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.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46'Today on Animal 24:7...'
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Can we get some leads? Give me that lead.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52'..the pack of dogs forced to live in squalor.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:56I am feeling quite sad. It still amazes me
0:00:56 > 0:01:00that people can subject their animals to such horrific things.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03'The tiny fox needing a new mum.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:07He's got a fight on him, there's no doubt about it.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12He's hungry. He's just not quite grasped the fact of the bottle just yet.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17'And snakes on a plane at the UK's busiest airport.'
0:01:17 > 0:01:21I like holding them but I'm relieved to put them back in the bag.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31With a bad diet and lack of exercise, dogs, like humans, can really pile on the pounds
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and this can have serious health implications.
0:01:34 > 0:01:40In Nottingham, the RSPCA was alerted to a case involving over a dozen overweight dogs.
0:01:40 > 0:01:46But when they arrived, they realised that was just one of many problems they would have to deal with.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56'It's a quiet street in a residential neighbourhood.
0:01:56 > 0:02:02'But the police cars and RSPCA vans suggest something is seriously wrong.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06'And it seems first impressions would be right.'
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- Is she in there?- No.- No.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14'Inside this house, there are reports that up to 15 dogs are living in squalor.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18'Inspector Chris Shaw is the latest to arrive on the scene.'
0:02:18 > 0:02:21It is still quite dirty there.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24'The owner's already been warned about the conditions here.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29'With little sign of improvement, the team is now going in to get the dogs out.'
0:02:29 > 0:02:33I can see one golden Labrador directly behind the door.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39'But with so many dogs running free in this house,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42'no-one knows how they're going to react.'
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Guys, just be aware that the dogs might all come out.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50'The first few minutes of this rescue operation are crucial.'
0:02:52 > 0:02:56'As soon as the door is smashed open, it's a race to get them all restrained.'
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- Oh! Pretty bad. - DOGS BARK
0:03:00 > 0:03:05- 'These are big, powerful dogs desperate for freedom.' - DOGS BARK
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Can we get some leads? Give me that lead.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12I can't hold...
0:03:12 > 0:03:17'The fight to stop any escaping leaves everyone at full stretch.'
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- We've got one here, you've got those two.- Yep, I've got them.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Who knows how long it is since they've been outside.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30'The first dogs to be rescued are all Labradors.'
0:03:30 > 0:03:36Is that one all right? Just really fat, aren't you, mate? It's disgusting.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40'But there's little time for a full assessment now.'
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- Do you want to hold another one? - 'There are plenty more dogs inside.'
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- We've got a rottie in one room. - I've seen a German shepherd leg it up the stairs. He's scared.- Right.
0:03:55 > 0:04:01'In a downstairs room, Chris finds a small nervous spaniel cowering behind a cage.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03DOG BARKS
0:04:03 > 0:04:08'There's also a large Alsatian and it seems particularly threatening.'
0:04:08 > 0:04:12DOG BARKS How are you doing?
0:04:12 > 0:04:16'But it's not just the dog's temperament that is making this rescue difficult.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18'The conditions are appalling.'
0:04:18 > 0:04:21This is gross. Hey, mate.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25'Thankfully, the Alsatian is friendly.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29'And after the spaniel is removed, it too can leave the house.'
0:04:29 > 0:04:33This one seems all right. DOGS BARK
0:04:33 > 0:04:36'But there are still more nervous dogs hiding upstairs.'
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Hello, mate. How you doing? DOG GROWLS
0:04:45 > 0:04:49Are you going to be grumbly at me? Eh? DOG BARKS
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Hey, mate. There's another terrier in here.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08'So far, 13 dogs have been rescued.'
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- I think we've got all the dogs out now.- 'Many are overweight.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15'All have been forced to live in appalling conditions.'
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- This is just so wrong. - 'Vet Suzie Ridley is shocked by what she's seen.'
0:05:20 > 0:05:24It's disgusting. The dogs generally are in reasonable health.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29There are a few issues we need to have a look at. I've been to a similar situation.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34Not as bad as this. Definitely it's the worst. It's quite shocking.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38'But there's still more work to be done here.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45'Chris heads back inside to make sure there are no animals in hiding.'
0:05:45 > 0:05:53- Just to make sure there are no more dogs.- 'And to gather evidence of how these pets were forced to live.'
0:05:53 > 0:05:55It's disgusting.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- 'Later...'- Crufts qualifier 2009.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07How...
0:06:08 > 0:06:12'And passport control for the canine commuters.'
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Daisy looks all right after her long flight.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19You'd forgive her for being a bit grouchy. I am after a long-haul. Shall we put her in?
0:06:22 > 0:06:26In the animal kingdom, many species have strong maternal instincts.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31Incredibly, for some, this motherly love can extend to babies that are not even their own.
0:06:31 > 0:06:38It's a characteristic that's put to good use in rescue centres and saves the lives of many orphans.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47'This is Mumsy, the foster-mum fox.
0:06:47 > 0:06:54'In springtime, she helps dozens of orphaned cubs brought to the Weirfield Rescue Centre.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58'Mumsy fosters up to 11 cubs a year.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02'But centre manager Ally Townsend knows there's a catch.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07'If Mumsy spots any physical weakness in the cubs, she might kill them instead.'
0:07:08 > 0:07:12Wild mums always have a very good instinct when there's something wrong with
0:07:12 > 0:07:16a wildlife member of the family, if you like.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19And they will actually kill them.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22We've lost three in a matter of nine years
0:07:22 > 0:07:25and she's actually taken on 39.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29So three out of 39, when she obviously knew there was something wrong with them,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I think is very good.
0:07:32 > 0:07:38'The harsh winter is now over and the breeding season is in full flow.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41'Mumsy's maternal instincts are about to be needed again.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49In Worksop, a mother fox has been killed on a busy main road.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56'Her week-old baby was found calling for her nearby.'
0:07:56 > 0:08:00He's got a tiny mark on his side. He seems nice and healthy, nice and chunky.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04OK, we'll pop him in the basket. Thank you.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09'He was taken to a small rescue centre but needs specialist help.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14'So RSPCA officer Fran Whitton is taking him to Weirfield.'
0:08:18 > 0:08:21I've brought the baby fox in to you. He's from Worksop.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25His mother was found dead on the road and he was found by the side of her.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29He's looking fairly perky, so let's hope he does OK.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33'It's now over to Ally to help him survive.'
0:08:33 > 0:08:38- He's quite a little one, bless him. - FOX CUB SQUEAKS
0:08:38 > 0:08:41He's a grumpy old soul. He's probably ready for a drink.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45FOX CUB SQUEAKS
0:08:45 > 0:08:50We're going to put him in the incubator to get warmed up, cos he does feel a little bit nippy.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54We'll get him warmed up in here and then I'll attempt to feed him again.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58I'm sure he'll be quite happy to get on a nice warm blanket.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05'At the moment, he's just too young to be put in with Mumsy.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09'He needs to be kept in the incubator and hand-reared.'
0:09:11 > 0:09:14I'm just going to try and give him a little bit.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- 'Ally makes up his first feed.' - We hopefully will get some down him,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23but I'm not too disappointed if we don't. Let him get settled,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26let him get warm. But we will try.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30'Persuading him that bottle is best brings howls of complaint.'
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- FOX CUB SQUEAKS - He's actually chewing on this.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35I think he's getting some.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43After a couple of feeds, he will realise and start to suck on this teat,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45which makes our life a lot easier.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49'With such a cute baby, it's easy to get attached.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52'But it's vital sentiment takes a back seat.'
0:09:53 > 0:09:57This is a wild animal and it's not to be loved,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00it's not to be talked to, it's a case of feeding it,
0:10:00 > 0:10:05toileting it and basically leaving it alone.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09I mean, at this minute, his chances are pretty good.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13He's got a fight on him, there's no doubt about it.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18He's hungry. He's just not quite grasped the fact of the bottle just yet.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22But he's getting there. Basically, we'll take it one day at a time.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28I'm expecting this cub to be in probably four to five months.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34We expect that we want them to be fully grown
0:10:34 > 0:10:38and be fending for themselves quite a lot by the time we want to release them
0:10:38 > 0:10:42and hopefully then they stand a pretty good chance in the wild.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46'With a full tummy, this little fox can go back to bed.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51'But this baby lost his whole family just a few hours ago.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54'He'll be frightened and isolated.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58'Luckily, Ally has a plan to help him feel safe.'
0:10:58 > 0:11:01The other thing, which is quite sad,
0:11:01 > 0:11:07is that he would normally be in a den with three or four others
0:11:07 > 0:11:10and we're not sure what's happened to the others,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12so he is quite lonely at the minute.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15What we'll do now is find him a cuddly toy
0:11:15 > 0:11:17so he thinks that that's his brother or sister
0:11:17 > 0:11:21and then he'll cuddle up to that and it'll hopefully give him some company.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38'Four weeks on and the little cub is thriving.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41'He's starting to look and act like a proper fox.'
0:11:42 > 0:11:47As you can see, it's now extremely playful, extremely big.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52'And he's giving his new friend a real battering.'
0:11:53 > 0:11:56It's done very, very well. It's eating well.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00We've got good eyes. The eyes are nice and clean. The nose is OK.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02And the teeth are very sharp.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06It's doing everything that we would want it to.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11If he'd been in his own den, he would be fighting like this with his brothers and sisters
0:12:11 > 0:12:15and play fighting is one of the biggest things that they learn.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21'He's now ready for the next stage of his development,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23'a date with foster-mum Mumsy.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28'But this comes with a potentially fatal risk.'
0:12:28 > 0:12:32Obviously, the danger that we've got with putting the cub in with the foster-mum
0:12:32 > 0:12:36is the fact that she might harm him. We believe this cub is fit.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41But if she's got that instinct, we have got the risk that she will kill it.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45'This little cub is about to face the biggest test of his short life.'
0:12:49 > 0:12:51'Still to come...'
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Mum's hiding underneath, which is what we would expect.
0:12:54 > 0:13:01The baby's gone in, said hello, now it's gone off to explore. I would expect Mum to come out shortly.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06'And the RSPCA gathers evidence of serious neglect.'
0:13:06 > 0:13:12I've just found this room. Obviously, some dogs have been, at one stage, forced to live in here, as well.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24We're here right in the heart of Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27It handles close to 70 million passengers a year
0:13:27 > 0:13:29and that's nearly the population of Britain.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33But a million or so animals come through here, as well,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and they need checking and making sure everything's OK
0:13:36 > 0:13:40just like we do. Let's see how that works.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49'From Mumbai to Santa Fe,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53'thousands of planes take off and land here every day.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56'And alongside the business and premier-class passengers,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59'there's a club with exclusive lounges all of their own.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02'The passenger pets.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09'An army of ground staff, including vet Liz Shickle,
0:14:09 > 0:14:14'is on hand to make sure they enjoy the experience as much as anyone else.'
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- It all happens pretty fast when they hit the ground.- It does, yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21'Today I'm joining Liz to welcome a few of Heathrow's animal VIPs.'
0:14:23 > 0:14:25What are we expecting out of this plane?
0:14:25 > 0:14:31We've got two pallets of horses, one is at the front and one is at the back.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37- We think the one at the back is from Dubai and the one at the front is from New Zealand.- Wow.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- So...- Altogether, how many horses on here, do you think?- Five horses.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I'm only expecting five so there better not be any more.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48'While smaller pets can fit into special holds within passenger jets,
0:14:48 > 0:14:53'anything the size of a thoroughbred has to fly on special cargo planes.'
0:14:53 > 0:14:58At the moment they've started unloading the belly hold, which is the lower hold.
0:14:58 > 0:15:04The horses won't be in that. They're on the main deck where you would normally have passengers.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- This is a cargo plane, there are no passengers. - No, apart from the few grooms.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13I think they've got five or six seats here. Otherwise, no passengers.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18It's amazing, the thought of flying something as big as horses around the world.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24'With fortunes won and lost on the horses being shipped across continents,
0:15:24 > 0:15:29'it's vital they're transferred to the racecourses and polo fields in tip-top condition.'
0:15:30 > 0:15:36Often on Animal 24:7, the welfare of animals depends on dedicated individuals and love and care.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41Here it depends on a lot of heavy metal, big engineering.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44That way the animals travel in safety.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47'The horses will now be shipped off to the airport's own stables
0:15:47 > 0:15:52'for a post-jet-lag health check and I'll catch up with them later.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56'But with planes arriving every few seconds,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59'the staff here need to be jet-propelled.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03'My next port of call is to Heathrow's Animal Reception Centre
0:16:03 > 0:16:08'where boss Tristan Bradfield has just opened up a box of snakes.'
0:16:08 > 0:16:11What is the key point of these checks, Tristan?
0:16:11 > 0:16:15I'm checking the health and the welfare of the animals in this box.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20When they come into Europe, they have to have a check at the first port of call
0:16:20 > 0:16:22and then it's free movement within Europe.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Are you not at all nervous opening the lid on a box of snakes?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Not usually, no. Depends on the contents.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Obviously, the information says that these are non-venomous.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39'Tristan sounds confident, but I'm not sure I'd want to put my hand into a pouch full of pythons.'
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- There's a pale snake in there. - There's some quite unusual colour snakes in here.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- Wow.- They can be quite snappy sometimes.- Snappy?- Yeah.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53'And it's a good job they take safety so seriously
0:16:53 > 0:16:59'because these slippery customers might be travelling on the same plane as you and me.'
0:16:59 > 0:17:05I have to ask, have you ever opened a box and found the snakes are on the plane?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- We have had a few loose snakes on a plane.- Have you?- Yes.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12We opened up the travelling container, it was a wooden box, it had a hole inside
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- and some of the bags were empty. - Really?- So we had to go onto the aircraft to catch them.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Were they venomous ones?- They were non-venomous, which was fortunate.
0:17:20 > 0:17:26And there is no way of the snakes getting between the passenger area
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- and the cargo hold. - I'm relieved to hear that.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32So snakes on a plane is a bit unusual.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- But you managed to find them. - We did. We have an invoice so we knew what was missing
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- and we knew what we were looking for. - An exciting day nonetheless.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45I quite like holding them but I'm also quite relieved to put them back.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51'As well as the weird and the wonderful,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55'it's the sheer bulk of animals passing through here that I find amazing.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58'Chihuahuas from China,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02'poodles from Poland, anything could come at any time.
0:18:02 > 0:18:09'Back airside, it's time for me to catch up with some more jet-setting cats and dogs.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12'To get into the country, pets need their own ID,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15'but if you think going through customs is tricky for us,
0:18:15 > 0:18:20'it truly is a dog's life for recent arrivals like these.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23'Chris Samson is an animal attendant.'
0:18:23 > 0:18:26They've got a blue passport similar to ours.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31They can have a photograph of their animal, an identification chip.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35After that's done, there'll be a rabies shot
0:18:35 > 0:18:38and then a blood test will be taken.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Six months after the blood sample is taken, then it can come into the UK.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48'Among the luggage and parcels today are scores of beloved pets.'
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Daisy looks all right after a long flight.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00You'd forgive her for being a bit grouchy. I am after a long-haul. Shall we put her in?
0:19:00 > 0:19:04'In a 24-hour operation 365 days a year,
0:19:04 > 0:19:10'about 4,000 cats and 7,000 pet dogs get moved around like this.'
0:19:13 > 0:19:14OK, back to base.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18'The pets are all packed off to kennels and catteries on site.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23'Before making their onward journey home.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28'But one transatlantic pooch has been left pining for home.'
0:19:28 > 0:19:31DOG HOWLS
0:19:32 > 0:19:36'For most, the happy reunion comes straight away.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40'But for Jasper the old English sheepdog, there's been a bit of a hitch.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45'His owner, Lyn Talbot, is desperate to see him again.
0:19:45 > 0:19:51'But a mix-up in his paperwork has meant his arrival from California has been badly delayed.'
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Shouldn't be long now. - I'm a nervous wreck!
0:19:54 > 0:19:58'Finally it's agreed his passport is in order
0:19:58 > 0:20:02'and Lyn and Jasper can be together once more.'
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Here he is! Here he is!
0:20:04 > 0:20:07OK! Hi, babe!
0:20:07 > 0:20:13He's healthy, he's here, we're both here. He's safe. That's all that counts to me.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Are you a good boy? Are you a good boy?
0:20:16 > 0:20:21See, he's so friendly. He loves anybody that's going to pet him. Jasper, this way.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25'With Jasper setting off for a new life here in Blighty,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28'my day with the passenger pets is almost at an end.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38'But before I leave, there's just a chance to catch up with the thoroughbred horses.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45'They've been transferred to Heathrow's stables and been given a full health check.'
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Have you checked over all five now? - We have, they're all OK.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53They've been tested for certain diseases, depending on what country they've come from.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57From New Zealand, they only have to have one test. From Dubai, they've had four tests.
0:20:57 > 0:21:04'And with all in fine fettle, they're under starter's orders to leave.'
0:21:04 > 0:21:08We've seen it all today, from snakes on a plane to flying horses.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11It just shows the lengths they go to here at Heathrow
0:21:11 > 0:21:15to make sure every animal coming through is safe and well cared for.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25'Coming up, the orphaned fox cub is now all grown up and ready to go.'
0:21:25 > 0:21:28These are very hard to catch.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Doesn't look easy and it's not.
0:21:35 > 0:21:41Now we're back to Nottingham where RSPCA inspectors are in the middle of a difficult rescue.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46Officers have already pulled out over a dozen dogs from a filthy house.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Now they're about to go back inside to look round for others.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02'So far 13 dogs have been removed from this house.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08'Many are overweight and the conditions they've been living in
0:22:08 > 0:22:11'are so appalling their owner may face prosecution.'
0:22:12 > 0:22:15I'll just make sure there's no more dogs.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18'So as well as searching for more animals,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21'Chris needs to gather evidence of how they've been left to suffer.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34'It's a gruelling task.'
0:22:40 > 0:22:42This is just so wrong.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Oh. It is disgusting.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53I mean, I've just found this room.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58Obviously some dogs have been, at one stage, forced to live in here, as well.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04'In every room, there's evidence that these dogs have been locked inside
0:23:04 > 0:23:07'with little chance to venture out.'
0:23:07 > 0:23:12The only chance the dogs have got for a bit of fresh air, one window. I think we've opened that.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17We're going to have all kinds of respiratory problems from this.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25I am feeling quite sad. It still amazes me that people can
0:23:25 > 0:23:28subject their animals to such horrific things, really.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33I don't think it'll ever stop amazing me or making me feel shocked.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44'And soon there's a more bizarre revelation.'
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Crufts qualifier 2009.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51How...
0:23:53 > 0:23:56This is just so wrong.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01'Chris has seen enough.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05'The priority now is to get all these animals to a vet for a proper check.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09'The fleet of rescued animals heads off to the vets.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13'Only then will the true extent of their suffering come to light.'
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Come on then, you, my little lovely.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25'A few miles away, the convoy arrives at the local surgery.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30'With so many dogs, checking them is like a production line.'
0:24:32 > 0:24:34I've got a brown grizzly bear.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39'One by one, they're given a full health check and weighed.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- How much did he weigh? - 48.- 49 kilograms.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46'And the scales confirm what everyone thought. Many of these dogs are incredibly fat.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50'This one is two and a half stone overweight.'
0:24:51 > 0:24:55He is solid. You poor lad.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59'And that's not all. Their claws are desperately overgrown.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02'Another sign of a lack of exercise.'
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Let's snip that one off cos he'll run the risk of ripping it out.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Hey! There we go!
0:25:11 > 0:25:16'It's the same story for another chocolate lab, Harvey.'
0:25:16 > 0:25:21They are certainly overweight. I think that's probably a conclusion
0:25:21 > 0:25:25from being fed a reasonable amount or maybe a little too much
0:25:25 > 0:25:31and just not having exercise, not having access to the outside as they should do.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35'Harvey is also bearing the scars from living as part of a pack.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39'It's clear many of these dogs have been fighting between themselves.'
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- A little scar on there.- Yeah, a few of them had scars. I'm sure they've had a few scraps in their time
0:25:46 > 0:25:50if there's a mixture of non-castrated males and entire females, which there obviously is.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56'And the filth he's been forced to live in has also left its mark.'
0:25:56 > 0:26:03You could smell the urine and faeces on its coat. It's quite overpowering in here.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Go in the room.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10'Fenn is next in the consulting room. She's a rare Brittany spaniel.'
0:26:10 > 0:26:13I've got a feeling this might be the one that she shows.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16'For a show dog, she's a long way from best of breed.'
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Again, that's not a breed that, unless you know about dogs, you tend to have.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26So she obviously does know about breeding and has an interest in it.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32'As the day moves on, the bedraggled pets are eventually all checked.'
0:26:32 > 0:26:36This is the last dog we've got to examine.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38'They're so out of condition
0:26:38 > 0:26:42'it's incredible to think that the owner was once renowned for showing her dogs.'
0:26:44 > 0:26:49They're all overweight, bordering on obese, there's a couple of issues.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Generally it's more just poor coat condition.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56We need them on a good diet and on an exercise regime that means they're going to be losing weight
0:26:56 > 0:26:59and improving their general fitness and wellbeing.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07'Meanwhile, their owner still has to be dealt with.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23'Still to come, fighting the flab,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26'getting the portly pooches back into shape.'
0:27:26 > 0:27:31He would quite happily have the bowl full to the top if he could
0:27:31 > 0:27:35but we need to make sure he only has what he's supposed to have for a day
0:27:35 > 0:27:37and that'll keep him healthy and happy.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Earlier we met an orphaned fox cub who'd been given a second chance
0:27:44 > 0:27:47after his mum was run over and killed.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52The cub had been successfully weaned after being rescued at just a few days old.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56But to have a chance of survival he needs to bond with a foster-mother
0:27:56 > 0:27:58and that's not always an easy task.
0:28:05 > 0:28:11'For this tiny orphaned fox, the next few hours are going to be crucial.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14'Rescue centre manager Ally Townsend and her team
0:28:14 > 0:28:17'have spent weeks giving him round-the-clock care.
0:28:20 > 0:28:26'But now his life is about to be placed in the hands of vixen foster-mum Mumsy.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29'And it's not a straightforward task.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32'This fox has been known to attack any cubs she thinks are weak.'
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Today is the first time that the cub will be left with her
0:28:36 > 0:28:39and it will stay with her until it's ready for release.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43It's a very big step for this one now. It's a big milestone for us.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48We've got over the major hurdles and we hope it's going to do well.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51'But from today, nature will have to take its course.'
0:28:53 > 0:28:59It's not used to having such a big open space. It's outside which it's not used to.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05And we want Mumsy to come towards it and give it some reassurance, really.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Mumsy.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14'Ally is anxious. She's desperate that this first meeting goes to plan.'
0:29:19 > 0:29:24Obviously Mum's hiding underneath, which is what we would expect.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27The baby's gone in, said hello, now it's gone off to explore.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32I would expect Mum to come out shortly and take along the cub and put it under her wing, really.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36'Both seem a little wary.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40'The cub just wants to play.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49'But soon Ally gets some positive vibes.'
0:29:52 > 0:29:54That's the babe talking to Mum.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58This is a good sign. The babe's obviously found food,
0:29:58 > 0:30:00found the box, which is classed as the bed,
0:30:00 > 0:30:05settled extremely well, as you can see, tucking into biscuits.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Mum's been in to have a look.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12The babe was actually talking and whining to Mum,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15and so I think things are looking very, very good.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20'And now she's got something to care for,
0:30:20 > 0:30:23'the vixen's character will change.'
0:30:23 > 0:30:26I think the bonding now is going to be good.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Mum's now trying to encourage it to go underneath into the den
0:30:29 > 0:30:33and I think that's her encouraging the baby to come away from us.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38And now I think I'm happy to leave them together.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55'It's six months later and the fruits of Mumsy's loving care are clear to see.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01'Our orphan fox cub has been joined by a few more
0:31:01 > 0:31:04'and they have all grown into strapping young foxes.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08'Now it's time for them to say goodbye to Mumsy.'
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Today is release day for our fox cubs.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16We started off with one single cub and now we're up to seven
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and Mumsy's brought them on as good as ever
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and she's about fed up now, I think. She'd rather be on her own.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24So they're up for release today.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33'Ally's confident all their natural instincts are fully formed.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37'All seven are being taken to the same safe release site.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41'But first they have to be caught.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45'And with such wild and cunning animals, that's never an easy job.'
0:31:51 > 0:31:54'The first one shows how strong and wild they've become.'
0:31:57 > 0:32:00These are actually very hard to catch.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02It doesn't look easy and it's not.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05Right, I've got another one.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13'One by one, they all succumb.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20'They might be young but the teeth are plenty sharp enough.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26'And the graspers are the only way to avoid a nasty bite.'
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Ready?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36'Finally the cubs are caged.'
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Well, thankfully, although it's difficult for us,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43at least the cubs have all remained wild
0:32:43 > 0:32:45and they were all extremely difficult to catch
0:32:45 > 0:32:50and I would've been quite disappointed had I not had some difficulty in catching them.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52I now know they'll be quite safe in the wild.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57If they realised it was their freedom they were going for, they'd happily walk into the boxes,
0:32:57 > 0:32:59but you can't tell a wild animal that.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07'For this magnificent seven, freedom now beckons.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12'They're taken to Weirfield's soft-release site,
0:33:12 > 0:33:17'an overgrown pen where they can acclimatise before striking out on their own.'
0:33:20 > 0:33:24In the soft-release pen, we have various tunnels
0:33:24 > 0:33:27that lead underground and some of them are blocked off.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30So when they're ready for release, we don't just let them go,
0:33:30 > 0:33:34we open the tunnels and they can find the tunnels when they want to.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38OK, Rebecca.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49'One by one, they take their chance...
0:33:52 > 0:33:55'..and are soon exploring their new-found sense of space.'
0:33:55 > 0:33:59The release part of wildlife rehabilitation is the better part of it.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04We see something comes in as a little cub with no eyes open, helpless,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06and we have to deal with everything that it needs,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10but the reward is always to get something back into the wild.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16'At the beginning of the year, the future for all these cubs looked bleak.
0:34:16 > 0:34:22'But thanks to their foster-mum, they'll soon be back where nature intended.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27'For Mumsy, her work is over, too. It's time to get some well-earned rest
0:34:27 > 0:34:30'and wait for the next orphans who need her love.'
0:34:38 > 0:34:42To stay in trim, dogs need regular exercise
0:34:42 > 0:34:46and this is something the pets we saw earlier had been sadly lacking.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51The RSPCA had already rescued 14 overweight canines from a house in Nottingham.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56Now the job of getting them back into shape has begun in earnest.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01DOGS BARK
0:35:01 > 0:35:03'It's eight months later.
0:35:05 > 0:35:12'At the RSPCA's rescue home in Nottinghamshire, the dogs' progress is being closely monitored.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19'Animal care assistant Hannah Slate is careful to keep them on a strict diet.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23'For many, old habits die hard.'
0:35:24 > 0:35:27It's gone in seconds.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31'But a mixture of exercise and healthy eating
0:35:31 > 0:35:34'has brought the group's weight down
0:35:34 > 0:35:36'and they're looking much fitter as a result.'
0:35:36 > 0:35:39His weight has stayed quite steady since he's been in.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43He weighs a bit more than the others because he is quite muscly,
0:35:43 > 0:35:47so that weighs more than fat, but they've all stayed quite a nice weight.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57'When it comes to exercise time, most of the Labradors seem happy to be outside.'
0:35:57 > 0:36:02It's been a month since they've seen each other, so they're all going a bit crazy.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05'But their long periods of being stuck inside
0:36:05 > 0:36:09'seem to have robbed them of an instinct for fun.'
0:36:09 > 0:36:14A lot of them don't know what a ball is because they haven't been played with.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Usually you play with them from a puppy and teach them manners and everything,
0:36:18 > 0:36:23but I don't think they've had that so they don't know how to play. They don't chase a ball, they just watch.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28'The Labradors are now all enjoying each other's company
0:36:28 > 0:36:31'and settling well into their new lives.'
0:36:31 > 0:36:34DOGS BARK
0:36:34 > 0:36:40'But one of the other rescue dogs is finding it much harder to shake off the past.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48'Eight months ago, Fenn, a Brittany spaniel, was found cowering in a cage.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52'And it seems her nerves have not improved.'
0:36:52 > 0:36:57As you can see, she is quite skittish on a lead, so we're trying to get her to walk nicely by your side.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01We're getting her out every day to try and meet new people, new dogs.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05'What Fenn and all these dogs need now are loving homes
0:37:05 > 0:37:08'where they can finally leave their past behind them.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15'But they can't leave just yet. They will have to stay in kennels until their owner has been dealt with.
0:37:20 > 0:37:26'Almost a year later, the owner pleads guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33'She is disqualified from keeping all animals for 12 months
0:37:33 > 0:37:36'and ordered to pay £12,000 costs.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Just really fat, aren't you, mate?
0:37:40 > 0:37:44'For the victims of her neglect, there were mixed fortunes.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49'Sadly, three of the dogs had too many health problems and had to be put to sleep.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53'But for the other ten, their future is much brighter.
0:37:58 > 0:38:04'Among them Harvey, whose new owners, Anita and Martin Cadman,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07'are happy he's already starting to feel at home.'
0:38:08 > 0:38:13Harvey's been with us now for about three weeks. He's been really fine.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18Very stressed at the beginning, coming into a new home with new people.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22At first we wondered what he would be like.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26But that was part of the attraction to Harvey, his character.
0:38:26 > 0:38:32We wanted a dog that would really fit in and be really nice for the family and he was straight away.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40'When he was rescued, Harvey was severely overweight.
0:38:40 > 0:38:46'Now he's much slimmer. But he still needs a bit of discipline when it comes to mealtimes.'
0:38:46 > 0:38:49He's really mischievous. I can't leave him in the kitchen.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53I can't leave any food about. Proper true Labrador.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58Always hungry and always on the lookout for whatever he can get into.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01'To make sure he's kept on the straight and narrow,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04'Anita gives him a carefully controlled diet.'
0:39:04 > 0:39:08He would quite happily have the bowl full to the top if he could,
0:39:08 > 0:39:13but we need to make sure that he only has what he's supposed to have for a day
0:39:13 > 0:39:16and that'll keep him healthy and happy.
0:39:16 > 0:39:22'In his previous life, Harvey had been locked in for most of the time with little opportunity to play.'
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- He lays like that all the time. - He lays like a pup.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28He does. He lays like a pup.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30He behaves like a pup.
0:39:30 > 0:39:36'Now he's been given the chance to discover the childhood and freedom he never had.'
0:39:36 > 0:39:40We're having to start right from the beginning again with training.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43No manners whatsoever.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48From what we know about his past, he has never been for a walk
0:39:48 > 0:39:54and when we first saw him in the enclosure outside of the kennel,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58he just pulled like a train. The poor girl who was bringing him in
0:39:58 > 0:40:02needed extremely big arms to hold him back.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Come on, Harvey. Good boy.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11- 'But the Cadmans are determined to make this relationship work.' - Good boy.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Come on. Good boy!
0:40:13 > 0:40:18I was actually really surprised how quickly I did take to him
0:40:18 > 0:40:20after having lost a dog in May.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24He wants attention all of the time,
0:40:24 > 0:40:26he's just so friendly with everybody.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28It's as if he's always been here.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Come on. Come on. Come on.
0:40:35 > 0:40:41'Elsewhere, another of the rescue dogs is also going from strength to strength.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46'Fenn's a rare Brittany spaniel who it's thought may once have been shown at Crufts.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50'Now she's back on her way to show standard
0:40:50 > 0:40:53'thanks to her new owners, Steve and Lorraine Adams.'
0:40:53 > 0:40:59- We fell for her the first time we saw her.- Yeah, we soon as we saw her face, it was a dog we really liked.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02With it being a spaniel, we sort of knew what to expect.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04A lot of energy and a lot of loving,
0:41:04 > 0:41:07cos they're nice sociable dogs.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11As you can see, she's made herself at home straight away.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13She has.
0:41:14 > 0:41:19'Fenn was one of the dogs in the house who had often been confined to a pen.
0:41:19 > 0:41:26'Now regular exercise is the key and she's relishing a more outdoor way of life.'
0:41:26 > 0:41:30This week we've been taking her twice a day for a walk.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35A mixture of path walks and field walks. But she's on the lead all the time.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39She pulled really hard the first day. Tuesday came, day two,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42and there was really no pulling at all. She just walks.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46She's still interested in everything but she just walks along quite happily.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49She's a bit wary sometimes.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52First thing in the morning when she sees us again...
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Yeah, slightly unsure who we are.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01'But with plenty of activity and after meeting other dogs,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04'she's starting to cast her shyness aside.'
0:42:04 > 0:42:07She's extremely loving.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11She likes jumping up and having cuddles. She has loads of them.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13She's always jumping up and having a cuddle.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16She just wants lots of love.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Go! Go on, Fenn!
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Come, Fenn!
0:42:22 > 0:42:27- 'Her loss of weight may mean Fenn is half the dog she used to be.' - Good girl!
0:42:27 > 0:42:32'But like her good friend, a newly slimline Harvey,
0:42:32 > 0:42:36'these two dogs are enjoying life twice as much as they were before.'
0:42:36 > 0:42:38Go!
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Come, Fenn. Come, Fenn.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime
0:42:49 > 0:42:52or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:52 > 0:42:56remember there are people out there who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:06 > 0:43:10E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk
0:43:10 > 0:43:10.