0:00:04 > 0:00:06Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09All too often our wildlife and domestic pets
0:00:09 > 0:00:13are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19trying to protect and care for them right around the clock.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22This is Animal 24/7.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Today on Animal 24/7,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50rescue for the cat locked in a high-rise flat...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55I'm really wondering whether he does think this is acceptable.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59A close shave rounding up these frightened horses...
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Ah-ah-ah!
0:01:01 > 0:01:03No, no, no, no, no, no!
0:01:03 > 0:01:08And vets try to help Jake, a much-loved African grey...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- That was what alerted you, was it, that wheezing?- Yeah.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13I came in late last night,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16the telly was off, and I thought, what's that noise?
0:01:16 > 0:01:18And I could hear it.
0:01:24 > 0:01:31In an ideal world, horses like these should be given the chance to graze and exercise in a paddock.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34But it's important that gates and fences are secure,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37especially if the field is close to roads.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43In the West Midlands, there are reports that three horses have been escaping due to inadequate fencing.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47But that's not all - they're all also in poor condition.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58In Cannock, Staffordshire, this small field is home to three horses,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and they're in a dreadful state.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06There's barely any grass for them to eat - they seem to be desperately searching for nourishment.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12It's littered with rubbish, and the fence has collapsed.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18More worryingly, the horses have been escaping onto a nearby road.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23Now, someone has complained about their care.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Paul Teasdale, from World Horse Welfare,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28is first on the scene.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30The member of the public rang our
0:02:30 > 0:02:33head office yesterday, concerned about the horses here.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35I got the call and I've turned up this morning.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Luckily, the owner turned up while I was here, so that saves a lot of
0:02:40 > 0:02:42knocking on doors and tramping around.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- And then RSPCA Penny turned up as well.- Hi, Paul, how are you doing?
0:02:47 > 0:02:50We work independently, but very often we come together,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53because people ring the two organisations.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55So very often we work very well together.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01Inspector Penny Baker has had contact with these horses before,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03and her biggest worry is safety.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08These horses have already been out on the road several times,
0:03:08 > 0:03:13and they've been rescued if you like by the police and put back into the paddock,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15and temporary...
0:03:15 > 0:03:17measurements have been put in place by the owner.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20But clearly you can see from different parts of the field,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23where the fencing is so poor they could literally
0:03:23 > 0:03:24just walk out onto the road.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30Paul and owner Kevin Branwell begin by checking the fencing.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34Won't keep the horses in or out, so that needs sorting out.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Very insecure.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Let's get this pulled up now and get it in.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46Paul and Kevin do what they can, but a more permanent solution is going to be needed.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49You're lucky you've not lost them all together, really, aren't you?
0:03:53 > 0:03:56The next concern is the horses themselves.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01There's two of the horses quite substantially underweight.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03All three need their feet sorting out.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06It's not diabolical but they do need their feet sorting out.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I would say they've not been trimmed for about six months.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12There's a lice infestation in a couple of the horses,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16and a general air of neglect around the place.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Penny and Paul have seen enough.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21They know that something needs to be done here.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24The problem with this field is, grass-wise,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28the pasture is just not suitable for that horse to put on
0:04:28 > 0:04:30the amount of condition that it needs to put on.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34You have a chat, I'll go and ring the vet.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37The owner is keen to co-operate.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Paul explains the plan.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Penny's now ringing the local vet's to see if they can get down here
0:04:43 > 0:04:45and find out what's wrong.
0:04:45 > 0:04:51They may have to take blood samples and dung samples to find out if there's any internal parasites.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Obviously we've got external parasites, so we need to sort it out.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58The owner's been very co-operative, he's quite willing to
0:04:58 > 0:05:00take any advice that the vet's going to issue.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04We're just waiting for the vet to arrive, so we're just going to try and catch the horses.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07But they're not used to being caught on a regular basis.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10So we have to be very quiet, and the way be behave is
0:05:10 > 0:05:13critical as to whether we'll be able to put her hands on the horses.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15So we'll see.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Don't do anything fast, just nice and slowly.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23Rounding up timid horses can be dangerous.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24It's a tense time for all.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Just watch them.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31With one down, there's two to go.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Kevin, if you give me her and see if you can get a rope on the other one.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Yep, that's probably the most difficult one caught.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43I think now we've caught her, we should be up to get the other one.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48But Penny has spoken too soon.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50The horses are becoming agitated.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58It's clear they're not going to be as easy to catch as first thought.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07The stallion is spooked, and makes a break for it.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11The mare heads straight towards a hole in the fence...
0:06:13 > 0:06:14Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah! No, no, no, no, no, no.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19And is moments away from running into oncoming traffic.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21She's back, Kevin.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26But a tragedy is averted.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Not to worry, not to worry.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Penny decides it's best to wait a while before trying again.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41There are several issues -
0:06:41 > 0:06:46the first one has to be health and safety for the people who are in the
0:06:46 > 0:06:50field, including the owner, because a stallion can potentially
0:06:50 > 0:06:51be a really aggressive animal.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54But the vet is just minutes away.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58The clock is ticking, and these two horses will have to be caught.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Later...- We're trying to cut her off in the corner here.
0:07:07 > 0:07:13Before we were concerned that she was going to try and dive out over the fence, so we've put a gate there.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18And ingenious methods to help Jake breathe more easily...
0:07:18 > 0:07:21This is fantastic innovation, using clingfilm to seal a...
0:07:21 > 0:07:23This is a home-grown...
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- It's an oxygen tent.- You're absolutely right, that's what it is.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32When a pet owner goes on holiday, it's their
0:07:32 > 0:07:36responsibility to make sure their animals are properly taken care of.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41Sadly, though, the RSPCA often come across cases where people go away
0:07:41 > 0:07:45and fail to make the proper arrangements for their pets' care.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50RSPCA inspector Claire Fisher is about to encounter just one such case.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02This tower block is a dangerous place for a cat
0:08:02 > 0:08:04to be locked in on its own.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Inspector Claire Fisher has been to this high-rise before.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20She believes the pet has been abandoned for days.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27This is the flat that we've had the cat has been left.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30We're now on day five.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33The cat has been getting fed by us, so that's not an issue.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37We put card seals in a door frame to see if anybody's been attending.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41As of yesterday the seals were still in the door frame,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43so we need to get the cat out.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45It's a long way up.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51And when Claire finally arrives, she's immediately faced with a dilemma.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55OK, I do not believe it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59The seals have gone, and puss...is
0:08:59 > 0:09:00still there.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06The cat's still sounding like it just wants to come out.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09So I think I just need to get on the blower,
0:09:09 > 0:09:14make some calls and see if we can get the police out.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Although someone's recently been in,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Claire has been told the owner's actually abroad.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23She can also prove the cat has been left for 72 hours,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25and this is not acceptable.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31The police are called to help her get inside.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34We should be getting the cat out if we can.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42Now, Claire can find out what's going on.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47Her suspicion that this cat's not getting much human company
0:09:47 > 0:09:49increases as soon as she gets inside.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54Just seeing that he's put down an absolute shedload of food.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59These bowls suggest no-one's expected back in a hurry.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05We've now got lots of food, because either the owner
0:10:05 > 0:10:09or someone has been in since one o'clock yesterday.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13But the amount of water is woefully short of what's needed.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17The most pathetic water container,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21which I'd say is not even a centimetre of water.
0:10:21 > 0:10:28Given that he's feeding it dried food, you know, they need a large supply of water. So that is pathetic.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35The food might last for days, but with nothing to drink, the cat would soon suffer.
0:10:35 > 0:10:42With the frightened pet now in hiding, Claire tries to coax it out.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Hello, chicken! I know.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52She finds it cowering behind the TV.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Where's your dad?
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Hey? It's all right, chicken.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59Shaking like a leaf!
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Bless her! Come on, then,
0:11:03 > 0:11:05in you go. We're actually in all right nick...
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Claire believes the cat is left alone while its owner
0:11:08 > 0:11:10often spends time away.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13And although it's being fed, if the cat became ill or injured,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16there would be no-one around to help it.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18This actually looks in good nick.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23It's got a glossy enough coat, a good weight.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27So, I'm really wondering whether he does think this is acceptable.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31And for all we know, this is what he's done
0:11:31 > 0:11:38for the whole of this cat's life, maybe, I don't know - left it for four-day periods,
0:11:38 > 0:11:40maybe that's just normal to him.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45It may be healthy for now, but Claire's not confident its needs are being met.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48She leaves a note for the owner explaining why
0:11:48 > 0:11:54- she's had to act.- Just doing a property receipt, and a form,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56which is, animals left unattended,
0:11:56 > 0:12:02basically explaining that I have removed the cats, and the reason why.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05And then hopefully he'll get in touch.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08With the cat safely out of its high-rise prison,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Claire will continue to monitor the flat over the next few days.
0:12:12 > 0:12:18I've resealed the door, so we can see if he was intending to disappear
0:12:18 > 0:12:20again for a few days,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24or if he is now going in daily. Yes, I will be back to check on that.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27And we're now just getting the cat to the vet's.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41While cats can be left to their own devices for short periods, Claire
0:12:41 > 0:12:45knows this cat has already been left for 72 hours - this is far too long.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51Claire wants to know if this cat's isolation is taking its toll.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- Hello, how are you doing? - What have you got?
0:12:54 > 0:12:56This is the puddy cat that I was telling you about.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Vet Robert McNulty checks to see if everything is OK.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Age-wise, from its teeth, it's an adult.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07But they're nice and clean, so it's only a young adult.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Let's have a look at your skin pinch...
0:13:12 > 0:13:15No dehydration there, which is good.
0:13:15 > 0:13:22She seems alert and active, and there's no evidence that she's lacking nutrition.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Her body condition is good. - It is, isn't it?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26So it's obviously being well looked-after.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Yes. Just strange, isn't it?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34But while her health may not be at risk, her life of being left home
0:13:34 > 0:13:38alone is something Claire is determined to tackle.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42I think if anything, it's just more the lack of contact.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43Because as the days
0:13:43 > 0:13:46were going on, she was yowling at the door.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49But it would seem on the face of it that she is a well looked-after cat.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52But we've just got this issue of being left for days,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54which is just not acceptable.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58So, we'll just have to wait and get contact from the owner,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00take it from there, really.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04For now, this cat will remain in the RSPCA's care.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05Right, little one.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Food and water.- Look, lots of water!
0:14:09 > 0:14:16Claire's next job is to trace the owner to find out what exactly has been going on.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Oh, bless her,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20poor little thing.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Later...- Come on!
0:14:25 > 0:14:26OK, bye-bye.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29..Claire tracks down a street-fighting Tom.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32He's got a puncture wound on his front leg.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34He obviously looks like somebody's cat,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37so the best thing is to take him to the vet's.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40And does this horse need the RSPCA's help?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42You can tell he's old, can't you?
0:14:42 > 0:14:43The fact that he's losing his coat
0:14:43 > 0:14:45doesn't make him look fantastic, does it?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Parrots make popular pets
0:14:51 > 0:14:55due to their bright colours and sociable nature.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59This means they can often form affectionate bonds with their owners.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03So when they become ill it can be a very difficult time.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18I'm spending a day at Abbey House Vets in Leeds.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22It's a busy morning.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27But it's not your usual cats and dogs that are dominating the day today.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Mrs Bishop, please.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Ken and Pauline Bishop have just rushed in with their pet,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37an African Grey parrot.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Right. Now, can you pop Max down on the table, Mr Bishop?
0:15:42 > 0:15:45We have a little look.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Let's have a little look before we do anything else.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- If you listen you can hear him. - I can hear him.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Vet Tom Clarke spots the problem immediately.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- LOW WHEEZING - Can we hear that?
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Max is struggling to breathe.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06That was what alerted you, that wheezing?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Yes. We came in late last night,
0:16:09 > 0:16:13the telly was off and I thought, what's that noise?
0:16:13 > 0:16:16I could hear him in the corner. He was all right all day yesterday.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Was he?- Yeah.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- It started about 7pm last night. - How old is he?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- About 15.- Ok. Never had had any problems like this before really?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Not with the wheezing.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Max is a dearly loved family pet.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33It's a worrying time for Pauline and Ken.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38If you just take the top off, Mr Bishop, we have a little look see.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40There we go. Hello, Max.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Tom's first job is to give Max some antibiotics
0:16:45 > 0:16:48in case the wheezing is caused by an infection.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Just a little tiny bit of that, if you can give that to him.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Then we are going to
0:16:52 > 0:16:55pop him straight back in there.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Pop him in there, just put the lid back on again
0:16:58 > 0:16:59so he doesn't go anywhere.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02You can have that towel if you want, that's fine.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07But whatever is causing his breathing problems, things are not looking good for Max.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10What are you thinking of the possibilities here?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Some sort of respiratory infection,
0:17:12 > 0:17:16maybe pneumonia or something like that is a possibility.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18What I'd say to you is I think he is quite poorly really.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21When they get to this sort of stage, I think I'd be fairly concerned.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25What we might do is give him a little bit of oxygen over the next
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- 12 hours or so, just see if that helps improve his breathing.- OK.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Max is transferred to a nearby treatment room.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41I help the team built a makeshift oxygen tank.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46This is fantastic innovation. Using clingfilm to seal it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- Home-grown oxygen tent. - It's an oxygen tent really.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51You are absolutely right, that's what it is.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54With the clingfilm rolled out, it's time to get the oxygen pumping.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59Now Max will just have to be left to see if this helps him
0:17:59 > 0:18:01breathe more easily.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05But it doesn't have the speedy results they were hoping for.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Now Tom has the difficult job
0:18:07 > 0:18:09of delivering the news to Ken and Pauline.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Tom, we are all a little gloomy about Max.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Is that accurate?- I think so.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I was just saying to Mrs Bishop
0:18:18 > 0:18:21he is obviously... He's got to a point where he's struggling.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22Once they get to that point...
0:18:22 > 0:18:25There's a lot of residual capacity in the lungs and
0:18:25 > 0:18:29in the air sacs which birds have to allow them to breathe
0:18:29 > 0:18:31when they've lost a certain percentage,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35but when he's gets to the point where he's starting to gasp like that, it means a lot of his lung wall is
0:18:35 > 0:18:38not working probably, therefore it's indicative of him being quite poorly.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41The only other thing that sometimes happens - we
0:18:41 > 0:18:45talk about foreign bodies - sometimes they get a thing called aspergillus,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47which is a fungal infection, but that's
0:18:47 > 0:18:52usually a chronic condition, it comes on slowly over time, not the speed with which Max has become unwell.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54He seemed fine yesterday afternoon.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Max is still struggling to breathe.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Ken and Pauline leave for home and will wait for news.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04We shall speak to you later then.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05- Thank you.- Bye bye now.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10It's going to be a worrying afternoon.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Bye-bye.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Max isn't the only parrot wanting to see the vet.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28In the waiting room now are Fred and Susan Nolan,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31with their one-year-old green parrot, Jake.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Jake is another much-loved pet, despite an unusual disability.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39This parrot has just one foot...
0:19:39 > 0:19:40A problem he has had since he was young.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44OK, so what's the problem, what's been happening with him?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46He doesn't normally drink a lot of water.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Right.- And he's been guzzling.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50He's bringing it back up.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52How long has he been doing that for?
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- Only a few days.- OK. Is he actually taking food at the moment?
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- He's eating, yeah. - So his appetite is quite good.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I am slightly concerned about him,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03particularly the drinking in large quantities.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07There are investigations that maybe we could perform.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Those investigations would be made to take some blood from him just to see...
0:20:10 > 0:20:13They can suffer from things, although he's quite young,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16but they can suffer from things like diabetes and the like, liver disease.
0:20:16 > 0:20:17Maybe we should look into that.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Unfortunately the sample needs to go away to an external laboratory,
0:20:21 > 0:20:22so we may not have all the results
0:20:22 > 0:20:25but certainly we should have something we should be able to talk
0:20:25 > 0:20:29to you about and they can take a blood glucose from him straight away,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31so that would maybe rule out or rule in the diabetes.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37While Fred and Susan take a seat in the waiting room...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Shall we see if we can get young Jake out?
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Tom and vet nurse Sam Rawle get to grips with Jake.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47How tricky is it to find veins in small animals like birds?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49In fact, this vein is quite large.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54It's just a question of finding the little groove where there are no
0:20:54 > 0:20:57feathers which allows us to see what we need to see.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59How much blood do you take from a parrot?
0:20:59 > 0:21:01A mil will be plenty for his size.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04I'm just going to give this now to one of our nurses,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06who's just going to do a blood glucose on it.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08All right, Jake.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13This vets has its own lab and can test for some things in-house.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Blood glucose levels are one thing they can check for.
0:21:17 > 0:21:23The process is quick and within minutes the results are back.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- 14.6.- That's lovely, thanks.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30After a quick check in his manual, it seems the news is good.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32What is the book saying?
0:21:32 > 0:21:37It's saying anything that is persistently above 20 mls per litre
0:21:37 > 0:21:40would be consistent with diabetes.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43The fact is at 14 we are still within the normal range.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46OK at the moment, no evidence of diabetes.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49That will be a great relief to them because I guess it's a serious condition.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51It is serious and quite difficult to treat in birds.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58In the waiting room it's been an anxious half-hour for Jake's owners.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- Mrs Nolan, please.- But now Tom can give them the good news.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- Hello.- Hello again.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Right, OK.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12It doesn't appear that there's any diabetes at present.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16At this stage it's not clear quite why he's drinking as much,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18but for the time being what we are going
0:22:18 > 0:22:23to do is put him on a little bit of antibiotics, just in case there's a bit of infection grumbling on here.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Then we are going to take him home,
0:22:26 > 0:22:31keep a close eye on him and wait for the results to come back.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34I can hear him coming now.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36In we come. That's it.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38That's lovely, thank you very much.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Here we go. Here's the man himself.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43How relieved are you to find out he doesn't have diabetes?
0:22:43 > 0:22:46That's the big thing, isn't it?
0:22:46 > 0:22:50I thought he was a bit young to have diabetes but
0:22:50 > 0:22:53you don't know, do you? He could have anything.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55At least he's got an all-clear on that one.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Sadly, a few hours after filming,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Max, the African Grey parrot did pass away.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11But for Jake the news is more positive.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18So Thursday is hopefully the final all-clear, is it?
0:23:18 > 0:23:21All being well, yes. Back to normal.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26I hope he's good and Jake stays on his peg for very much longer.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27He's certainly different.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41Later, the cat hurt in a street brawl shows off his fighting skills.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54Now back to Staffordshire where RSPCA Inspector Penny Baker
0:23:54 > 0:23:58and World Horse Welfare field officer Paul Teesdale
0:23:58 > 0:24:03are responding to a call about three unhealthy-looking horses.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08The field has broken fences and large gaps in the hedgerow.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Penny and Paul have so far managed to catch one of the horses
0:24:11 > 0:24:16but are having problems getting close to the remaining two.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Go on, girl.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24The vet has now arrived.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28The pressure is on to catch these two horses.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Pass it to your mate there.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34But conditions have taken a turn for the worse.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38And the horses are frightened.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Now Paul has a plan.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43We are trying to get them in the corner and see if we can
0:24:43 > 0:24:45get the lead rope on her.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Before, we were concerned that she was going to try and
0:24:50 > 0:24:53dive out over the fence at the bottom, because it's quite low.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56So we put a date there to prevent that happening hopefully.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01And the owner is now going to see if he can quietly get hold of her without too much fuss.
0:25:01 > 0:25:07Cos he says once we've got hold of her she is very quiet.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09All right.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Success at last!
0:25:12 > 0:25:17Hold on, hold on. Just hold on a second while he gets the loop on.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Well done, Kevin.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Just nice and quiet, just let them walk through.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25And with the mare caught...
0:25:25 > 0:25:28The stallion decides to play ball, too.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32He gallops towards his mate,
0:25:32 > 0:25:37where vet Jonathon Withers is waiting to start examinations.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42The bay horse is the first to be checked.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49Penny explains to the owner, Kevin, what will happen.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52We've called the vet to have a thorough look at the horses
0:25:52 > 0:25:55and see what his opinion is and what his advice would be.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58We will go along with whatever his recommendations are.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04We would just take a little sample of
0:26:04 > 0:26:06the droppings and have that analysed,
0:26:06 > 0:26:08see if there's any problem with worm eggs.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Probably as well, just to see her general health,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14we would probably get a blood sample taken.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17So we will do that and take those two samples.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20There is some evidence of lice eggs here
0:26:20 > 0:26:24so that will need to be treated because she's got an area here
0:26:24 > 0:26:28where she has rubbed over her withers quite badly,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and that's raw and a little bit sensitive there.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33I think we need to get that cleaned up slightly.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37That's quite straightforward to treat. We can get you some
0:26:37 > 0:26:40powder for that. It needs two treatments a couple of weeks apart.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48Jonathan takes blood and stool samples from all of the horses.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51They will all need
0:26:51 > 0:26:53treatment for
0:26:55 > 0:26:57the lice, that's the first thing.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01The mare one has particularly been rubbing herself quite badly,
0:27:01 > 0:27:05she's got some skin sores there which will need to be taken care of.
0:27:06 > 0:27:12All the feet will need routine treatment with your farrier.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15And I would recommend that you have their teeth looked at.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20Probably I would recommend they are re-examined in about two to three weeks' time.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24With the medical assessment complete,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Penny and Paul turn their attention to the state of the paddock.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32The fencing is inadequate and there's very little grass.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Certainly not enough to feed three hungry horses.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Penny and Paul are not prepared to wait.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43They insist two of the horses are found new, more suitable fields straight away.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49The mares are moved to a paddock down the road.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54The stallion will now have to live on his own for a while.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05It's three weeks later and Penny has arranged to meet Paul Teasdale
0:28:05 > 0:28:07again to inspect the horses.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13They are hoping to see significant improvements.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17Hello, Paul, how are you doing?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23So the last time we came,
0:28:23 > 0:28:28I know he started doing some of the post and rail
0:28:28 > 0:28:31where the main holes were.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33It's still not horse friendly though, is it?
0:28:33 > 0:28:38Since their last visit the stallion has escaped onto the road again.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42He's now tethered to the ground for his own safety.
0:28:42 > 0:28:48Some people wouldn't like the fact that he's tethered but in this case it actually is protecting the horse
0:28:48 > 0:28:51because it does mean that he's not going to be getting out onto the road.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59The stallion has been wormed and there are visible improvements in his condition.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Good boy.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09It's an encouraging sign, so Penny and Paul set off to find the mares.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11The mares should be in here somewhere.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Much better field, isn't it?
0:29:17 > 0:29:23Their new home is ideal, with secure boundaries and plenty of lush grass.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Straight away Penny can see that it's having
0:29:26 > 0:29:29a positive effect on the horses.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31The bay, I'm really pleased with her.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35She looks 100 % better.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36She's incredible, isn't she?
0:29:38 > 0:29:42Paddock full of good grass and that's what it can do.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Nice trotter!
0:29:48 > 0:29:52There's still work to be done here and Penny and Paul will be on hand
0:29:52 > 0:29:56to make sure the horses get the attention they need.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00I think in another four weeks again she'd look
0:30:00 > 0:30:03almost back to normal.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07But for now they are delighted with the improvements they've seen.
0:30:07 > 0:30:12I'm really pleased with the bay mare, she looks fantastic.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15The coloured mare, she doesn't look as good as the bay mare but she's put
0:30:15 > 0:30:17on some condition since last time,
0:30:17 > 0:30:21but I think we will strive towards getting that even better if we can.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25We'll get there. The main thing is to get these two into this solid grazing.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29They are both looking better now, and it's just a case of following up
0:30:29 > 0:30:32now and making sure that the rest of it gets sorted out.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Still to come...
0:30:41 > 0:30:44The bedraggled horse with a remarkable past.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47He won six races.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50What made you keep him and look after him throughout his old years?
0:30:50 > 0:30:52- He looked after me. - He looked after you.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Cats are notoriously independent animals, but there are limits to how
0:30:59 > 0:31:02much they can be expected to look after themselves.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06Earlier, we saw RSPCA inspector Clare Fisher
0:31:06 > 0:31:08rescue a pet from a block of flats.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Now she's been called to help a street-fighting tom cat
0:31:12 > 0:31:16whose latest turf war has left him battered and bruised.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27When it comes to unneutered male cats
0:31:27 > 0:31:30there's never a problem too far away.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35RSPCA inspector Clare Fisher has been called to a part of Wallasey in Merseyside
0:31:35 > 0:31:40where the battle over territory has left one cat seriously hurt.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43We just got a call for a collection of a cat.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45It's meant to have some injuries.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47It sounds like it's been caught in a fight this morning.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51The cat has got no recognised owner
0:31:51 > 0:31:55and Clare is struggling to track it down.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Here, puss, puss, puss, puss, puss.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03She eventually able to see it...
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Come on.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07But it remains out of reach.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08Come on.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13He's gone down that way now. Come on.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15He's a little bedraggled.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19From that bit of walking I've just seen he seems to be OK,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23he doesn't seem to be... Come on. OK, bye-bye.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26He doesn't seem to be limping from what I saw just there.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28With the help of a neighbour...
0:32:28 > 0:32:30- I think he's back.- Is he?
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Clare finally manages to get the cat contained.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Got you!
0:32:35 > 0:32:40And it's clear it's not the first time he's been in the wars.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42I think we have got some... All right...
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Some fresh...
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Some sort of cuts on his head.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Then it was the debate of whether he was limping as well.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Probably the best bet is to get him into the vets for a check over.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56He has been in a fight, he's got a puncture wound on his front leg.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58He obviously looks like somebody's cat,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01so what we are going to do is taking to the vets, get him
0:33:01 > 0:33:04checked over and then we are going to just have to release him
0:33:04 > 0:33:07because he's obviously somebody's cat.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08He's in good nick.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Cats often wander away from home
0:33:10 > 0:33:14but most of the time know exactly where they are.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Thank you very much. No problem.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18See you then. Bye.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21But he does need medical help.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33Vet Robert McNulty checks for a microchip.
0:33:35 > 0:33:36There's a shock.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39It's no surprise, is it?
0:33:39 > 0:33:41There's a surprise.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43But he's not on any register,
0:33:43 > 0:33:47so Robert turns his attention to his bites.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50This looks like an old injury.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Is that not today? - And then a new...
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- CAT HISSES - OK!- Hey, all right.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57It's sore.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- It hurts.- Good boy.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03And with the cat becoming feisty,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06the two decide to proceed with extra care.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Do we want gloves?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- I can go and get you a pair of gloves while we jab him.- Okey doke.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Let's get him some antibiotics that will last him about seven days,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18and then we'll try him with some painkillers as well.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25This is a typical uncastrated male.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26He's been out fighting before.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Some of the injuries are today's.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32The one on his leg looks like today's injury on top of a previous old injury.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36This is a hardened fighter, he's been out for a while, chewing on the local cats.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Ideally someone should take the responsibility
0:34:39 > 0:34:41and get him castrated.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Antibiotics will prevent the bite becoming infected.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49- Oh, you're such a good cat. - Good fella.- Good boy.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53And with one more bad-tempered protest...
0:34:53 > 0:34:55CAT WHINES
0:34:55 > 0:34:57he's back in his cage.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03- There we go, all right. He's obviously having a bad day. - He's having a very bad day!
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Ideally, Claire would like to see this tom castrated
0:35:06 > 0:35:08before it's returned to the street.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Good boy.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17But first, she needs the owner's permission.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21With little to go on, she has no option but to knock on a few doors.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26The cat must live somewhere around here.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33There doesn't appear to be anyone in here, either.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35But no-one's coming forward to claim him.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42It's a fruitless task.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Another leave-a-card.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48And eventually, she has to give up.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52My inquiries have just drawn a blank.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Nobody knows where the cat lives.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58I think the best bet to be honest is, the cat has had its injections,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00maybe pick it up tomorrow just to
0:36:00 > 0:36:05make sure everything's settled, the injections are fine, and just bring the cat back and release it,
0:36:05 > 0:36:07and no doubt it will find its way home.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Back on her beat again, and Claire's about to confront
0:36:15 > 0:36:20a different cat owner, who left his pet alone for far too long.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23This cat had been marooned in a flat many floors up,
0:36:23 > 0:36:28and although it had plenty of food, its water supply was drying up.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32They need a large supply of water, so that is pathetic.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Claire was worried its welfare needs weren't being met, and today she is
0:36:35 > 0:36:39back at the flat to assess whether the cat should be returned.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Right, well, I've just interviewed the owner of the cat.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48In my eyes, we need to be holding on to this cat for the time being.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51It's not ideal, from what he's told me.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53She was on her own, basically,
0:36:53 > 0:36:57she's only getting visited every other day, whilst he was away.
0:36:57 > 0:36:58It's not ideal at all.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01She needs company, she needs contact.
0:37:01 > 0:37:02You need that every day,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05this is what we should be providing as animal owners.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07So, I've got all the paperwork.
0:37:07 > 0:37:08I'll get it sent off,
0:37:08 > 0:37:11and prosecutions will make their decision.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16But within a few weeks, the owner himself had a change of heart.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21He agreed to sign the cat over to the RSPCA -
0:37:21 > 0:37:24a move which meant the cat was found a new home,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27where she has the attention she needs.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Earlier today, we saw RSPCA inspector Penny Baker
0:37:37 > 0:37:40working with an owner to improve the lives
0:37:40 > 0:37:44of three neglected horses in Staffordshire.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Although Penny loves all animals, she has a soft spot for horses.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52So, when she has to investigate equine cases,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54it can be the most distressing,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57or the most satisfying part of her job.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Standing alone, bedraggled and skinny,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09this horse appears to be in a very poor state.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16A concerned member of the public has now called the RSPCA.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Inspector Penny Baker is on the scene.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23The first thing she needs is to get a good look at the horse,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25but that's not as simple as it might seem.
0:38:25 > 0:38:31The problem is, because it's behind the small tree, I can't actually make an assessment.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34And rather than just walk right up to it, not knowing the animal,
0:38:34 > 0:38:38we'll go and make some enquiries and see if we can find out who it belongs to.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Penny turns detective.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47She's hoping the person in the house next to the field can point her in the direction of the horse's owner.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Hello there, good morning, Inspector Baker from the RSPCA.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59The neighbour, Alan, knows who the owner is,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02and seems to know quite a lot about the horse, too.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07He's a good age, then, how old did you say, 36?
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- 36 or 37.- Blimey, blimey.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Alan believes this elderly horse is well cared for.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18But Penny needs to see it for herself,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21so the neighbour allows her into the back garden to get a closer look.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26You can tell he's old, can't you?
0:39:26 > 0:39:28He's kept in here on his own, is he?
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- Yes.- The fact that he's losing his coat
0:39:31 > 0:39:33doesn't make him look fantastic, does it?
0:39:33 > 0:39:35He's old, you know.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- It comes to us all, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Penny's encouraged by what she's seen so far.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Thank you very much for your time.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Bye-bye.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Now she knows the horse is over 30 years old,
0:39:47 > 0:39:51she's less concerned about his shabby appearance.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55The horse is genuinely a very old horse, and taking that into account,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59he might not look aesthetically brilliant,
0:39:59 > 0:40:02but he's shedding his coat, which is normal at this time of year.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07But before she leaves, she wants to try and get a closer look.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12She knows from previous experience that's often much easier said than done.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Hey, buddy.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Every time Penny approaches the horse, it walks away.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Not wanting to distress him, she decides to call it a day.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35I think that's a sign of an old horse with good mobility,
0:40:35 > 0:40:37who doesn't want to be caught.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40He's quite agile for his age.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43He's not going to be caught, he doesn't know me
0:40:43 > 0:40:46and I'm a stranger to him, so he's a little bit wary of me.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51But just as she's about to head home, the horse's owner,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Geoff Woodhouse, unexpectedly turns up.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Hi, how are you doing? Inspector Baker from the RSPCA.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03And Penny discovers that this old horse has a truly remarkable history.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05He was three-and-a-half when I bought him,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07and he's 31.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09He's 31 years old.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11So you've had him since he was three?
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- Yes.- And what's the history of him?
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I bought him as a racehorse, a thoroughbred.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20- So he actually raced?- He won six races, really good races, yeah.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- So you were an owner, and you had a jockey riding.- Yes.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25What was his race name?
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- Bryanston Belle.- Bryanston Belle.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34In his heyday, Bryanston Belle was a champion horse.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37He raced both hurdles and chases.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Geoff clearly has fond memories of their racing days together.
0:41:41 > 0:41:47Now he intends to pay his champion back by giving him the care he needs in his latter years.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53You'll very often hear about ex-racehorses not having the
0:41:53 > 0:41:54best of a life when they get older -
0:41:54 > 0:41:57what made you keep him and look after him throughout his old years?
0:41:57 > 0:41:59Well, he looked after me!
0:41:59 > 0:42:01I think that's a fair enough deal, isn't it?
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Yeah, so I look after him.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08Against all odds, what started as a report of potential animal neglect
0:42:08 > 0:42:12has turned into a story of loving care on the final straight.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15This horse has really landed on his feet, as it were,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18because he's got an owner that clearly loves him dearly,
0:42:18 > 0:42:20and he'll be here till his last days,
0:42:20 > 0:42:25living the life of Riley, in a lovely field where he gets groomed by neighbours,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28and he's well-known in the local neighbourhood.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32So I think that's a really lovely ending to this story.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:45 > 0:42:49remember, there are people out there who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53They are the people we meet on Animal 24/7.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Subtitles by Red Bee Media
0:43:17 > 0:43:20Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk