0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10All too often, our wildlife and domestic pets are the victims
0:00:10 > 0:00:13of 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.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- Today on Animal 24:7... - GROWLING
0:00:47 > 0:00:51..Paris, an illegal dog with the potential to kill.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54So, if these dogs are put down, who's to blame?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57The owner. The owner's to blame.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02With training, being kept on a lead, he could reverse what was potentially happening.
0:01:02 > 0:01:03He's chosen not to do that.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Therefore, unfortunately, the dog's paid the price.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13- Good boy. - How this cat was left fighting for life after a fox attack.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Jackson is not...
0:01:15 > 0:01:18a nasty cat. It's purely that, despite the very strongest
0:01:18 > 0:01:23painkillers that we can give him, he's still in a lot of pain.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28And the little hedgehog that's netted itself a whole lot of trouble.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32We're trying very hard to engage the council to stop putting
0:01:32 > 0:01:36in netting on football fields, cos this becomes a common occurrence.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46In many parts of the country, especially our inner cities,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49dangerous dogs are becoming a real problem.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55Some councils, like Newham, here in East London, have decided to get tough.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00And today I'm out with a team who are tackling this problem head on.
0:02:04 > 0:02:10Newham, home to 250,000 residents and London's 8th-largest local authority.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18It's also in the front line on cracking down on dangerous dogs.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Today, I'm with dog warden Tina Delaney,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25whose job is to keep banned breeds off the streets.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31Like all local authorities, we do have a problem with people using dogs to intimidate people.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36They don't care that they run round and frighten people, that they chase cats and kill them, you know.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39In Newham, that isn't tolerated.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43People shouldn't have to live in fear of people having dangerous dogs.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48It's only a matter of time before somebody's actually bitten or a fatal attack takes place.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52There is really that danger, you think, these dogs can kill?
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Yes, they have the potential to kill, so we want to prevent something like that
0:02:56 > 0:03:00possibly happening in Newham, which is why we deal with dangerous dogs.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07'Last year, Tina and her team seized 55 pit bull types.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14'Now she has a series of warrants to take away some more.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18'First on her list is a frightened neighbourhood.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20'And a home she's visited before.'
0:03:20 > 0:03:25We had a complaint about there being two dangerous dogs on the premises.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30The dogs have allegedly attacked a child - run after the child.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35They didn't cause any injuries to the child, but, obviously, the mother became very frightened.
0:03:35 > 0:03:36The owners...
0:03:36 > 0:03:41the people on the property yesterday did say the dogs had actually chased a child.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44We've had several complaints about the dogs running riot,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47doing their own thing, chasing people, fouling the property.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- When we came yesterday, one of them was definitely a pit bull type. - Definitely a pit bull type?
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Yes, so we've come back today with a warrant to remove that.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04'In the last year alone, over 4,000 people were attacked by dangerous dogs.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09'Allegations that the one living here chased a small child make it a very serious case.'
0:04:13 > 0:04:17'Everyone needs to be on their guard.'
0:04:20 > 0:04:22KNOCKS ON DOOR
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Hiya. We're the London Borough of Newham Animal Welfare.
0:04:26 > 0:04:33We met yesterday. What we've got today is, this police officer has a warrant to enter the premises.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37If you can place them back into the cage, where they were yesterday, I'd be grateful for that.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- 'Inside the flat are two dogs - Terror and Paris.' - BARKING
0:04:43 > 0:04:46'Paris seems particularly aggressive.'
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- Right, OK. What breed do you believe your dog to be?- Staff.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Right, OK.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01The dogs' owner isn't home, leaving his nephew to look after the animals.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05The one on the right, I do believe is definitely a pit bull terrier, OK?
0:05:05 > 0:05:08The other one does look to me more like it's a Staffy type,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11but I am going to remove both of them for them to be assessed.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16'But Tina still needs to talk to the actual owner.'
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Hello.- 'And he's not happy.'
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Listen. OK, listen.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27OK, if you're going to be abusive, I'm going to end the call, OK.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31If you want to listen to me, I can explain to you what's actually happening.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Right, OK. We've had several complaints
0:05:34 > 0:05:37about your dogs attacking people, running around the square,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40being very problematic to your neighbours.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42I believe Paris is a pit bull, so she's going to be removed,
0:05:42 > 0:05:47because your dog, under the Dangerous Dogs Act, I believe to be an illegal dog.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52'Now Tina needs to remove the dogs.'
0:05:52 > 0:05:55If neither of them are pit bulls, they will be returned to you immediately.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58However, I don't think, definitely with Paris, that is going to be the case. OK.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00I'll give you call back later, OK.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Thank you very much. Bye-bye.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05BARKING AND GROWLING
0:06:05 > 0:06:09'But they're both potentially dangerous.'
0:06:09 > 0:06:14I want a Vari Kennel, two graspers and a muzzle, please.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16'And Paris is particularly threatening.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22'It's vital Tina get her tactics right.'
0:06:22 > 0:06:26The female, the bitch, is very aggressive towards strange people she doesn't know.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29So to make it nicer for the dog, because, obviously, we don't want to wind her up
0:06:29 > 0:06:33or make her more aggressive, we're going to ask the person who's familiar to handling her
0:06:33 > 0:06:38to place her in a muzzle and put her in a cage, which is a nicer way to take her down.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42This goes over the top and around, behind her ears,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46as tight as possible, so that she doesn't remove it. OK, then?
0:06:47 > 0:06:53'Tina and the rest of the team retreat to a safe distance while the muzzle is fitted.'
0:06:53 > 0:06:56How are you doing?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58'But there's a problem.'
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- What did he say?- He said he's having trouble putting a muzzle on her.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08'It's a worrying development. There are now no guarantees
0:07:08 > 0:07:11'these dogs can be safely removed from the flat.'
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Coming up...
0:07:21 > 0:07:24A suspected pit bull owner gives the team the slip.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28The guy we're looking for has just jumped the fence. Sue's just seen him. He's down there.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- Has she seen him? - Yes, she's seen him.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I'm sorry. I know.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36And a tangled hedgehog refuses to play ball.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37I'll see if he'll relax.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42If not, it might be a better idea to give him some gas.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Owning a pet is a responsibility and a responsibility that brings bills.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Some owners find it a struggle, but, thankfully,
0:07:54 > 0:08:00the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, or PDSA, is on hand to help out.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05The charity was set up in 1917 and provides over 2 million free treatments
0:08:05 > 0:08:07to sick and injured animals,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11especially to owners who find it tough to pay private fees.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Around 150 animals are brought into the Bow hospital every day.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24We'd like him to be at least nine...
0:08:24 > 0:08:27even nine weeks three days, really.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31So, the reception is often packed with pets waiting to see the vet.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36But some cases are just too serious to join the back of the queue.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39This is Jackson.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42He was rushed in overnight with life-threatening injuries.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46It's thought he'd been attacked by a fox.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51Head nurse Geraldine Coles has been trying to keep him stable.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56He has extensive injuries to one leg
0:08:56 > 0:08:59and also possible injuries to other legs.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01They are amazing, cats.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04With huge injuries, they will make it back home.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Hello, Jackson!
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Jackson needs an X-ray.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Oh, you're such a good boy!
0:09:14 > 0:09:16But he's in great pain.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21And when a cat's in pain, they can be dangerous to handle.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Good boy, good boy, good boy!
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Can we just knock him straight out?
0:09:26 > 0:09:31And out of the cage, the level of pain becomes all too apparent.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Good boy, it's all right, it's all right. Good boy!
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Jackson will have to be given a general anaesthetic before any X-ray can be taken.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41There's a good boy.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Jackson is not...
0:09:46 > 0:09:48a nasty cat. It's purely that,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51despite the very strongest painkillers we can give him, we've given,
0:09:51 > 0:09:57and, unfortunately, he's still in a lot of pain, so...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00On here, you can see our problem
0:10:00 > 0:10:07is that we have extensive skin damage here and tissue damage underneath as well.
0:10:07 > 0:10:13So, this, even without any broken bones, is a very severe injury for this cat.
0:10:13 > 0:10:20Now he's sedated, his injury can be properly assessed.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25Unfortunately, I noticed he is actually an entire male.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31When cats aren't neutered, entire males go off hunting for a female.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33And this is how they get into trouble.
0:10:33 > 0:10:39They go off roaming and get hit by cars or get into fights.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43The X-rays show a smashed femur and a dislocated hock.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45The injuries are severe.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Jackson's leg cannot be saved.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51It's a critical time for Jackson.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56Even if he survives surgery, he'll then have to learn to walk on three legs.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08200 miles away is the PDSA's sister hospital in Leeds.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16Belle's another pet who wasn't neutered when she was young.
0:11:16 > 0:11:22Now she's suffering the consequences with a potentially life-threatening problem.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27Vet Sean Wensley know she could be running out of time.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29She's been drinking quite a lot.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32She's been down in the dumps...
0:11:32 > 0:11:37in herself. Also she's got a bit of a discharge from her vulva.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Belle hasn't been spayed.
0:11:39 > 0:11:46We know these signs of drinking a lot and having a bit of a discharge can be signs of an infection in the womb.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50If the condition is left untreated, it could kill Belle.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54She's going to be operated on this morning.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57We're going to find out if there is an infected womb and, if there is,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00we'll have to remove it and treat any remaining infection.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05Hopefully, in that case, she has a good chance of recovery.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Without the treatment, it could prove a fatal condition.
0:12:11 > 0:12:17The suspicion is that Belle has a condition called pyometra, an infected womb.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20A hysterectomy may be the only option.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Belle's anaesthetised and prepared for surgery.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39Vet Carolyn Oldridge thinks the infection has spread and the womb cannot be saved.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47My colleague, Carolyn, has opened Belle up for the operation.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52She's quickly identified the uterus, which is the part
0:12:52 > 0:12:56that we were concerned would be containing some pus and infection...
0:12:56 > 0:12:58in this condition, pyometra.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02What we're doing now is just tying the uterus off
0:13:02 > 0:13:06and the blood vessels that supply it so it can be safely removed.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17Neutering is something we're always promoting as a charity.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19It's part of responsible pet ownership.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Not only does it help prevent the thousands of unwanted puppies
0:13:22 > 0:13:26and kittens that are born every year, it also has clear health benefits.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29The case we're seeing today is one of the cases
0:13:29 > 0:13:36and one of the medical conditions that can be prevented by spaying a female dog.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39So we've got this infection of the uterus, which is potentially life-threatening.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45Obviously, if we've removed uterus at an early age, by spaying, then we can prevent
0:13:45 > 0:13:49conditions like this, as well as others, like certain types of cancer.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54Belle's owners now face an anxious wait to see if the surgery has been a success.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01At the opposite end of the country,
0:14:01 > 0:14:05the problem of not having a pet neutered early is coming home to roost.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12For Belle, the surgery may be over, but 200 miles away in Bow,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Jackson's life-changing operation is just beginning.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22At just six months old, he's about to have his crippled back leg taken off.
0:14:23 > 0:14:30And as he's prepared for this amputation, staff will do all they can to make sure he pulls through.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Later, Jackson's recovery.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Losing a leg...all the orthopaedic specialists state
0:14:45 > 0:14:48that dogs and cats have three legs and a spare leg.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53And the team continues its search for dangerous dogs.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57If you don't open the door in the next couple of minutes, we are going to break entry.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01You've been given ample opportunity, and we do have a warrant to enter the premises.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09With football being such a popular sport for children,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12many families have goals in their back garden.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14While they can be a lot of fun for the kids,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17they can be very hazardous for wildlife.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29As night falls across Britain, the wildlife landscape changes too.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40A whole host of nocturnal animals wake up and begin their day.
0:15:42 > 0:15:49But when the sun rises, and they veer too close to humans, they can find themselves in danger.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02Inspector Selina Chan has been called to a house in Pontypridd,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06where a garden visitor has got in a tangle.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Hi, there. Hi, it's Selina with the RSPCA. I'm here about the hedgehog.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Yes, come through here.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18Mike Hutchins found the prickly intruder earlier this evening.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- A lot of it is still... caught up.- Caught up inside.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Was he in this football net, then? - You can see where he's twisted and turned.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30OK, no problem.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35Mike has already tried to release the hedgehog from the tangled net but without success.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- How did he get in here?- Just through the side gate there.- Right.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Hedgehogs can suffer serious injuries from being caught up in nylon netting.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Selina needs to act quickly.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51What we'll do, I'll be taking him back to the vets anyway.
0:16:51 > 0:16:57Hopefully, they'll be able to just make him a little bit sleepy so we can cut that off.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- If he's a good weight, I'd be looking to bring him back and re-releasing him here.- Yeah.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02- OK, is that all right?- That's fine. - Great.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09The prickles on a hedgehog are there to stave off predators.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14Even though Selina only wants to help, she still needs protection.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19The creature will be frightened, so Selena works quickly.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25And now he's ready to head to the vets.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39Luckily, at the local surgery, there's an experienced helping hand waiting to see this little hog.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Hello.- Hello.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44We've got a hedgehog tied up in football netting.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- It's wrapped all the way around.- OK.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Vet nurse Angie Duff has dealt with many similar injuries.
0:17:50 > 0:17:57We're trying very hard to engage the council to stop putting in netting on football fields.
0:17:57 > 0:18:03This becomes a common occurrence, and you find foxes get caught quite a lot also.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Come on, then, son.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07You see...
0:18:07 > 0:18:11The twine itself is really thin, which is always a problem -
0:18:11 > 0:18:14the thinner the twine, the harder it is for them to get out.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18The thicker stuff, you usually find they can untangle themselves.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22So, what I'll do, quite gingerly, is try and roll him onto his back
0:18:22 > 0:18:25and see if we can get an idea what's going on there.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32When hedgehogs are scared, their natural instinct is to curl up.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34I'm sorry. I know.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37It's vital Angie gets a look.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39I'll see if he'll relax.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44If not, then it might be a better idea to give him some gas.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48But this little fella is refusing to play ball.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Give us a look!
0:18:52 > 0:18:57Angie decides to use the special chamber to help him relax.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59So, we'll just pop him in.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04We'll just get an idea of what's going on here
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- and then we'll weigh him and see whether we need to give him any antibiotics and painkillers.- Mm-hm.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15With the hedgehog fast asleep, it's time to untangle his paws.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Come on, then, sunshine.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19But after all that effort...
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- It's not even there. - Oh, he's managed to cut it away.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26And, thankfully, this boy's injury-free.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29His feet look absolutely fine.
0:19:29 > 0:19:35There doesn't appear to be any lacerations or cuts or any blood coming from anywhere at all.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37He's looking in really good nick, isn't he?
0:19:37 > 0:19:42He actually does look in very good nick. He's a big, bruising boy. I think he's ready for action.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48Now night's fallen, it's time to go back to where he was found...
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Brilliant! Thank you very much.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58..the hope being that he will pick up familiar scents and head home.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08But before releasing him, Selena has a bit of advice
0:20:08 > 0:20:13to hopefully stop this hog scoring an own goal again.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16What I would ask you to do, if you can, is to raise the net
0:20:16 > 0:20:21a little bit, just so he doesn't end up getting caught back in there.
0:20:27 > 0:20:33He'll be fine. He'll probably wait for us to all go away and probably wander off.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It's a good ending for this little hedgehog.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Hopefully, he'll get another couple of years out of him,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42and hopefully the caller will be able to see him again in the garden.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Coming up...
0:20:49 > 0:20:53The cat suffering the consequences of a back-street brawl.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56It looks as though he's been bitten by another animal.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Obviously, they've got dirty teeth.
0:21:03 > 0:21:09Last year, there were more than 5,000 dog attacks on members of the public across Britain.
0:21:09 > 0:21:15In Newham, East London, I'm out on patrol with dog warden Tina Delaney
0:21:15 > 0:21:20as she tracks down dogs she suspects are both aggressive and illegal.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34Dog warden Tina Delaney is executing a warrant to seize two suspected pit bulls.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41One of the dogs, Paris, is extremely aggressive.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47The owner is not at home, so Tina has asked his nephew to muzzle her.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51'Meanwhile, we've been waiting outside.'
0:21:55 > 0:21:56OK, so you have her on a lead, yeah?
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Yeah.- OK.- ..Sit.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- 'Several minutes have passed.' - Come on. There's one.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09'The first dog, Terror, is under control and can now leave the flat.'
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- He's a little terror. - He's a little terror, is he?
0:22:11 > 0:22:17- Only in like a mischief way.- In a mischievous way, not an aggressive way, apparently, which is good news.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22'But Paris is a very different dog.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26'It proved impossible to fit a muzzle.'
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Good girl, Paris.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32'But the tenant has managed to get her into a kennel.'
0:22:32 > 0:22:34BARKING AND GROWLING
0:22:34 > 0:22:39'Her raw aggression is a clear sign of menace.'
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- So what's she like when you take her out in public, then?- As good as gold.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49'Without a cage to stop Paris, Tina could easily be attacked.'
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- What's up with that catch? - It doesn't seem to be closing properly. ..It's all right, Paris.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59'She needs to make sure the door is properly secured.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- That's it. It's in now. - It's in, yeah?- Yep.
0:23:06 > 0:23:13'Tina's priority now is to get this dangerous dog on board her van as quickly as possible.'
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- Quite heavy.- Yep.
0:23:19 > 0:23:26'And it seems this action may have prevented a bad situation getting a whole lot worse.'
0:23:26 > 0:23:29The guy said, about a month ago, she was in season, and they were mating.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33So, obviously, she, to me, is a pit bull terrier type.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38If she's been bred with him, then she's going to produce some nice pit bull puppies.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42'Both these dogs now face an uncertain future.
0:23:42 > 0:23:49'Pit bulls can sometimes be returned to their owners if they apply to the courts for a licence.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54'But the way Paris is behaving could mean she's just too dangerous to ever go home.'
0:23:59 > 0:24:06For Tina, a gritty determination to track down evasive owners is a key part of her day.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12She's been trying to speak to one owner for the past 11 weeks.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19Today, with the help of the police, she's very keen to get a result.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- What are we expecting here? - We've had complaints about the guy having a pit bull.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29He's already had two pit bulls previously removed from him,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33so the complaint is that he's been intimidating people with the dog.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38'Tina needs to get inside this house, to check the animals over and speak to their owner.'
0:24:38 > 0:24:42This is actually the fourth call that we've made.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47So, if he doesn't answer this call, we will be coming back and going through the door.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50'She thinks she's heard barking.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55'And there's another clue that someone may in fact be at home...'
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Upstairs window open.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59'..but ignoring her calls.'
0:24:59 > 0:25:03If you don't open the door within the next couple of minutes, we are going to break entry.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07You've been given ample opportunity, and we do have a warrant to enter the premises.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10'Finally, Tina's determination pays off.'
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Hello. We're from the London Borough of Newham Animal Welfare Service.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17These officers are from the Metropolitan Police.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22'Inside, there are four dogs - two crossbreeds and two pit bulls.'
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- Come on!- Any worries with that dog? - No, not at all.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28'But it seems this case is going to have a very different outcome.'
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- They're registered, yeah? They're registered.- They're registered.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- Don't you remember coming here before?- Yeah, I do. They're registered as what?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38They're registered as pit bull type.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41'Pit bulls can be kept if they're licensed.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46'The dogs must also be microchipped, tattooed and muzzled when in public.'
0:25:46 > 0:25:47Hello.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53If you can just get it to sit so I can see its tattoo.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Yeah. I've seen that one. Brilliant. Thanks very much for that.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- What were you checking up on in there?- They've got tattoos on her thighs -
0:26:00 > 0:26:04on the inside of their thighs - so it just shows that they are registered pit bulls.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10'With no evidence of any wrong-doing, Tina accepts that these dogs are legal.'
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18One thing that does occur to me, though,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- is that there have been complaints about his dogs.- Yes.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24They shouldn't have been out in public without a muzzle, should they?
0:26:24 > 0:26:29No. But what he's saying is, that's the neighbourly dispute and that actually hasn't taken place.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32We don't have any proof to state that that HAS taken place.
0:26:32 > 0:26:38If we did see these dogs out in a public place without muzzles, they'll automatically be seized.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42What's happened here is, he hasn't answered our calls. That means we've had to upset him.
0:26:42 > 0:26:48He's not very happy. Come into the property and potentially force entry, because he's just been ignoring us.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51If you ignore us, with dangerous dogs, we're here to enforce that.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55We're here to remove the danger from the public and we will come back.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57He was very close to having his door broken down, wasn't he?
0:26:57 > 0:27:02Yes, he was. I don't think he believed that was going to happen, but it would have done.
0:27:02 > 0:27:09- Because it's serious.- It IS serious. He's had ample opportunity to contact us, to state, yes, I have two dogs,
0:27:09 > 0:27:12you can come round, you can look at the paperwork.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15You can see that they're legal. Then that isn't a problem any more.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22'It's late afternoon. There's still one more call Tina needs to make.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27'It's another complaint about a pit bull running free
0:27:27 > 0:27:30'in communal gardens, frightening a mother and her child.'
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Hello - police officers. Can you open the door, please? We need to speak to you.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50'There's still no answer, but Tina can hear someone inside.'
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- Is there a garden out the back? - Yes, communal area.- Was that where the incident happened?
0:27:56 > 0:28:00'The team decides to split up to check the back garden.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01'Suddenly, they get a lead.'
0:28:04 > 0:28:07'A man's been seen escaping with a dog over a back fence.'
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Yeah, the guy we're looking for has just jumped the fence. Sue's just seen him, he's done there.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- Has she seen him? - Yes, she's seen him.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20'A frantic search is now under way.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23'But can they find the suspect and his dog?'
0:28:34 > 0:28:35Still to come...
0:28:35 > 0:28:38The police have pursued him.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42He's taken of his jumper that you saw and run with the dog.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49Now back to the PDSA.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54Earlier in the programme, we saw Jackson the cat brought into the Bow hospital
0:28:54 > 0:28:56with horrific injuries to his hind leg.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00It was thought he'd been attacked by a fox.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Sadly, vets were unable to save the leg.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04It would have to be amputated.
0:29:11 > 0:29:17Surgeon Peter Fox is in charge of Jackson's life-changing operation.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21Jackson's breathing and heart rate are closely monitored.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Peter begins to carefully remove the leg.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31At just six months old, it's a terrible price to pay for a fight with a fox.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38But though a drastic change, Peter has some reassuring words.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43He will hopefully make a full recovery. The owner was very concerned
0:29:43 > 0:29:47whether it was fair to go on, given the extent of the injuries,
0:29:47 > 0:29:51but losing a leg...all the orthopaedic specialist state
0:29:51 > 0:29:54that dogs and cats have three legs and a spare leg,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58so they won't miss an odd leg, especially the back leg.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00They cope very well.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07The wound stitched, now Jackson's operation is over.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09He can begin his recovery.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21The next day, Jackson quickly bounces back.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27After surviving a fox attack and major surgery,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31vet Elaine Pendlebury is now happy he's well enough to go home.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Miss Tebbit, please? Hello!
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Jackson's worried owner, Elaine Tebbit, has brought the family to collect him.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43You don't want to worry too much. I know, you know, when a cat loses a leg,
0:30:43 > 0:30:47it's something we all think about as a problem, really.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50You'll find, you know, my experience, in quite a few days,
0:30:50 > 0:30:52weeks or whatever, they adapt so well.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57Don't worry about it, because what you've got to think about is he's quite happy, really.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- So shall I go and get him now?- Yes. - Are you all right? Are you prepared? Don't worry.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04I'll take your basket and I'll just go and get him and bring him through.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09A bit nervous. It's a bit worrying to see a cat with no leg, and I've got to look after it.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11It's not going to be a very nice sight.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Hello!
0:31:15 > 0:31:16So he's all right in there.
0:31:16 > 0:31:22I mean, I know it looks a bit grim, but the stitch line looks quite good, really, doesn't it?
0:31:22 > 0:31:24And he's been eating well and everything.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- If you're at all worried, remember, give us a call.- I will do.- All right?
0:31:27 > 0:31:33Fortunately, cats do recover quickly from amputations.
0:31:33 > 0:31:39But when it comes to his nocturnal adventures, in future, Jackson will have to watch his step.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50In Leeds, patients are still coming in as well as going home.
0:31:55 > 0:32:01The latest to see senior vet Sean Wensley is Sooty, a black cat who has been fighting.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- This is Sooty?- Yes.- Hi.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09I believe he's maybe been in a bit of a scrape?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- It sounds like it, yes. - How is he in himself at the moment?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Not as I'd like him to be, definitely.
0:32:15 > 0:32:22Sooty's owner, Joyce Brotherton, is a PDSA volunteer, but now it's her and her pet that are needing help.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Has he got a temperature?
0:32:24 > 0:32:28Sooty's got a painful lump, and Joyce is concerned.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33It seems as though he knows what I want and I know what he wants, you know? We're kind of...
0:32:33 > 0:32:36We respond very much together.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39This looks as though he's been bitten by another animal,
0:32:39 > 0:32:45and obviously, they've got dirty teeth, and he's got dirty skin, so the combination
0:32:45 > 0:32:49just allows a bit of infection then to get in through the bite wound.
0:32:49 > 0:32:56So what we're going to need to do is get this cleaned up...we'll need to give him some antibiotics as well.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- We can feel there's some infection in here, so we need to just try and get that out just now.- Right.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04With a quick kiss to reassure him...
0:33:05 > 0:33:09..Sooty is taken through to the treatment room.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Animal bites harbour secondary dangers.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23Sooty's brawl on the back streets has left him with a painful infection.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28So we can see there's a little drainage hole here and there's pus and blood,
0:33:28 > 0:33:30and it's a bit smelly as well,
0:33:30 > 0:33:35so we can see there's quite a lot of swelling around here - that all needs to come out.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Sean and care assistant Lynette Westcott need
0:33:39 > 0:33:44to clear out the infection so the wound can heal properly.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47CAT MIAOWS Steady, steady, steady. There we go.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53That's draining out nicely now - we're nearly getting...
0:33:53 > 0:33:57clear fluid coming through, instead of all that nasty pus.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02This treatment is doing nothing for Sooty's temper.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04All right, well done.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- Come on, little fella.- But thankfully, the wound is now clean.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Sooty's given some antibiotics.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13You're going to go home now.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17And it's time to be reunited with his owner.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20All done. Sorry to keep you waiting.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Hello, sweetie. Are you all right now?
0:34:22 > 0:34:24He was very good for that.
0:34:24 > 0:34:29All I would ask is that you put maybe a little pinch of salt in some lukewarm water,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33in about a pint of lukewarm water, and if you just put some cotton wool, then,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36in the lukewarm water with a little bit of salt and just sort of drizzle it over, it would be good.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41This will gradually just heal over by itself, and hopefully, you know,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- his appetite will start coming back and what have you.- Excellent.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Obviously, we just ask, if you have got any concerns, to pop him back.
0:34:49 > 0:34:56Sooty is no longer in pain, so hopefully, now his mood will start to improve.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06Back in the recovery ward, it's time to see how one of Sean's other patients is getting along.
0:35:06 > 0:35:13A few hours ago, Belle had major surgery to have her infected womb removed.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20The operation has been a success.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21She can now go home.
0:35:23 > 0:35:28Hiya. Well, she's had her surgery today, as you know. That was all basically uneventful.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31If you keep an eye on her over the next 24 hours, just check that she...
0:35:31 > 0:35:33She's going to be a bit slow.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37If you're worried at all about the wound, if it's looking red or bleeding
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- or she's picking at her stitches, just give us a call.- Yeah, I will.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44- OK. So I'll go and get her for you just now.- All right, thanks.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49Owners Ian and his daughter, Bethany, aren't the only ones who've been missing Belle.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52We have another dog at home same as her,
0:35:52 > 0:35:56and she's been stood up at the window wondering where she is, you see?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01There she is, pleased to see you.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06Belle is still a bit woozy, but her family don't seem to mind.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12They are clearly thrilled to have their beloved pet back.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Earlier, I joined Newham Animal Welfare warden Tina Delaney
0:36:24 > 0:36:29as she executed a number of warrants on people suspected of owning a illegal pit bulls.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33After knocking at the door of one address, Tina was told
0:36:33 > 0:36:36the owner was seen jumping over a large fence with his dog.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48He's a pit bull, so it's about...tan, about this big...
0:36:48 > 0:36:53'The team is continuing their search for the suspect and his dog.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56'Round the corner, they find a clue.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01'Dumped on the floor is a jumper they believe
0:37:01 > 0:37:04'the suspect has taken off to prevent him being identified.'
0:37:04 > 0:37:07This is what the guy was wearing that we've been chasing.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- OK. If we split up, we've got our numbers, haven't we? - Yeah.- Yeah, OK.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15Any dog that you think is possible, just stop it, and we'll come.
0:37:18 > 0:37:24We believe that the guy has jumped over the wall in the back garden and gone through to the community area.
0:37:24 > 0:37:32The police have pursued him. He's taken off his jumper that you saw and...running with the dog.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42The team searches the area to see if they can spot the wanted man.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51But after scouring local streets and parks, he's nowhere to be found.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Back at the address where we started. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the gentleman on the streets.
0:38:00 > 0:38:06'It is a setback, but, as ever, Tina's are not prepared to let him get away.'
0:38:06 > 0:38:08He may be thinking, well, we've come back again today,
0:38:08 > 0:38:15and maybe he's realised that we know that his dog is actually illegal under Section One
0:38:15 > 0:38:17of the Dangerous Dogs Acts and realise that's actually why we're coming back.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22So that's probably the end of it for today, but is it the end of the story overall with this dog?
0:38:22 > 0:38:26No, it isn't. We need to trace the dog, we need to see where he's taken it.
0:38:26 > 0:38:32He hasn't helped his case by allegedly running over the back wall and running away with the dog.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36'Tina will return and make regular checks at the address to track down
0:38:36 > 0:38:42'the owner and his dog, but for now, there's a different priority.'
0:38:46 > 0:38:50'Earlier, Tina seized two suspected pit bulls.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58'One of the dogs, Terror, was able to be taken out of the flat on a lead,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01'but the other, Paris, was aggressive.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08'She could only be safely removed by being caged in a portable kennel.'
0:39:08 > 0:39:11BARKING
0:39:11 > 0:39:16- Where are we going with her, Tina? - We are going to take her over to the dangerous dogs unit over there.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22'Now we've arrived at Newham's high-security pound.
0:39:22 > 0:39:30'Dozens of banned breeds are housed here, all waiting for their future to be decided.'
0:39:33 > 0:39:39- Let me know if I should do anything or if I should stand well back. - Just stand back, that's fine.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42'Now Tina faces a potentially dangerous job...'
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Hello, Paris. Good girl.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48'..getting Paris into a kennel.'
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Good girl, come on.
0:39:50 > 0:39:56'This is a strange environment for any dog, but Paris has already shown a menacing side.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02'She is extremely unpredictable.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07'Fear can often trigger aggression, a serious risk in such a powerful dog.'
0:40:11 > 0:40:15- She looks kind of scared, actually. - Yeah, she is. But we also have to be careful.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18'And the surroundings could make things even worse.'
0:40:20 > 0:40:23You know, she's not as confident, there's a lot of noise here,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26a lot of activity, and she doesn't know what's happening.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Good girl! Go on.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Come on. Go on.
0:40:32 > 0:40:33Go on.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Come on. Good girl!
0:40:38 > 0:40:42'Finally, Paris is locked away.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47'Next up is Terror, who's showing none of Paris's fear.'
0:40:47 > 0:40:51You can see a big difference in him coming into the kennels and her coming into the kennels.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56He's very confident, he's wagging his tail, he's looking around. He's a very different dog.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00'A decision will soon be made on whether these two are banned breeds.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05'Even if they are, the owner could be given the opportunity to have them returned.'
0:41:05 > 0:41:10But from what you can tell of the shape of this dog and of Paris, what are you suspecting?
0:41:10 > 0:41:15He isn't a Staff. I mean, Staffies go up to 16 inches high - he's not a Staff.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17She's definitely, I think, going to be a pit bull terrier.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21We'd have to wait for the confirmation, but I think there's a good chance that he will be as well.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27'But as we settle Terror...
0:41:27 > 0:41:32'Paris's fear is prompting a return to that aggression we witnessed earlier.'
0:41:32 > 0:41:33GROWLING
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Paris, shh. Good girl.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Don't be silly. GROWLING
0:41:37 > 0:41:42'All the time, she's displaying behaviour that could seal her fate.'
0:41:42 > 0:41:45So, if these dogs are put down, who's to blame?
0:41:45 > 0:41:48The owner. The owner is to blame.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53With training, being kept on a lead, he could reverse what was potentially happening.
0:41:53 > 0:41:59He's chosen not to do that. Therefore, unfortunately, the dogs pay the price.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00Sad, isn't it?
0:42:02 > 0:42:03(Good girl.)
0:42:09 > 0:42:1224 hours later, the dogs were assessed.
0:42:12 > 0:42:18Both were found to be pit bull type, but their futures couldn't be more different.
0:42:19 > 0:42:26Terror was allowed to go home, providing that he was registered and kept under strict conditions.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33Paris was simply too dangerous to ever be allowed out in public again.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Sadly, there was no option but to put her to sleep.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime
0:42:46 > 0:42:49or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:49 > 0:42:54remember there are people out there who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:12 > 0:43:15E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk