0:00:03 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08All too often our wildlife and domestic pets
0:00:08 > 0:00:12are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Fighting to save them, is a dedicated band of people,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18trying to protect and care for them, right around the clock.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21This is Animal 24:7.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- Today, on Animal 24:7. - Right, I've had enough.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48We're taking the dog. So, if you want to go and get him.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Confronting the owner who's neglecting his pet.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Can we have this dog out, please? I'm not arguing with him any more.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59I join the operation to crack down on the illegal trade of endangered species.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It's a bit like the drugs trade in that sense.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05That the demand is part of the problem, as well as the supply.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07That's right. It's the demand that drives the trade.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11If we can reduce the demand, then we take away the reasons
0:01:11 > 0:01:13for killing these animals in the first place.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15And motherly love.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Helping these orphans go back to the wild.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23They think of me as a... source of food. Ha-ha!
0:01:23 > 0:01:26They know that they can trust me and that that's where the food comes from.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35Taking dogs away from their owners can mean RSPCA inspectors
0:01:35 > 0:01:38have to put themselves in intimidating situations.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42They can often face anger and aggression.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45But other people just do everything they can
0:01:45 > 0:01:50to postpone the day when their animals are actually taken away.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58It's mid-morning in Hull.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00And RSPCA inspector, Sarah Keith,
0:02:00 > 0:02:05is on her way to what she suspects will be a difficult job.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12Last week, Sarah was called after two dogs were involved in a fight when their owner wasn't home.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15She took them both to the vets for emergency treatment.
0:02:15 > 0:02:21He turned up at the vets. Got a little bit stroppy, to be honest.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Money was obviously an issue for him,
0:02:23 > 0:02:28in that paying for these vets bills, for both dogs, was going to be quite expensive.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32The owner agreed to sign over one of his dogs.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Sarah left him with the other one
0:02:34 > 0:02:36but insisted that he took it back to the vets.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39He never did.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Today, Sarah plans to take the dog away for urgent treatment.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45But she's not expecting things to go smoothly.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47The police are coming with me.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Because he is a little bit stroppy. I've got a feeling
0:02:49 > 0:02:53he's not going to let me walk in there, and take his dog off him.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56The dog is a Patterdale terrier, named Cole.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58He's lame from the earlier dog bite.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00This now, could be infected.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04He needs to see a vet.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06It's RSPCA.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11Come and open the gate for us. Cole's not had any treatment, has he?
0:03:11 > 0:03:16The owner claims he was just about to go the vets.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18But for Sarah, it's four days too late.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention
0:03:22 > 0:03:25something which you later rely on in court. Anything you...
0:03:25 > 0:03:31Failing to provide pets with necessary veterinary treatment or medication is an offence.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- They're going out the front. - Are they?
0:03:33 > 0:03:38Getting nowhere at the back gate, the officers move towards the front,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41where they finally come face to face with the owner.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43You picked the dog up without any medications.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48That dog hasn't had pain relief all weekend. If he had pain relief and antibiotics...
0:03:48 > 0:03:51The owner is refusing to let Sarah take Cole for treatment.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55The vets have certified that that dog is suffering
0:03:55 > 0:03:59because you haven't provided the necessary pain relief and treatment for that dog.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03The vets have rung me. The vets are concerned. They've rung me.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Cole's owner is still not co-operating.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Sarah is running out of patience.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I've had enough. We're taking the dog. Go and get him.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15You're making more trouble for yourself. Go and get the dog.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Can we have this dog out, please?
0:04:17 > 0:04:19I'm not... I'm not arguing any more.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24If necessary, the police officers have the right to force entry and take the dog.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27Thank you.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32But there's no need, as the owner finally invites them in.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37Unfortunately the law doesn't care whether you've got any money or not. You've got animals.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41If you've got animals, you need to have the money to provide for them.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45The dog's going to be taken into possession by the police officer, right?
0:04:45 > 0:04:50The owner agrees to let Sarah take the dog.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51Come on, Cole.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55But his refusal to co-operate before now
0:04:55 > 0:04:58could have prolonged this dog's agony.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Get that camera away!
0:05:12 > 0:05:14It's been a tricky job for Sarah.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18But at least she managed to get Cole away for the treatment he needs.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20It's all about the people skills.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23He was difficult. I expected him to be difficult.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25He's called me all the names under the sun.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30Which is fine. But, yeah, the people side of it is certainly the most hard part of the job.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Oh, big drink? No? OK.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36- Hi, Sarah.- Hiya, Giles.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Cole has been denied vital medication for four days now.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Right, we'll have a look.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48Giles Moore was the vet who treated him when he was first brought in.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50This is the main wound, here.
0:05:50 > 0:05:56Multiple puncture wounds from the teeth of the dogs attacking Cole.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59You can see it's quite a swollen area.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03When Giles first saw Cole he was worried his leg may have been broken.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07But his owner took him away before he could find out.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Now the vets can get to work.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17Cole's put under an anaesthetic, so Giles can take some long overdue x-rays.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19He's in an awful lot of pain.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22He's certainly extremely lame. He would have been very sore.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26And there's a risk with teeth being the cause of the wounds,
0:06:26 > 0:06:31that with a severe bacteria infection in the area and not on antibiotics,
0:06:31 > 0:06:36you know, I think we're lucky at the moment that we're not seeing, you know, a worse wound.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40It certainly would have been sore over the weekend without any tablets.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43After several minutes the results are back.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Pleased to say that we can't see any fractures. Which is good news.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Nice elbow shot. No dislocations.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53And going down to his tibia and his fibula.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56So, all looks nice and intact.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Just, just soft tissue damage.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00So, he's had a lucky escape, really.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04It's a good result for Cole.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Hopefully he'll be fully recovered in a few days time.
0:07:07 > 0:07:08Hello, boy.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13Sarah's hoping that his owner will agree to let him go to a new home,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15where he can get the care needs.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19He's a lovely, cracking dog. He'll be a real nice pet for someone.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21And hopefully not go back to the owner.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Because he clearly can't afford to look after him.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28So, hopefully he'll either see sense and sign the dog over,
0:07:28 > 0:07:33or the courts will award us custody, and we can find him a nice new home.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38And Cole was signed over and found a new home a few weeks later.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- Coming up.- Oh, dear me.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Starved and neglected, will this rabbit have the strength to survive?
0:07:51 > 0:07:58Problem with rabbits is, if they don't get food on a regular basis, their guts can stop working.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- And that will kill them. It is fatal. - And searching for clues to an illegal trade.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Ian and David are scrutinising all the jars on the shelf.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11None of these things are going to advertise themselves as potentially illegal ingredients.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13So, they've got to look very closely.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20For animals living in the wild, life can be tough.
0:08:20 > 0:08:26And when the young get separated from their parents the chances of survival are very low.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31Thankfully, there are people across the country working right around the clock
0:08:31 > 0:08:34to help these babies get back to the wild.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Secret World, in Somerset, is no stranger to dealing with orphaned animals.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Hundreds are brought into the centre every year. But many are nurtured
0:08:52 > 0:08:56in the slightly unusual surroundings of founder Pauline Kidner's kitchen.
0:08:56 > 0:09:02From badger cubs to baby squirrels and foxes, all kinds of creatures have been raised here.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05You are so sweet, aren't you?
0:09:05 > 0:09:09And now the kitchen has become a nursery for two more babies.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Meet Derek and Rob.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17I'm just mixing some milk up for the orphans we've got in the kitchen. They're young roe fawns
0:09:17 > 0:09:20and so I'm going to syringe feed them.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22One's quite steady. The other one is very nervous.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26We'll have to see whether they actually come out and see you or not.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28The dainty fawns are around five weeks old.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32And both were found alone, in the wild, without their mothers.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Hello, are you hungry?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37They're totally reliant on Pauline,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40who's taken on the role of surrogate mum.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45They think of me... as a source of food. Ha-ha!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47They know they can trust me - where the food comes from.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50And that's the contact that I'm trying to build up.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54I've already got it with Derek, but with Rob it's still new.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58Derek and Rob had very different starts to their lives.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00You're very good, aren't you?
0:10:00 > 0:10:06Derek had definitely been abandoned and would have died without help.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09This is the one that is just five weeks old now.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13One that was found literally just as he...he was born.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16I think the mother had been chased away quite some time before,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18because the fawn was cold.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21There, you show how clever you are.
0:10:21 > 0:10:27But sadly for Rob it seems a lack of awareness was to blame for his arrival at the sanctuary.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32This one was actually seen in a field, by some people who took it home just to show their children.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35It's quite amazing how, people just don't realise that,
0:10:35 > 0:10:39that fawns lying up on their own in long grass is perfectly natural.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42And the mum usually isn't very far away.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46Fortunately both fawns survived the ordeal
0:10:46 > 0:10:49and are blossoming under Pauline's maternal care.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53But a kitchen cupboard isn't the best place to stretch growing legs.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Fold your legs up. There we go. Good boy.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00So, every afternoon the back garden provides a perfect playground.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04It's all right. It's all right. Come on then.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Let's see you run.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Follow-my-leader is clearly a favourite for this intrepid fawn.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15But although Derek's brave enough to venture outside,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Rob's still quite shy and prefers the run of the house.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Oops! Steady.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23He's still finding his feet though.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28Eventually the youngsters will be transferred to a permanent outdoor enclosure.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33For now, it's just one small step at a time.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39It doesn't take long before he gets tired. And then he's ready to go upstairs again.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Make it quite obvious, don't you? Good boy.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46While Derek and Rob enjoy the tranquillity of Pauline's kitchen...
0:11:49 > 0:11:53over in the hustle and bustle of Secret World's hospital ward,
0:11:53 > 0:11:54Vicky Thompson is also playing mum.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59This is Hector, a tiny orphaned hedgehog.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03Most of the creatures here at the moment are orphaned birds.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07I think Hector is one of only two or three mammals we've got in at the moment.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Hector is less than a week old.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13He was one of four baby hedgehogs found abandoned.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16But was the only one who survived.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19In the wild if he was on his own he would be dead, definitely.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Because he needs to be kept warm and he needs to be suckled.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Thanks to round the clock care from Vicky, he's making good progress.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31His eyes are still closed. They open at about two weeks.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34And his ears aren't open yet. He can't hear.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42Given the racket all his neighbours make, it's a good job his hearing's not yet developed.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45But like all babies, Hector's certainly got an appetite.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50He is sucking quite hard. He's a good feeder.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54And while Hector may not have his real mum to learn from,
0:12:54 > 0:12:58it's clear he's already inherited some classic hedgehog behaviour.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03In a few days' time he should be able to curl up. Last night he almost did.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09Because they have a muscle that runs round the edge of the skirt, where the hair develops.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11And it pulls in the muscle like a drawstring.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15If all this motherly love pays off,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Hector will be released in three months' time.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21For now, Vicky is enjoying every moment.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25Of course I grow very attached to them because they're my babies, yes.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27But hedgehogs are my favourite.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32And with a full tummy it's time for this prickly baby to have a little rest.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Going to go back to bed now.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Later, a risky release for Derek and Rob.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46The legs are very fragile.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50If they break their leg, it probably would be a question of having to euthanise them.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54And the skinny rabbit needing urgent treatment.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56They don't get much thinner than this.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58We can feel...
0:13:58 > 0:14:00all his bones, basically.
0:14:10 > 0:14:16You might think that wildlife crime happens only in the fields and forests where the wildlife lives.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21But in fact, many of those involved, on both sides of the law, are here in the city.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24And today, I'm with the Wildlife Crime Unit in London,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27as they go out on a special operation.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Lewisham police station in South London.
0:14:29 > 0:14:36It's 8am and I'm joining a team of officers for an early morning briefing.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Today's operation is to execute a search warrant.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43We're looking for traditional Chinese medicines that contain endangered species.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Things like leopard or musk deer.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52The team has received a tip-off about a traditional Chinese medicine shop.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56It's reported to be selling remedies containing endangered animals.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00We will go through each product as we find it, one by one.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Now the Wildlife Crime Unit is taking action.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08There will be a lot of herbs, and lots of products that have no interest to us, whatsoever.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12You'll be responsible for the arrest, if there is an arrest this morning.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17So, if there's no questions, I suggest we meet downstairs and we'll make our way.
0:15:18 > 0:15:24Today's raid is part of Operation Charm, launched by the Met in 1995.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31Its aim is to combat the illegal trade of endangered species in the UK.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39We travel in convoy across the capital.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45After 15 minutes, we arrive at the location.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47They want to keep this a bit low profile.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52They've parked round the corner and then just going to walk up to the premises.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56This operation involves six officers and an interpreter.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58I'm going to go in with Martin, initially.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02Today's raid is led by Sergeant Ian Knox.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07Tell me, why this rather softly, softly approach round the corner? You're taking it all gently.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12Because these are... At the moment, these are people who are carrying out legitimate business.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15We heard certain information. However, they are in the community.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20And what I don't want to do is, is upset their relationship with their community they work in.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- This is most definitely not a kicking down the door raid? - Indeed not. No.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28With everything in place, it's time to serve the warrant.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32We make our way across the precinct.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39I'm not actually allowed in the premises until we have consent from the owner.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42But they're serving the warrant for the search at the moment.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47One of the issues, particularly with Chinese medicine shops,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49is the people who run them don't speak English.
0:16:49 > 0:16:55That's why we've got an interpreter here, who can speak a number of different Chinese dialects.
0:16:55 > 0:17:01Traditional Chinese medicines use natural plants, animals and minerals.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Some are perfectly legitimate.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09But others contain parts of creatures such as elephants, leopards and rhinos.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- Just bringing it out, a selection of bags.- A selection of bags.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17It's remarkable to think that the medicines in those jars
0:17:17 > 0:17:22could contain products from some of the world's rarest animals.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Ian and David are scrutinising all the jars on the shelves.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29These things aren't going to advertise themselves as potentially illegal ingredients.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32So, they've got to look very closely.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39It's not too long before the team find something that looks suspicious.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- Have you got something interesting, David? - Yes, it's a type of orchid.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44It's Dendrobii.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Which is a protected species of plant.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51From first impressions, this is the kind of plant that shouldn't be being sold?
0:17:51 > 0:17:55It can be sold, with the correct licences. That is something we will check.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- As far as we're aware, at the moment they don't have the licences.- Right.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05The team continues to check each and every label meticulously.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11It's quite a steady, painstaking operation, isn't it?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15That's right. We don't want to take things that we've got no interest in.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17You know, this person's carrying on a business.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20We only want to take things that we need to.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23And so, being as sure as we can, that what we're finding
0:18:23 > 0:18:27is something that's going to be... we have good suspicion of.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Finally their work pays off.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35I want to take some of the products that we're seizing, out into the van.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37So, if you two could do that for me?
0:18:37 > 0:18:41The team gets their first clue that this shop may be selling
0:18:41 > 0:18:44illegal products, that don't just contain endangered plant extracts,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46but animals, too.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Those two characters, there, are "musk".
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- Really?- Yes. - You can recognise those yourself?
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Yeah, with a little bit of help. Yes, but I recognise the overall product.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01- Right.- And this is frequently found in traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03So, this is supposed to be good for haemorrhoids
0:19:03 > 0:19:06but it contains something that comes from musk deer.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09An endangered species, musk deer.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14The sad fact is, that the Asian musk deer is threatened by illegal poachers,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17and is now one of the most endangered species in the world.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22Musk is one of the most expensive natural products,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26with a retail value twice that of gold.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31With such high rewards, the musk deer has become very persecuted.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36That tube of ointment looks fairly innocent. But the animals it's probably made from are endangered.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42And it's the kind of demand for products like that, which can drive such animals to extinction.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47These products are now evidence in a criminal investigation.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54They will undergo more tests and checks over the coming months.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58The illegal trade in endangered species is worth billions of pounds.
0:19:58 > 0:20:05Cracking down on those selling the products plays a key role in the fight against this persecution.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10The endangered species trade isn't just something that happens in Africa and Asia.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12There is two ends of the market.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17One where the animals come from, one where they're being sold. It's about supply and demand.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18It's a bit like the drugs trade.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- The demand is part of the problem as well as the supply? - Indeed that's right.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25In fact, it's the demand that drives the trade.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30If we reduce the demand, then we take away the reason for killing these animals in the first place.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37In the end, the officers spent four hours searching the shop.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40This is some of what they seized.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47There were rare plant extracts, including orchid.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52These bandages contain musk and leopard bones.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59And the team also seized a collection of seahorses,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02believed to be used as an aphrodisiac.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08The owners were given a warning, and are now working with the police
0:21:08 > 0:21:11to ensure they stay within the law in the future.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Today has been a real eye-opener for me.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21Revealing a sight of wildlife crime we don't often reach. Here in the cities.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Where the money and the demand is.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Where much of the trade in these kind of materials goes on.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30It all really shows how important the work that Ian and Andy do is.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34To make sure that animals thrive, out beyond the concrete, where they belong.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Coming up,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46will Hector the hedgehog join this midnight stroll?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Hector still seems to be in bed.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52He keeps himself apart from the others, although he's been reared with them.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Perhaps he'll be the last one out.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00The decision to keep a pet shouldn't be taken lightly.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03It's a huge commitment and they take a lot of looking after.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07As well as food and water, it's an owner's responsibility
0:22:07 > 0:22:12to seek medical help if they begin to show signs of ill health.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17And as this story shows, failing to take them to the vet on time
0:22:17 > 0:22:20can soon become a matter of life and death.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Hull, and RSPCA inspector, Sarah Keith,
0:22:29 > 0:22:33and student inspector, Nicky Cheatham, are on duty.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34DOG BARKING
0:22:34 > 0:22:36There's definitely somebody in.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42They've been called to a house where various pets are reported to be in a bad condition.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Hiya, RSPCA. We've had a call about some animals.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Have you got some... a dog, some cats and a rabbit?- Yup.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Yup. You've got a house full then, eh?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Looking at the dogs, Sarah can see they're fine.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01The cat seems OK, too.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02Hello, pussy cat.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05The only pet left to check is the rabbit.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Hello.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12The family says they found him, abandoned down a drain.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14So, his name is Lucky.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Oh, dear me.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20Sarah is instantly concerned about his condition.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22You're very thin, aren't you?
0:23:22 > 0:23:26Yeah, he is very thin. Have you been feeding him?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29I'm just feeling the body condition.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32This rabbit is very... in fact, the rabbit's emaciated.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35It's claws are very, very long. You can see that.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40The owner found Lucky a month ago, and decided to keep him as a pet.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44He says the rabbit was in an even worse condition when he first found him.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Hello, sweetheart.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50And there's no food or water in his hutch.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55Because of this... the body condition of this rabbit, what I'm going to do is just caution you.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Sarah has to take action.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01We can take the rabbit and we can ask...
0:24:01 > 0:24:03if the vets says that, yeah, it is very thin,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07and it's possibly been caused to suffer because of its body condition,
0:24:07 > 0:24:10there's a power there for the police to confiscate it.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- The alternative to that is that you sign the rabbit over to us.- Yeah.
0:24:13 > 0:24:19And then, depending on what the vet says, we'll find him a new home, if he's well enough.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- Could you run that under the tap for me?- Yeah, yeah.- And just top that up.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25We'll just whiz this out to the van.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29All right, sweetheart.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36Sarah doesn't know when Lucky last had something to eat or drink.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It's vital he gets some food and water quickly.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42But even then, there is no guarantee he will survive.
0:24:42 > 0:24:48Problem with rabbits is, if they don't get food on a regular basis,
0:24:48 > 0:24:52and they don't get enough roughage, and that type of food, their guts can stop working.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56That will kill them. It is fatal a lot of the time, if you don't intervene in time.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00So, even with the vet's help, sometimes they're past the point of no return.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04We'll get him in and see what condition he's in. And take it from there.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10But, before Lucky can be taken to get the medical help he needs, Sarah needs to speak to the owner.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Do you understand why I'm about to interview you?- Yeah.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18The vet will need as much information as possible about this rabbit.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23And Sarah wants to know why Lucky was allowed to get into this state.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27And when does Lucky get fed?
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- Every night. - And how much does he get fed?
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Dog bowl. - And when do you give Lucky water?
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Usually, I give it him every night, but the dog's been knocking it off.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41So, having to try and fasten it on the inside of the cage.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Why did Lucky have no food and water today?
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Don't know.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Neglecting any animal in this way is a criminal offence,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53and the owner could be facing prosecution.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55And who cleans Lucky's hutch?
0:25:55 > 0:26:00I do it, usually. But I ain't been able to do it this...
0:26:00 > 0:26:06During the course of the interview the owner realises he's not been meeting Lucky's needs.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09He agrees to sign him over to the RSPCA.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Ta-ra.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18It's clear Lucky must get urgent veterinary help.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Sarah brings him to the Swanbridge surgery, in Hull.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- But then rabbit's obviously quite thin.- Yeah, emaciated.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Right, yeah. This is not good.- Nope.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Lucky is in a worse state than Sarah had first expected.
0:26:36 > 0:26:42His long, matted fur hides just how dangerously malnourished he really is.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44They don't get much thinner than this.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48You can feel all of his bones, basically.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52If I put my hand on the top there, I can feel all of his spinal processes.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57I can feel his hip bones. The top of his pelvis is really prominent.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02I can actually also feel his shoulder blades. It's that thin.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Everyone is now extremely concerned about his welfare.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Yeah, he is not very well.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13The vet's not sure whether Lucky will even survive the night.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14Don't die.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20He's refusing to eat and he's getting weaker with every minute that passes.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24There we go, Lucky.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32It's the next morning and Sarah is back at the vets.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35Hiya, Lucky.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Amazingly, Lucky did survive the night.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44And has finally started to eat some food.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Sarah is delighted with the improvements.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50He seems today, to be much livelier than he was yesterday.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54He's having a good munch of his hay. And he's eating well.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56So, just the food in his system is...
0:27:56 > 0:27:59has started to perk him up. So, that's brilliant.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03Hopefully now, if he continues on the way he is, the vets will observe him,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06probably for a couple more days, just make sure he's all right.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08And then because he's signed over...
0:28:08 > 0:28:12the owner's signed him over to us, we can now find him a nice new home.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Hopefully, a lovely girlfriend.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18So, it looks like this rabbit might just pull through, after all.
0:28:25 > 0:28:31Still to come, Lucky lives up to his name.
0:28:31 > 0:28:32Are you a snuggle bunny?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Are you a snuggle bunny?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36You are a snuggle bunny, aren't you?
0:28:39 > 0:28:46Earlier, we saw staff at Somerset Secret World, hand rearing a number of orphaned animals.
0:28:46 > 0:28:52Two roe deer called Derek and Rob were being bottle fed by the centre's founder, Pauline Kidner.
0:28:52 > 0:28:58Meanwhile, another foster mum was caring for a tiny baby hedgehog, called Hector.
0:28:58 > 0:29:04Now, after months of feeding weaning and training it's the big day.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06Time for them to be released.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Vicky Thompson has been playing surrogate mum
0:29:17 > 0:29:19to four orphaned hedgehogs.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Her back garden has provided top-notch B&B
0:29:23 > 0:29:24for the last three months.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31Meet Malcolm, Hubert, Muriel and, of course, Hector.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34You all right, Hector?
0:29:34 > 0:29:38He was brought into Secret World as a defenceless six-day-old baby.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41So tiny, he could fit into the palm of Vicky's hand.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47He's now developed into a more difficult adolescent.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Here's Hector. He's getting a bit huffy now,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52because he's a big boy and doesn't really like being handled.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55I haven't handled him much since he's been in the run.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03It's thanks to Vicky that Hector survived his ordeal.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05And he's certainly enjoyed the VIP treatment
0:30:05 > 0:30:08provided by his foster mum.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10He now weighs 600 grams.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13I think he was about 64 grams when he first came to me.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16And now he's an adult hedgehog.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21A protein-rich diet of cat food and mealworms
0:30:21 > 0:30:24mean Hector's piled on the pounds.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26However, the time's finally arrived
0:30:26 > 0:30:30for Hector and his friends to check out of Vicky's luxury lodgings.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36Well, today's the big day. They're going to become what they really are - wild animals - again.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Luckily for this quartet, Vicky won't be kicking them out of bed just yet.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Being nocturnal, Vicky will wait until night falls
0:30:46 > 0:30:49to show them the door back to the wild.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58At Secret World's HQ, owner Pauline Kidner
0:30:58 > 0:31:01has got a much more stressful release to deal with.
0:31:01 > 0:31:06For the past two months, Derek and Rob have been living in an outdoor pen,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10with four other deer, so they can get used to fending for themselves.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11Who wants some food?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Come on, then.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17Today's the day they will take their first steps back to the wild,
0:31:17 > 0:31:19but it's an operation fraught with danger,
0:31:19 > 0:31:23and an even greater challenge when you're releasing six deer in one day.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28I absolutely hate it. It's about the worst time as far as I'm concerned,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31because you're really going to, sort of, betray their trust in you.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34And the legs are very fragile.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36If they break a leg in this transportation situation,
0:31:36 > 0:31:39it probably would be a question of having to euthanase them.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43There's very few breaks that you can actually heal.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47To make them easier to catch and reduce the risk of fawns injuring themselves,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50they need to be herded into a smaller space.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54With the help of food as bait, Pauline lures them into the sheds.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58But even in a confined area,
0:31:58 > 0:32:00the deer are unlikely to go without a fight.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04This will be the difficult part, because they'll really go mad in the shed.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07And it's a question, then, of just trying to catch as many as we can.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Roe deer are notoriously jumpy.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15Pauline will be relying on the strength of her son, Simon,
0:32:15 > 0:32:18and the soothing powers of a blanket, to subdue Derek and Rob.
0:32:18 > 0:32:19Yeah, all three.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Clearly, they're not wanting to come quietly.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34After a brief struggle, Simon's able to bring out Derek.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36A quick dose of worming medicine
0:32:36 > 0:32:40and he's transferred to a crate in the waiting van.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43However, catching him has come at a cost.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48It went reasonably well, apart from tearing my trousers.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Which...is a bit unfortunate.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Next out is Rob.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57He comes more easily, but isn't keen on taking his medicine.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Rob's soon persuaded and can be taken to join Derek.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13It doesn't take long for the team to catch the four remaining fawns
0:33:13 > 0:33:14and load them up, too.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Pauline's relieved at how smoothly the operation has gone.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26I'm really pleased. We managed to get them quietly, which is so much better than getting them stressed,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30and I'm happy about them being in the boxes. Sometimes when you really do upset them,
0:33:30 > 0:33:35you worry about what will happen in the boxes, but they've gone in quietly. They've settled.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37They've got each other for company.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Now it's a question of getting to the release site as soon as we can.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46All six deer will be released together
0:33:46 > 0:33:51in a specially chosen nature reserve a short drive away from the rescue centre.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Pauline's released deer at the site before.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57She's confident the latest group will thrive in their new home.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00They've got so much space,
0:34:00 > 0:34:05such a variety of woodland. It's lovely when you know they're going to a fantastic release site.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07This one really is going to be super for them.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Come on, then.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Derek and Rob lead the way.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21The other deer, though,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24are a little more reluctant to explore their new surroundings.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25Come on, then.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27That's it. There's a good boy.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Derek's keen to have a good look around.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Eventually, all the deer finally head off,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38ready to go it alone.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41At last, Pauline can relax.
0:34:42 > 0:34:43Oh, it's fantastic.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46They've gone off to the best home they could ever have,
0:34:46 > 0:34:50and it's just really paid up all those hours
0:34:50 > 0:34:52which go into them, and they just deserve every hour.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57It's wonderful to be able to help animals get back to the wild, and that's exactly what we've done.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04As night begins to fall at Vicky's house,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07she's preparing to help the hedgehogs go on their way.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12She's opted for a soft release.
0:35:12 > 0:35:17Rather than forcing the youngsters, Vicky will allow them to wander off in their own time
0:35:17 > 0:35:19through a gap in one end of their pen.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25And it doesn't take long for one to take the plunge
0:35:25 > 0:35:27and venture out into the garden.
0:35:28 > 0:35:33We've got one hedgehog who's coming out. That's Malcolm, actually. It's not Hector.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35And, obviously, he's going out exploring,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38and he will just bumble around, looking.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Cos it's very exciting to him to find wild food.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Malcolm's discovery mission seems to be going well.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49But there's still no sign of Hector.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Hector still seems to be in bed.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55He's always been the one who is...
0:35:55 > 0:35:59He keeps himself a bit apart from the others, although he's been reared with them.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02And he is a little bit different. He's quieter than they are,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04and less forthcoming, I think.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06So, perhaps he'll be the last one out.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Next to emerge from bed is Hubert.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17But he seems a little lost.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Hubert doesn't seem to know what he's doing.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23I think he's hoping that there's an exit at the other end of the run.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Cos he's staying down this end, behind the house.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31With a little help from Vicky, things suddenly become a lot clearer for the puzzled hedgehog.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36However, just when it looks like Hector will rejoin his roommates,
0:36:36 > 0:36:38he changes his mind again.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Maybe Vicky's room service is just too good.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43It's a completely new world to them,
0:36:43 > 0:36:47so it's no wonder that they're taking it very gingerly, really, as they come out.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53It really is the best bit of it all.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Because off they go to be real, wild hedgehogs.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59And they wouldn't have done that
0:36:59 > 0:37:02if we hadn't looked after them as babies.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09With Hector reluctant to make a twilight appearance,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Vicky decides to leave him to it and heads for bed.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16But he did eventually wander into the undergrowth, later that night.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Now it's time to catch up with Lucky,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29the UNLUCKY underweight rabbit.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Earlier, we saw inspector Sarah Keith
0:37:32 > 0:37:34take Lucky away from a house in Hull.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38He was severely malnourished and refusing to eat.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Sarah was increasingly concerned about his welfare,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43and wasn't even sure he'd make it through the night.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45But Lucky did pull through.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47And now it's time to move on.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58Today is Lucky the rabbit's lucky day.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02RSPCA inspector Sarah Keith arrives at the vet's in Hull
0:38:02 > 0:38:04to take him to his new home.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- Hi, Lucy.- Hi. You all right?
0:38:07 > 0:38:10He arrived here badly emaciated two weeks ago.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Vet nurse Lucy Wattam is delighted with his progress.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15So, has he put on much weight since he came in?
0:38:15 > 0:38:19Yes. He is nearly 1.80 kilogram now, OK?
0:38:19 > 0:38:22He was 140 when he came in, so that's nearly half a kilogram.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25He's eating throughout the day, throughout the night.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26Really eating lots.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- Great.- He's on the dry food, and he's eating loads of dandelion leaves.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- They're his favourite. - Brilliant. They love those.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Sarah can really feel the difference.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38When he came in, when I picked him up,
0:38:38 > 0:38:40you could just feel every single rib.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41And you can't...
0:38:41 > 0:38:43His ribs now, you have to press a little bit
0:38:43 > 0:38:47to be able to feel his ribs, so he's putting on weight, which is great.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52- Half a kilo to a rabbit's quite a lot, you know.- So, he's ready to go if you're ready to take him.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- Yeah, I'm ready. - Hopefully find a nice new home.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Yeah, super. Thank you very much.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Sarah takes Lucky to his new temporary home.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07At first glace, it looks like any normal house in Hull.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13But when you get round the back...
0:39:13 > 0:39:14Come on in.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Welcome to Bunny Village.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24This humble back garden
0:39:24 > 0:39:28has been transformed into a magnificent rabbit sanctuary.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Oh, hello, little man.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35Lucky will be in safe hands with rabbit lover Denise Bibby.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38He's got the odd tangle, but that's not too bad, is it?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Yes, you're beautiful. Or you will be when we sort you out.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Over the years, Denise has taken in hundreds of homeless rabbits.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51People looking for a new pet can visit Bunny Village to choose one.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55Denise makes sure they'll all be suitable rabbit owners.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- So, definitely a male, yeah?- Yes.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Are you a snuggle bunny?
0:39:59 > 0:40:00Are you a snuggle bunny?
0:40:01 > 0:40:02You are!
0:40:02 > 0:40:05You're a snuggle bunny, aren't you?
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Lucky will spend a few weeks being spoilt by Denise,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11ahead of finding a permanent home.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Well, he is breathing quite rapidly.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Yeah.- So, he's obviously quite nervous but...- Quivers, but...
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Well, he's had a lot to put up with, hasn't he?
0:40:19 > 0:40:21A lot of changes and different things happening.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23So, I think he's done rather well there.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26So, shall we settle you into your hutch then, little man?
0:40:26 > 0:40:28There. Come on then.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Already much healthier after putting on half a kilo,
0:40:31 > 0:40:34at Bunny Village, Lucky will grow even stronger.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37There we are.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42There. That's your home now.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46This is a whole new world for Lucky, who used to be all on his own
0:40:46 > 0:40:48in a dirty hutch, without food and water.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52He's had a lot to contend with, so he will be a little bit uncertain,
0:40:52 > 0:40:58but with regular handling and daily care, he'll settle down fine.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01And hopefully when he puts on the weight that, you know...
0:41:01 > 0:41:04When I can't feel any more hip bones and, you know, the spine bone
0:41:04 > 0:41:09and things like that, and I'm happy that he can go to a family home.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16But for now, Lucky is settling into the village nicely with his new neighbours.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Rabbits are sociable animals - they need company,
0:41:21 > 0:41:25whether that be with people, other animals or preferably rabbits.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27After the traumatic time he's had,
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Lucky's now in the perfect place to continue his recovery.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33I'm chuffed he's here now,
0:41:33 > 0:41:37cos it means that he's on the way to a new home.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39So, yeah. Well impressed with him.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40Glad he made it.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44I was a bit worried when I picked him up, I've got to say, cos he was so, so thin.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46And sometimes they don't, you know...
0:41:46 > 0:41:51Once their guts stop, that can be it sometimes. But he was...
0:41:51 > 0:41:52He's a little fighter, so...
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Lucky.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- THEY CHUCKLE - Lives up to his name.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10or an animal that needs immediate protection,
0:42:10 > 0:42:14remember there are people out there who will answer your call, right around the clock.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Next time on Animal 24:7...
0:42:22 > 0:42:26They've wasted your time. They're causing problems for me.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Not in my backyard - outrage at allegations of cruelty.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- Hiya.- Environmental health. Dog fouling, in my own back garden,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- which wasn't a problem. Check it. - All right. Calm down.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Rescue for the ponies forced to live in a junkyard.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43So much debris lying around,
0:42:43 > 0:42:47with bits lying on the floor to trap their feet in.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50It's just unacceptable conditions.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53And it's release day for these feisty little owls.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57They may only be little - by name and nature - but they're really strong.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00And they look like they mean business.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:22 > 0:43:25E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk