see a vet. Nicola offers to take her.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- If she's OK, would you be willing to have her back and then become the pub cat?- Yes.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44- Watch your tail.- With Belle in the box, it's time for her to say goodbye to her new-found friends.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Come on, then, chicken. There we go. ..Thank you.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Hopefully it won't be too long before she's back at the bar.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Five miles away is the Valley surgery.- Hello.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- Hello.- Right, shall we go through?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Yep, lead the way.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Vet Rob Harry is waiting to see Belle and gets straight to work.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10OK, what have we got here?
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Um, a cat, stray,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16found in the car park of a pub,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18so it's come for a check with you.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- Hello, gorgeous. Hello. She's very friendly, isn't she?- Very friendly.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30The landlady told Nicola she had treated Belle's flea problem.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33We may struggle with the flea comb, but we'll try.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Rob's first job is to check if it's been successful.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41We can see all the flea dirt there, all this black stuff,
0:10:41 > 0:10:45but there don't seem to be any live ones, so that's good.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50So next, Rob moves in to look at her eyes.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52She's got a bit of discharge in her eye
0:10:52 > 0:10:56and there's possibly a bit of an ulcer in that eye as well.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00He decides to test her for ulcers with some special dye.
0:11:00 > 0:11:06If there's damage on the surface of the eye, this dye won't stick to the normal surface of the eye.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12But if there's a scratch, dye will stick to the scratch or the damage.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Doesn't appear to be any uptake of the dye.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19If there was, the surface of her eye would turn a luminous yellow
0:11:19 > 0:11:22like you can see on the fur there.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Thankfully, Belle's eyes seem healthy.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Now, I don't know where that came from.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35She just shook her head and I got a bit of bloody fluid on my hand,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38so I'm not sure whether that came from her ear...
0:11:38 > 0:11:43But, as Rob moves on to check her ears, he spots a worrying problem.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Looks like she may have tumours on the tips of both her ears.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Very common, unfortunately, in white cats.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56- I think, with this cat, we probably will need to amputate the tips of both its ears...- OK.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01..to treat that because it's likely, as I say, that they are cancerous.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06This is not good news.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Even if the operation is a success,
0:12:08 > 0:12:13Belle will need long-term care and this could prove expensive.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16You'd need to warn anyone that took her on that she had had a history
0:12:16 > 0:12:20of these tumours and to watch out for it as well on the pink bit around her nose.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25If she started getting any lesions there that weren't healing, she should be seen by a vet.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Come on, mate.
0:12:30 > 0:12:36Now there's a real concern that this could ruin Belle's chances of being taken on by the pub locals.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40I'll have to assess what options we've got, speak to the pub to make sure they're willing
0:12:40 > 0:12:45to take on a cat that might have potential problems in the future. They might decide that that's
0:12:45 > 0:12:48too much for them, so it might limit what we can actually do.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56As Belle waits for her future to be decided,
0:12:56 > 0:13:02a few days later, there's another cat Nicola's found that needs her help,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06but whereas Belle was friendly, it seems this stray
0:13:06 > 0:13:08is just the opposite.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10I can hear her growling.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15It's been growling so much, Nicola has chosen to restrain it inside this box.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18He's taped in.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Yes, always a worrying sign.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24He certainly doesn't sound very happy.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Rob suspects this could be a feral cat.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33He begins to carefully unravel the tape around the box.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38He slowly lifts the lid,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40fearing what lurks beneath.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45Hello!
0:13:45 > 0:13:51Thankfully, though, inside is just another mild-mannered moggy just desperate to get out.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Come on, fella.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56He may be placid, but he's certainly not pretty.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- He's cross-eyed!- Oh!
0:13:58 > 0:14:00He's also toothless.
0:14:00 > 0:14:07He's snapped one of his big canine teeth, probably fighting.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10And his matted mane is covered in fleas.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14You can see there, although we haven't found any...
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Oh, yeah, there is a live flea there, look.
0:14:16 > 0:14:23This stray tom cat is tame, so in theory he could be re-homed,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26but he's certainly not looking his best.
0:14:28 > 0:14:29Oh, dear.
0:14:29 > 0:14:36He's going to have to have a serious makeover if he's to have any chance of attracting a new owner.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40Still to come...
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Harry gets a hair cut.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Yeah, he's just got...
0:14:45 > 0:14:50a few months, if not years, caught up in his coat that needed to come out.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55And Tyson the Rottweiler shows a different side to his personality.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00He's a bit hard to predict at the minute. He was fine with me, coming out of the house, but I think,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04with all this attention, he's getting a little bit narky.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15The East Coast... It's early morning,
0:15:15 > 0:15:19and there's a special cargo that's waiting to be delivered.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26Today should be a happy ending, the end of three months of dedicated work
0:15:26 > 0:15:30here at Scarborough to get three seals back to full health.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36They've got to return to sea quite a way up the coast and we've got to catch the tide, so let's get on.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41The pond the seals have been living in has already been drained ready for the move.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45And it's sure to be an emotional day.
0:15:45 > 0:15:52They're going to be released by the very person who saved them, seal rescuer Lesley Salisbury.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Morning, Lesley. - Good morning.- Big day for you today.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Oh, absolutely. Not just me, but the seals as well, yes. - How are they looking?
0:16:00 > 0:16:05Fantastic. Much better than when I first saw them, when I picked them up off the beach.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Well, tell me a little bit about their journey.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13Well, I got a phone call to say there was a seal on the beach that didn't look very well,
0:16:13 > 0:16:20so I went down to assess it, realised just by looking at it that it was really poorly, so I contacted Sealife
0:16:20 > 0:16:25to say that the seal needed to come in, and I brought it in.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30I see my role as a paramedic, and I see Sealife's role as the ER and the rehabilitation afterwards,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32so we work together as a team.
0:16:32 > 0:16:38'Lesley's a nurse by day, and spends all her spare time rescuing sick or injured seals.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41'These photos prove just how important her work is.'
0:16:41 > 0:16:45One of the ones that was really poorly is that one there.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49They look very poorly, but were they actually close to death, do you think?
0:16:49 > 0:16:52If we'd left them on the beach, they probably wouldn't have survived.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54It's sunken in its neck.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59Yeah, whereas if I look down there, they look much more plump and healthy, don't they?
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Little torpedoes now, aren't they?!
0:17:03 > 0:17:07So, it's time to get our plump patients back to the wild.
0:17:07 > 0:17:13Lindsey Crawford is in charge of all the seals here and has a very novel way of catching them.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I'm going to use these boxes here,
0:17:15 > 0:17:23and this is a very easy way, less stressful for those and also very good for us.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26So what we're going to do is flip the box on its side
0:17:26 > 0:17:31and we're going to move the one that we want over to a wall, scoop him up and the net goes across the top.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- So it's kind of like a giant dust-pan.- Yeah, big scooping up. That's it, yeah.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37OK, watch out the way, please.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41'The first seal to be caught is Dallas.'
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Just pull the net over and one, two, three. That's it.
0:17:44 > 0:17:50'This may look a little extreme, but it's a remarkably effective capture method.'
0:17:50 > 0:17:55What we would like to think is that they may be a little bit stressed by looking at the net.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00Hopefully, the next time they see a net, they might think, "Oh, that scared me last time",
0:18:00 > 0:18:03and try and stay away from it.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08'Dallas is now ready for the two-and-a-half hour journey to the release site.'
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Why can't you release them just here? We're a couple of hundred yards from the sea here.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15We're trying to give them the best starting block now,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18so where we take them to is a protected area where there's
0:18:18 > 0:18:24no fishing boats allowed, no people on the beaches, nothing to give them any other distractions, basically.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28'And it's not just about making sure the release site is safe.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'Diet also plays an important part.'
0:18:31 > 0:18:33We always release them at about 33 kilos,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37and that's purely to give them about three weeks of packed lunch
0:18:37 > 0:18:41before they get their head around catching the live food.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44'Dallas is place in Departures.'
0:18:44 > 0:18:46One, two, three...
0:18:48 > 0:18:55'And we quickly move on to the second seal, Tokyo, who was brought in with suspected pneumonia.'
0:18:58 > 0:19:00OK...
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Unfortunately she was a bit of a pin-cushion
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- for about three weeks because... - Pin-cushion?
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Yeah, she had that many injections, bless her.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13But, as you can see, it's worked.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19'The final seal to go is Bruges, and he's definitely the most temperamental of the three.'
0:19:23 > 0:19:25He's feisty this one, as well.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28He looks like he might take my fingertips if I put them in there.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32He could easily, yes. I wouldn't recommend it, definitely.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- But that's a good thing if they've got some aggression, survival instinct.- Yeah,
0:19:36 > 0:19:40because he's going to come across bigger seals than what we have here,
0:19:40 > 0:19:45and so, if he's got that fighting instinct in him, he stand a better
0:19:45 > 0:19:47chance of survival.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52All the seals are placed in Lesley's van, ready for their journey north.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00And this is where they're heading to.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05On the outskirts of Middlesbrough is a nature reserve called Seal Sands.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08It's home to all manner of wildlife,
0:20:08 > 0:20:13but what makes this place so amazing in the backdrop.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22The wildlife lives under the shadow of a huge industrial site
0:20:22 > 0:20:26with a busy working port and fully operational power station.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Am I missing something? You seem to have brought me
0:20:37 > 0:20:42- to the heart of an industrial estate cum estuary!- Yes, I suppose if you look that way
0:20:42 > 0:20:45and over there, you think, "Where are the seals going to go?"
0:20:45 > 0:20:49But if you look that way, can you see there's a gap between the dunes?
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Well, yes, in the distance.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56Well, if they go out through there, there's open sea and then there's the Farne Islands over there.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Such a lot of industry here, there aren't a lot of people, are there?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- No, that's right.- There isn't a lot of tourist pressure.- Or dogs.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07One of the main things we have with seals on the beach is dogs...
0:21:07 > 0:21:10the number of times I've brought seals in with puncture wounds.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13But that won't be a problem here,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15because even WE have had to have passes,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18so if we have it, so does the general public.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23'Along with Lesley's colleague Marlene, it's time to get our three seals into position.'
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Whoa, look out, some very slippery wood here.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28'But that's not easy.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30'The terrain here is incredibly tricky.'
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- Scrabbling a bit to get out there. - Yes, it's ready to be off. He can smell the sea now.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Obviously it'll smell so much different to being in captivity,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42so basically I'm hoping it's going to re-awaken his old instincts,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46and I hope he's going to head into the sea and not back into
0:21:46 > 0:21:49the shore as we've had before now.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52OK, on the count of three.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Come on, sweetheart, off you go.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57'At first, Tokyo seems a bit reluctant.
0:21:59 > 0:22:06'But sure enough, as soon as he smells that sea air, he seems to know he's back where he belongs.'
0:22:08 > 0:22:10One look back.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- One last look.- I'm not sure if it's to say "Thank you very much",
0:22:14 > 0:22:16or "What?! You're leaving me here?!"
0:22:16 > 0:22:20'Dallas is the next seal to go and he's becoming a local celebrity'
0:22:28 > 0:22:33With his friend Tokyo still waiting, Dallas heads straight out to join him.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41And before we know it, it's time to get our third and final seal.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43This one is Bruges the brute.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47He's the heavyweight of the crew.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50'He seems eager to escape his carrying crate...
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- '..and can't wait to get away.' - Come on, big guy.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57Whoa!
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Go on, you can go.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08'For Lesley, this is a very special moment.'
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Every time I do this, it gets to me!
0:23:15 > 0:23:20'Her dedication to the stricken seals shines through, and it's a job she clearly adores.'
0:23:20 > 0:23:21Tears of joy?
0:23:21 > 0:23:26Yes. Yes, very much so because, as I say, when I brought these in,
0:23:26 > 0:23:30it was touch and go as to whether they would survive, and to actually see them go back...
0:23:30 > 0:23:34we've given them another chance to go back out there and spend their life
0:23:34 > 0:23:37doing what they should do, and that's being out in the wild.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50'Later, with the Bluebell call last orders on this strange-looking customer?'
0:23:50 > 0:23:52We are a bit shocked.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55We did expect a bit of ear left.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58As soon as you walk in, she's here.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Can't get rid of her. She's fab.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Now we're back in Warrington.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11RSPCA inspectors Karen Chisholm and Claire Fisher are investigating reports that
0:24:11 > 0:24:15a Rottweiler's been left home alone for several days without any food.
0:24:15 > 0:24:22The dog is not in a good condition and the inspectors know they need to get him out as soon as possible.
0:24:27 > 0:24:33The dog inside this flat is underweight and needs to see a vet.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38Karen and Claire are desperate to rescue it but it's not a straightforward process.
0:24:41 > 0:24:47Under the Welfare Act, there's still power of entry into the property but,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50because it's a private dwelling, you need a warrant.
0:24:50 > 0:24:56'They contacted the Housing Association that owns the flat to try and gain access,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59'but they've been told they may need a court order. It could take days.'
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Somebody did come back to it yesterday,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09but we're just a bit concerned about the thinness of the dog anyway.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13'But then, out of the blue, the Rottweiler's owner does come home.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19'Karen can now find out why the dog has been left this way.'
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Based on what I've seen of the Rottweiler,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25there's a potential offence under the Animal Welfare Act,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28so I've got to caution you. I will ask you some questions
0:25:28 > 0:25:34and record your answers to them, all right? Just start off by having a look at the dog.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35Yeah.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40'The owner says he does feed the dog, called Tyson.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45'He agrees to let the inspectors inside so they can see him close up.'
0:25:45 > 0:25:48That's just Claire, my colleague, all right?
0:25:48 > 0:25:52'Tyson's been locked on the flat stairs. The conditions are not good.'
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Let's just go up the stairs a little bit so we're not all standing in wee.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00'As well as urine, there's faeces too.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04'It seems Tyson's been shut in the cramped corridor for some time.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10'But it's his weight that's Karen's biggest concern.'
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Basically, the dog is pretty thin...
0:26:12 > 0:26:19all right? Which is why we're concerned that there is an offence under the Welfare Act.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23'The man claims Tyson was neglected by a previous owner.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28'He promises to try harder in future, but Karen's not interested in second chances.'
0:26:28 > 0:26:32It's gone a bit further than just you proving to us...
0:26:32 > 0:26:35If we'd got involved a bit sooner and it'd been not quite as thin,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38we might've given you the benefit of the doubt,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41but the offence has been committed in my eyes.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46Moments later, the police and the Housing Association arrive.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51Fortunately, their help is not needed. The owner agrees to sign Tyson over.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Thanks for your cooperation, but I'll give you a ring later on. OK?
0:26:56 > 0:27:00The next step now is just to get Tyson checked out by a vet.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04He is thin and we have proven that
0:27:04 > 0:27:07he's been left on his own for at least 42 hours,
0:27:07 > 0:27:11so it's just down to the vet's opinion now on whether he deems
0:27:11 > 0:27:14this animal to have been caused unnecessary suffering
0:27:14 > 0:27:15under the Animal Welfare Act.
0:27:18 > 0:27:24A mature adult Rottweiler should weigh around 40 kilos.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Before Tyson is checked over by vet Alan Humphreys, he's put on the scales.
0:27:29 > 0:27:3124.75.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36But then this placid dog suddenly begins to show a different side to his character.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Is that him growling?
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Yeah.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43This growl is a warning sign for the team.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45It could be nerves, but Tyson is a big dog.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Alan can't risk it.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Try this again.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Try once more and then we're going to use the noose.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57No, we're going to noose him.
0:27:58 > 0:28:04This attempt to bite Alan seems unprovoked and it's worrying.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07It's a bit hard to predict at the minute.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09He was fine with me, coming out of the house,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13but I think with all this attention, he's getting a little bit narky,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16so you don't want to take any chances, really.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21Alan needs to feel Tyson's body to find out how serious his condition is,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24but he needs to be in full control.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Even though Tyson's well below his fighting weight,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35his aggressive stance poses a real threat.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Alan decides he needs to sedate him.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40He's opening his mouth. He will bite me.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44But getting close enough to inject the sedative is proving difficult.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50And one dose isn't going to be enough to calm this dog down.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54OK, just hold him like that.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Done.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04After a couple of minutes, the sedatives begin to take effect,
0:29:04 > 0:29:08but Alan still has to be on his guard.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Uh, uh, uh.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12No, not ready.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16Tyson's soon out for the count, and Alan can put a muzzle on him.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Now he can finally begin his medical examinations.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Right, now we're feeling the pelvis.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26These are the hips... they're really sharp, those.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28OK, feeling the back legs.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31This should be bigger,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33and here it should be bigger, so it's wasted away.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36This dog has been underfed.
0:29:37 > 0:29:43To back up his assessment, Alan takes a blood sample to check for any underlying health problems.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46It's all right, young man. Stay still.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51But it's Tyson's mood rather than his weight that's concerning Karen.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55Rottweilers do have a reputation for aggression,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58but she's quick not to blame the breed.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01It's not just a Rottweiler. It's any dog really.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06We've picked up a totally random dog, we don't know its history, we don't know anything about its temperament.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10We're putting it in a very stressful environment,
0:30:10 > 0:30:15so it might be reacting in a way it wouldn't normally if its owner was here.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20Karen's just hoping Tyson will relax once he begins his rehabilitation.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23She's found him a home at a local kennels where
0:30:23 > 0:30:26he'll be fed up back to a more appropriate weight.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31Come on, then.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35And it's clear from the way he wolfs down his food
0:30:35 > 0:30:37that this is one hungry dog.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42He's eating pretty quickly, but some dogs do just eat fast.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44But I'd say he's not had...
0:30:44 > 0:30:48he's not had such a tasty or such a large meal for a while.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51If Tyson's to be put up for rehoming,
0:30:51 > 0:30:56he's going to have to prove that his earlier aggression was a one-off.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58We've got him up here, taken the muzzle off,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02he's out of the stressed environment he's been in, and seems happier.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07I'm not going to go as far as to say he's totally at ease.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11He certainly seems a lot more relaxed, a lot more chilled,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14and certainly no sign of the earlier aggression. Come on, then.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19Over the next few weeks, Tyson will be closely monitored.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24If he does show any more signs of aggression, he'll be too big a risk to rehome,
0:31:24 > 0:31:29and that would mean the RSPCA may have no option but to put him to sleep.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Still to come...
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Karen meets Jade, another big dog who doesn't like the vet.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43The way round that is to muzzle her.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Most vets will...- Yeah, they do.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Every time I took her to a vet, she bites them.
0:31:51 > 0:31:58Earlier in the programme, we saw inspector Nicola Johnston pick up two strays that needed help.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02One had befriended regulars at a local pub,
0:32:02 > 0:32:07and it needed life-saving surgery after tumours were discovered in its ears.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11Nicola also rescued a cat she's since nicknamed Harry.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15Life on the streets had left him scruffy to say the least.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25For the last few days, Harry has been living at the local cattery.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27But, compared to his neighbours,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29he's not exactly the prettiest cat on the block.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35So now it's time for Harry to have some serious styling.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41Enter vet John Fitzmorris and makeover expert Vicky Preece.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48It's their job to make Dirty Harry more like Pussy Galore
0:32:48 > 0:32:50to make him more appealing to new owners.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Harry's matted mane needs a severe cut
0:32:54 > 0:32:57so, after being sedated to keep him still,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00it's time for the clippers to get to work.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14This may look drastic, but years of dirt has built up in Harry's coat...
0:33:14 > 0:33:16He's going to be a handsome boy.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19..leaving him tangled and uncomfortable.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Weight-wise, he is about normal,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26and he looks scruffy because of his fur more than anything,
0:33:26 > 0:33:32but as that grows through from today's clip-out, then he should look much better.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46With his coat cut, it's time for a manicure.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50He's an absolute gentleman, so he's never scratched any one of us.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56And Harry's male grooming appointment is over.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57Next step is,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00let him get over... finish recovering,
0:34:00 > 0:34:05look to rehoming and getting him into a decent home, I think.
0:34:05 > 0:34:06He's very friendly.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09He should do all right.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14A few hours later, Harry is fully awake
0:34:14 > 0:34:16and he looks like a different cat.
0:34:18 > 0:34:24With his posh new haircut, he's sure to attract a new owner in no time.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30But though Harry may be looking good,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33sadly the same can't be said for the other stray Belle.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42After undergoing life-saving surgery to remove her ears,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44she certainly looks a little odd,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47but will the regulars at the Bluebell
0:34:47 > 0:34:51welcome this strange-looking stray back?
0:34:51 > 0:34:55I didn't expect her ears to have been completely removed.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57She was her usual self, though.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01She was quite happy and friendly, so that reassured us a little bit,
0:35:01 > 0:35:06but it was a bit of an initial shock.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09She's still the same cat, so I think she'll be all right.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15And the customers couldn't be happier with their new-look drinking partner.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20We were a bit shocked. We did expect a bit of ear left.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23As soon as you walk in, she's here.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Can't get rid of her. She's fab.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28She's really nice, in all fairness.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31She won't bite or anything, you can pick her up and hold her.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35She just wants to be next to you all the time.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39She's settling in really well as the new pub cat,
0:35:39 > 0:35:45roaming around, getting all the attention. She's loving it, I think.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53So living proof that looks aren't everything.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57It's Belle's personality that has won her a home for life.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58I'll drink to that.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Finally, we're back to the north-west of England
0:36:07 > 0:36:13where RSPCA inspector Karen Chisholm has been responding to a number of calls about large dogs.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Earlier, she rescued a skinny Rottweiler called Tyson,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20whose mood swings were giving real cause for concern.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Karen's hoping his behaviour has improved,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26but first she's got another complaint to deal with.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36It's mid-morning in central Preston, and Karen is following up
0:36:36 > 0:36:42an allegation about two large dogs being kept in this terraced house.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46One's constantly left outside and is quite thin,
0:36:46 > 0:36:49and the second dog is kept inside the property.
0:36:49 > 0:36:50Its normal body condition,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53so we'll go up and see what's going on.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56These telephone tip-offs are important
0:36:56 > 0:36:59to help the RSPCA check up on vulnerable pets.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Hiya, is your mum or dad in?
0:37:03 > 0:37:06But those being investigated
0:37:06 > 0:37:10are often not happy when they discover there's been a complaint.
0:37:10 > 0:37:11Somebody's moaning, aren't they?
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- Well... - I know who it is, I know who it is.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17We've got to follow everything up at the end of the day. That's our job...
0:37:17 > 0:37:20And I know what it's going to be about. The backyard...
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- it gets cleaned up every day, the dog gets fed every day.- Right.
0:37:24 > 0:37:31The first dog for Karen to check is Jade, a large but seemingly docile ridgeback crossbreed.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33- He's a big lad, isn't he?- She.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35She. Jade, was it? I thought you said Jake.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40Jade looks in good condition, but Karen does spot a growing problem.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Does she get out much? For walks?
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- Yeah, at weekends. - Right. It's just her nails.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47They've always been like that.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50We can't get the vet to cut them, she bites them.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52You need a solution otherwise...
0:37:52 > 0:37:55We'd do it ourselves but we don't like doing it in case she bites us.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57No. The way round that is to muzzle her.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- Most vets will...- Yeah, they do.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03- Every time we take her to the vet's, she bites them.- Right.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Come on, Jade.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09Jade may not like the vet but it seems she's the big softie of the family.
0:38:09 > 0:38:16Karen's focus now turns to the second dog that's allegedly thin and left permanently outdoors.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20Obviously there was one dog that was living in the house, one living outside.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- No, she comes in every night. - The one outside comes in?- At night.
0:38:24 > 0:38:30It's just that, with being still a pup, she gets hyperactive and she jumps all over me, you see.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Right, can we have a look where the other dog is?
0:38:33 > 0:38:37In the backyard is Holly, a large one-year-old bull mastiff
0:38:37 > 0:38:42that belongs to Linda's daughter Jennifer who's at work.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43Hello.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Hello, gorgeous.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Is she outside? Is she kept out here all day, then?
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- No, not all day.- Right.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55She'll get a bit scared. She won't do nothing, she'll just bark.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Who's a good girl, who's a good girl?
0:38:57 > 0:38:59What's the matter?
0:38:59 > 0:39:04The conditions Holly's living in are not ideal.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06The yard's wet, dirty, and there's no shelter,
0:39:06 > 0:39:10and this a legal requirement for any animal being kept outside.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15No, but there's no major burning issue
0:39:15 > 0:39:18but I'll just explain a couple of things that,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21as soon as I've gone out there, I've noticed.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23If she is going to be out there for any period of time,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26even if it's only for a couple of hours a day,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28she needs access to shelter.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33We did have one but Jennifer built it by herself and it collapsed.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34It fell on her.
0:39:34 > 0:39:41Linda also tells Karen that the excess water in the yard has been caused by an overflowing drain,
0:39:41 > 0:39:48but Karen is satisfied both Jade and Holly are healthy dogs, and the issues are easily remedied.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Right, I shall leave you in peace, but if you get that...
0:39:52 > 0:39:57get the drain sorted, kennel's on its way, claws done, job done.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02So it's been another call that's put Karen face to face with more large dogs.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07Thankfully, apart from a little nervous aggression, both were good-natured.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14But will she be able to say the same about Tyson?
0:40:20 > 0:40:24The underweight Rottweiler was found locked in this flat,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27but it was his behaviour that caused most concern.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33At the vet's, he turned nasty, and if this aggression continued,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36there was a real chance he'd have to be put to sleep.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45Now, two weeks later, Karen has come back to see if his behaviour has got any better.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49There were concerns over his temperament at the time.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Obviously we had to sedate him when he went to the vet's.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55I think the majority of that was that he was stressed out.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00Since he's been here, he's shown absolutely no signs of aggression towards anybody.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01He's been as good as gold.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04He has been back to a vet's for a weight check
0:41:04 > 0:41:05and he was fine with that.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12And it's not just Tyson's temperament that's impressed Karen, it's his weight gain too.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17He's doing really well in the kennels. He's put on nearly 2.5 kilos in that time.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21His rib bones aren't quite as prominent as they were when we first saw him.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Also, moving down onto his hip bones, his pelvis...
0:41:24 > 0:41:27they were quite a lot more protruding than they are now.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Tyson was taken from a home by two complete strangers
0:41:31 > 0:41:34and was snappy in the vet's surgery.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37So far, it seems, this behaviour was caused by fear,
0:41:39 > 0:41:46and Karen's now hopeful this once-neglected dog will soon find a loving new home.
0:41:46 > 0:41:52He just seems to be behaving himself so we'll just see how it goes. But I think he's going to be...
0:41:52 > 0:41:55He's going to make somebody a good dog, a good pet.
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 > 0:42:13remember, there are people out there who'll answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17They are who we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Next time on Animal 24:7...
0:42:21 > 0:42:25I've had enough. We're taking the dog, so if you want to go and get him.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Confronting the owner who's neglecting his pet.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31Can we have this dog out, please? I'm not arguing with him any more.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36I join the operation to crack down on the illegal trade of endangered species.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39It's a bit like the drugs trade in that sense.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42The demand is part of the problem as well as the supply.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45That's right. In fact, it's the demand that drives the trade.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47And motherly love...
0:42:47 > 0:42:50helping these orphans go back to the wild.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55They think of me as a source of food.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59They know that they can trust me and that's where the food comes from.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk