0:00:03 > 0:00:05Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08All too often our wildlife and domestic pets
0:00:08 > 0:00:12are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people
0:00:15 > 0:00:18trying to protect and care for them right around the clock.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21This is Animal 24/7.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Today on Animal 24/7...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Can you see the claws in the letterbox?
0:00:49 > 0:00:52It suggests they're probably quite hungry and they want to get out.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Drastic action is needed to rescue two cats.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Tough talking for the men suspected of poaching.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- Don't give me walking dogs on fields.- You're being fair.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10I am going to be fair. I'm going to tell you to go home.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14And the amazing story of two dogs tied by a pint of blood.
0:01:14 > 0:01:21It is a very sad moment when people do lose animals, and if we can help, we will.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30First, we're off to Cheshire, where there is a report that two cats have been abandoned.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36The RSPCA has been visiting the flat and posting food through the letterbox for a week.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41Now, Inspector Lorna Bracegirdle is back to see if anything has changed.
0:01:50 > 0:01:57On this new housing estate, with its carefully manicured gardens, something is not quite right.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05Trouble has been brewing behind the curtains of one of these flats for days and possibly weeks.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10We received a call a couple of days ago about two abandoned cats in one of these flats,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14and my colleague has been every day since last Thursday.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17On Thursday, she put some card markers in the door frame.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Today, we here to see if those card markers are still there.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23If they are, that shows no one has attended since last Thursday.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26It is obviously an offence under the animal welfare act.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Today, we'll be looking to get the cats out.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33There's no sign of any people at the house...
0:02:33 > 0:02:35SHE KNOCKS
0:02:35 > 0:02:37..and the markers are still firmly in place.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41But something inside is getting restless.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46The cats are absolutely going frantic behind the door, jumping up and scratching.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Can you see the claws in the letterbox?
0:02:48 > 0:02:52It suggests that they're probably quite hungry and want to get out now.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57And not just hungry for food.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01These two seem desperate for a bit of human company.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Just see if there are any windows on the property.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12As soon as she appears, the cats are there, too, frantically trying to get her attention.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Here is one of the little fellas.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Just obviously desperate to get out.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25Can't actually see what the conditions are like inside at the minute.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Lorna is eager to know what has been going on here.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34She approaches the neighbours for some clues.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Is it a family that live next door?
0:03:36 > 0:03:39It was a young couple, and I think they had a baby as well.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Do you think they've moved out?
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Probably. I used to see them out the front quite a lot and out the back.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47But since Christmas, I've not seen them.
0:03:47 > 0:03:53It's now March. It seems the cats could have been cooped up for weeks.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57All personal and expensive belongings have gone.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02What's left is just an old couch and things you probably wouldn't take with you.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05So it does look like they've moved.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11Lorna decides this situation is serious, and these cats need to be rescued.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17First, she needs to call in backup.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22I'm just going to give Cheshire Police a call and see if they
0:04:22 > 0:04:25can come down and give us some assistance getting these cats out.
0:04:28 > 0:04:34I'm at the property now and the door is still sealed.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38The police are on their way.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Within the hour, officers are on the scene.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49CAT MEOWS
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Now, Lorna can get into the flat.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00- It's right behind the door.- Yeah, I'm hoping when you bang it, they'll run off because they will be scared.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Fingers crossed.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11Police!
0:05:14 > 0:05:18A quick scan inside reveals no-one's home.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- OK?- Yeah.- Do you want to have a look for them?
0:05:21 > 0:05:25But frightened by this dramatic commotion, the cats have gone to ground.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32The evidence of their distress is all around.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37If you have a look at the litter tray, it just shows how long they have been left for.
0:05:37 > 0:05:45They've used their litter tray and can't fit any more in it so they have taken to toileting around the area.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49In the bedroom, things are not much better.
0:05:49 > 0:05:57There's a strong smell of ammonia throughout the flat, like they've been urinating on everything.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I can't see where they have been using...
0:06:00 > 0:06:04Then, suddenly the first cat breaks cover.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06He's terrified.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11But with some gentle words of encouragement...
0:06:11 > 0:06:13There you go.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16..Lorna soon manages to calm him down.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20It's all been a bit scary, hasn't it, eh?
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Don't go and bang on the window.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- Now she can check him over. - This is a boy.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32An entire male. This is the one I could see through the window.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37He's quite lean now I've got my hands on him. I can feel his pelvic bones.
0:06:37 > 0:06:45You can feel his spine. You're a bit on the skinny side aren't you, mate?
0:06:45 > 0:06:53Yeah. He's just getting a bit tetchy so I think will pop him in the basket and he'll feel more secure.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57They are very, very flighty.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03This cat is now safely boxed up, and Lorna can go in search of his friend.
0:07:03 > 0:07:09Left to their own devices, these two have become nervous and edgy.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13I'll pop him straight in the basket so he doesn't get too distressed.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18But Lorna is hoping they're still young enough to mend their ways.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23They've been on their own for however long and not seen human contact, so they have become a bit more wary.
0:07:23 > 0:07:29That's why they're just getting themselves a bit distressed but once we get them back to the cattery,
0:07:29 > 0:07:34with a bit of time and patience and once they get trust back, they should be absolutely fine.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39The cats will now be taken to see the vet.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43But just as Lorna is about to leave, there's a dramatic twist.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48Someone claiming to be the cats' owner has just turned up.
0:07:48 > 0:07:54Now Lorna can find out why these pets have been left to live in such squalor.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Later...
0:08:02 > 0:08:05He says he's not been here for four days.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10He just said he contacted the RSPCA earlier this week about what to do about these cats.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Well, I have no record of him contacting us.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17And suspicions are raised on poaching patrol.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Classic hare coursing vehicle.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Old 4x4, lots of people in it, one long dog in it.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29When you're sitting in a waiting room thinking about giving blood,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31it's always a nerve-wracking experience.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36Thankfully, today it's not me but man's best friend here
0:08:36 > 0:08:40who's about to give an honest pint to save others.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45Every day in the UK, hundreds of our pets need critical operations.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49And, just like with humans, the difference between life and death
0:08:49 > 0:08:52can sometimes be a transfusion of blood.
0:08:54 > 0:09:00For decades, mankind has been giving blood and saving lives, but now there is a new wave of donors.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- This is Tara, a lightning-quick greyhound...- Go on, Tata!
0:09:09 > 0:09:12..and a regular blood donor.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19The blood she has given has already saved dozens of other dogs.
0:09:19 > 0:09:25I've come along to Birmingham to meet her and her owner, Stefan Edwards, to find out more.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- Hi, Stefan.- Hello. - Who have we here then?
0:09:28 > 0:09:33We have Leyla, and Tata, or Tara.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36You've got speed and power covered here, haven't you?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Yes, we have.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Two very different animals. Given that they both look healthy,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44I guess we're talking about donors of blood here, rather than recipients.
0:09:44 > 0:09:51Yes, yes. Tara is going to give some blood a bit later on, hopefully.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56Adults are often a bit nervous when they give blood, slightly frightened of the needle. What about Tara?
0:09:56 > 0:09:59She was not too bad last time.
0:09:59 > 0:10:05She actually sat down and lay down quite still, but afterwards,
0:10:05 > 0:10:10they gave her a bit of food, just like we do - we get a cup of tea and a biscuit.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13So, you're the perfect patient, Tara.
0:10:13 > 0:10:20Stefan first found out about the pet blood donor scheme from his local vets. He knew he wanted to help.
0:10:20 > 0:10:26So when the vet suggested you could join the scheme, what were your concerns?
0:10:26 > 0:10:30We were worried about Tara to begin with,
0:10:30 > 0:10:35but the vets gave her a once-over, checked her heart, checked the blood
0:10:35 > 0:10:40to see if it was OK to donate, and they gave her a thumbs up.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43She seems really happy giving it.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48I'm familiar with the idea of humans giving blood, but I never really thought about dogs before.
0:10:48 > 0:10:56- Is there a big demand?- I would say there is, but not a lot of people know about the scheme because
0:10:56 > 0:11:03every animal, everything living has to have blood once in a while, and we, hopefully,
0:11:03 > 0:11:07can give that opportunity to another animal or another dog.
0:11:08 > 0:11:16It is a very sad moment when people do lose animals and if we can help, we will.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Come on, Tata.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22So, having got plenty of oxygen in her blood following
0:11:22 > 0:11:26a good workout in the park, it's time to give some away.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Across town, the pet blood bank mobile clinic is in full swing.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40Dozens of dogs have turned up to donate a pint.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Clinics like this are held at vets up and down the country.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Tara is the latest donor to walk through the door.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Vet, Vanessa Ashall, calls her through for her appointment.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- Hello.- Hello. Here comes Tara.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Hello, Tara.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59How is everybody?
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- Not too bad. - Good. And Tara is fine, is she?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Yeah, she's lovely, and she's had a nice long run.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Good, you've worn her out for us? Well done!
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Tara has been through this before, so she knows the ropes.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- She did a brilliant job last time, didn't she?- She did.- Excellent.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18And she's up for it again? She seems very happy to be here.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- Yeah, I think she's quite glad to come back and help.- And see the team again. Good girl!
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Well, it's going...- She's so calm, isn't she? Amazingly placid.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27No last-minute nerves.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29No, this is a perfect donor.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33She's really happy to meet different people and very positive.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Very confident dog, which is just what we need.
0:12:35 > 0:12:42But she still has to go through a series of checks to make sure she's healthy enough to give blood.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Didn't even flinch. - No, she's a very brave girl.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Is it a bit like us? Are some a bit wimpy and frightened of needles?
0:12:48 > 0:12:51They are, yes, unfortunately.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56In general, dogs are better than people with this kind of thing, but some dogs to find it frightening
0:12:56 > 0:12:59and, at that point, we would say it's not fair to them.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03We'll let them go home and give them a treat for coming, but what we're looking for is donors
0:13:03 > 0:13:06who enjoy the experience and are quite relaxed.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Just like us, dogs have different blood types.
0:13:11 > 0:13:19Tara's donation will be held in storage until a dog that matches her grouping needs a transfusion.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- I'm more than happy for her to go in and donate so we will take her through to the nurse now.- Yeah.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30After the vital health checks, it's now time to begin the procedure.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31Come on, Tara.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Good dog! There we are.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Vicky is just cleaning the neck now.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43We need to use a surgical scrub to get the neck very clean.
0:13:43 > 0:13:50No sedatives or anaesthetic are used, so the dog must have a good temperament.
0:13:50 > 0:13:56It's incredible to see how relaxed and good-natured Tara is.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Are you the nervous relative? - Yes, yes.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08It's always a tense moment.
0:14:08 > 0:14:14As the operation gets under way, Stefan stays close for moral support.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17The blood's coming out. Here it comes.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Dogs can give a larger percentage of their blood than humans,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23making donations like Tara's especially important.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25How much blood do you take?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28We take 450ml, which is just under a pint.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31It's a human collection bag we're using, so it's exactly the same
0:14:31 > 0:14:34as would be taken when a person went to give blood.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39That's why our donors need be a reasonable-sized dog, over 25 kilos.
0:14:39 > 0:14:46In the past, if a dog needed blood, the donor had to be found and brought in to surgery.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49The transfusion would be performed there and then.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54This made the whole process much slower and trickier.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55So that's it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57The blood bag is full.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59She's done a brilliant job, hasn't she?
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Hasn't she just!
0:15:02 > 0:15:06It's taken about five minutes for the bag to fill up.
0:15:06 > 0:15:12This donation will soon be able to help another dog, regardless of its breed.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Although they have different blood types, it is not species-dependent necessarily,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20so the right kind of blood from a Rottweiler could go into a Jack Russell?
0:15:20 > 0:15:25Absolutely. As long as they've got the right blood type, the blood can go to another dog
0:15:25 > 0:15:29with that blood type, which could be any breed of any shape or size.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32So Tara's blood isn't going to give a dachshund a burst of speed, is it?
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Absolutely not, no!
0:15:36 > 0:15:42Before she leaves, Tara is given another quick check to make sure she's back to her best.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48Then she gets a special souvenir to celebrate the public-spirited job she has done.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50This bandana...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54is for her, to say that she has saved a life, at least one life now.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56"I'm a pet lifesaver", it says.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01A dog's recovery from blood donation is much quicker than a human's.
0:16:01 > 0:16:08By the time she's given a quick snack to boost her blood sugar, Tara has already regained her composure.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Does it feel like a positive experience to you, Stefan?
0:16:11 > 0:16:15Yes, yes. She's been very happy while she's been doing it.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- If she was in any distress, I wouldn't...- You wouldn't do it. - I'd stop it.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22But she's been absolutely lovely.
0:16:22 > 0:16:29As for you, Tara, your hard work is done! The noble sacrifice of a pint of blood.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Tara can now leave the clinic, but my day is not over yet.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37I'm just bringing Tara's blood into the lab.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42'40 miles away in Loughborough is the pet blood bank storage facility.'
0:16:42 > 0:16:45It keeps all the donated blood in controlled conditions.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49When it's needed to save a life, it will be quickly shipped out.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52That's Tara's blood pack, right there.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56So while she's off gambolling in a park, what she gave is ready and waiting
0:16:56 > 0:17:00to give life to a dog in an emergency.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13Coming up... Can Tara help this desperately ill terrier?
0:17:13 > 0:17:18It's quite sad to see him like this.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I just love him to bits.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24And the Cheshire cats needing a fresh start.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Been through a lot, but hopefully we can find their forever home.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38Now we're off to Lincolnshire, and the operation to crack down on illegal hare coursing.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43Setting dogs on hares was banned in England and Wales in 2004,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46but it's still a real problem in some rural communities.
0:17:46 > 0:17:52For many coursers, the pursuit is all about testing the speed and agility of their animals.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55For the officers trying to crack down on it,
0:17:55 > 0:17:59catching people in the act is often the hardest part of the job.
0:18:03 > 0:18:09This aerial footage shows suspected hare coursing in action.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14RADIO: 'We do have video of one of the males releasing his dog onto a hare.'
0:18:14 > 0:18:22Gangs like these are being caught on camera by police forces on an all-too-regular basis.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23'9-9.
0:18:23 > 0:18:29'We've probably got several persons and about ten dogs in total, and we are videoing this.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33'We have got them letting dogs off on to a rabbit at the moment that we're watching.'
0:18:33 > 0:18:36It is much easier to see evidence of hare coursers from the air.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39From the ground, it's extremely difficult.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41'Message received.'
0:18:45 > 0:18:47Lincolnshire - wildlife crime officer,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51Nigel Lound, is responding to a call about suspected hare coursers.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55We've got very brief details at the minute.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59It's a matter of getting units to the scene and seeing what's there.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04His morning patrol is part of a new initiative - Operation Galileo.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Its purpose is clear.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09We're trying to get the message across that police in Lincolnshire,
0:19:09 > 0:19:14in conjunction with landowners and rural communities, will not tolerate hare-coursing.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16But they're very hardcore individuals.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19They love their dogs, they love their coursing,
0:19:19 > 0:19:24and it doesn't seem to bother them if they get their vehicles seized, or they're arrested once a week.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26So it's a bit of an uphill struggle, to be honest.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Lincolnshire is ideal hare-coursing countryside.
0:19:32 > 0:19:38The flat landscape and acres of farmland make it a prime target for coursers.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42Many travel the length and breadth of the country to get here.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44We're getting in excess of 200 reports some months,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48and it's affecting the quality of life of people living in the rural areas.
0:19:48 > 0:19:55We're talking two, three, four lads, trespassing on land, with dogs, purely intent on taking hares.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00They'll walk across a field and they'll put a hare up,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04bang and they just set the dog on it from five metres, 10 metres.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07They'll just kill the hare, leave it and throw it in a dyke.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14PC Lound arrives at the scene, where fellow officers have already pulled over the suspect vehicle.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- We've got all your names then, gents, have we?- Yeah.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Where are we all from?
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Northampton.- Where?- Northampton.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Have you been to Lincs before,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- hare coursing?- A year ago.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33The men in the 4x4 tell PC Lound they're from Northampton,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35and have travelled hundreds of miles simply to walk their dog.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39I'm a wildlife crime officer, don't give me any rubbish.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- Don't give me walking dogs on fields. - You're being fair with us. - I am being fair.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Just tell us to go home. - I'm going to tell you to be home. - I just want to go home.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51It's a story that PC Lound has heard many times, and one that raises his suspicions.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54I will promise you, that if we catch just your vehicle off road,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- anywhere in Lincolnshire, you're all getting locked up.- I know that.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00We're going to seize your vehicle, and I'm going to be seizing your dogs.
0:21:02 > 0:21:09It's obviously a classic hare-coursing vehicle, old 4x4, lots of people in it, one long dog in it.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13They chase rabbits and hares, that is what they do, they are a running dog.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Lurcher, lurcher cross whippet, that's a classic courser's dog.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Theyse are from Northampton, a long way away.
0:21:23 > 0:21:29They come out with a rubbish excuse, which doesn't go down very well at all.
0:21:29 > 0:21:35With no firm evidence, PC Lound can't prove these men have been hare coursing,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38but he still wants to investigate further.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- I'm an authorised vehicle examiner. - The vehicle is given a thorough inspection by his colleagues.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Should we find any fault that constitutes what I would call a major road safety issue,
0:21:47 > 0:21:52there's a possibility that this vehicle will not be able to carry on its journey.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57And it's not long before they find some problems,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00including a man with a hangover asleep in the boot.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- Bless him. Come on, sleepy head. - All right, geezer?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05All right, chap?
0:22:05 > 0:22:08It's not to the best way to travel in a car, is it, mate?
0:22:08 > 0:22:12And there are bigger worries at the front of the vehicle.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15It is an offence, you're driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19My colleague's already spoken to you about the number of passengers in your vehicle,
0:22:19 > 0:22:24these are also offences for which you'll be reported.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29Whatever they're doing miles away from home, they've now reached the end of their journey.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33This off-roader is definitely going off the road.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37For this vehicle to move, it has to be on a low loader or on a trailer.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42You can't use a front axle lift, because then the rear axle of this vehicle will still be on the road.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46The driver is banned from driving this car.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51So, for all the passengers, and the dog, it's time for them to begin the long walk home.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56At the end of the day, the vehicle has been prohibited from going anywhere.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58They'll have to find another vehicle to get back,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01or get a garage to square that one up for them.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04So quite a result, really.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09And with the suspected coursers beginning their journey,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Nigel heads off to continue patrolling the Lincolnshire countryside.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24Later, a critical time as a vital transfusion begins.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Fingers crossed and just hope for the best now.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Let's just hope it all works.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40In Cheshire, RSPCA inspectors are trying to solve the mystery of who abandoned two cats.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43The owner hasn't been seen around the flat for days, so the police
0:23:43 > 0:23:46were called to break in and rescue the animals.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49But now there's been a major development.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01At the Cheshire flat, Lorna Bracegirdle is on the verge of a breakthrough.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04A man claiming to be the cats' owner has turned up.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06What's he said then?
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- Basically, he's in the process of moving out.- Right.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15He's now started to tell the police why he left the cats on their own.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17He says he's not been here for four days.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20He just said he contacted the RSPCA earlier this week
0:24:20 > 0:24:26about what to do about his cats, and then he said he's left them sufficient food and water
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- for the days he was going to be away.- Right, okey-doke.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34I've no record of him contacting us.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39They owner has told the police Socks and his partner, Bubbles, should be given a better life elsewhere.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42So he's prepared to sign them over then, is he?
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Yeah, he was already going to hand them over to a cat rescue place.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Right.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52But Lorna is not content to let the story end here.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56She goes back into the house to interview the owner under caution.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Do you think it's acceptable to leave them four or five days without checking on them?
0:25:05 > 0:25:10Do you think the cats would have known to save their food and eat it over a long period?
0:25:10 > 0:25:16The owner tells Laura he has only left the cats for four days, not for months as she was previously told.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19But for Lorna, this is still not acceptable.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25What do you think this could have happened in those four or five days you didn't attend and check on them?
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Now the interview is over.
0:25:33 > 0:25:39People just need to realise that, even if you've moved out and you're struggling to find a charity
0:25:39 > 0:25:43to take them on, in the meantime, in the interim period, you are still their owners,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46you're still responsible for their care and welfare.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Socks and Bubbles have been left to fend for themselves for days.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Lorna needs to get them to the vets to make sure they have not suffered any lasting effects.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- A short drive away...- Hello. - Hiya, Lorna, are you all right?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04..Sean Taylor will examine the cats.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07There was no evidence of any food down.
0:26:07 > 0:26:14There was water and just empty tin cans all over the place, so I don't think they've had anything to eat.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16They are very slender.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20First on the table is Socks.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- Let's have a look at you. - He's the more nervous of the two.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29He's been given an age of one-and-a-half, this one.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Yeah, we're probably not so far off that.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Socks does seem reasonably healthy.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37He's clearly been well fed and cared for in the past.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41But for Sean, keeping a pet is about more than just food.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44They haven't been satisfying this cat's needs,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47which is not just all about feeding them and giving them water.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49It is about other things.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Anxiety, can they toilet correctly?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Have they been protected from injury or disease?
0:26:54 > 0:26:59Have they been checked every day to make sure they haven't injured or given themselves any problems?
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Went Lorna first found Socks, he was very wary.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06You wouldn't think that was the same cat, that we've just pulled out of there.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11But after just a short time with people, he seems to be slowly be regaining his trust.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16They were almost getting on the verge of being semi-feral, just because of the amount of time
0:27:16 > 0:27:19they've been on their own they've not seen human contact,
0:27:19 > 0:27:26and just because of how frightened they were with us bashing the door in, strangers running into the house.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31But now they've been in the van for an hour and they're in the warmth, they're nice and calm.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Sean is happy that Socks is healthy.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Bubbles. BUBBLES MEOWS
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Now it's time to check up on rescue cat number two.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- Very flaky.- Yeah. - It's just stress that, isn't it?
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Yeah, in a stressed situation.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Closer inspection shows he's suffered a bit more wear and tear.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56We've got a broken canine there which shouldn't really give him a great deal of trouble.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01Thankfully, though, both these cats have escaped their ordeal relatively unscathed.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02Right, chaps.
0:28:05 > 0:28:12What they need now is plenty of love and attention where they can blossom as family pets.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14There you are, mate.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23And it's such a short life that he's had, one and a half years,
0:28:23 > 0:28:27and Bubbles, there, at 11 months, they've been through a lot.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29But hopefully we can find their forever home.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36You like all the attention, don't you, mate?
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Still to come, there's a chance of a new life for Bubbles.
0:28:42 > 0:28:48Sarah didn't want to keep the name Bubbles, not sure why.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53And then there was a big competition and a big vote, and Alfie won.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Earlier we saw Tara the greyhound giving blood.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05Transfusions between pets might seem like an incredible idea, but a recent change in the law
0:29:05 > 0:29:09means dogs can give blood to help their fellow canines.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14Now it's time to find out what's going to happen to Tara's generous gift, and if it can save a life.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27In the treatment room of this vet's in Hay-on-Wye, there's a pet for whom time is running out.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34Four-year-old Jack is a dog desperately ill with anaemia.
0:29:34 > 0:29:40He's not producing any red blood cells, and his life is slowly ebbing away.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43Previous treatments for his condition have been unsuccessful,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47and a blood transfusion is thought to be his only hope.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49OK, we're ready for him.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54Tonight we're waiting for some blood to arrive, which we've ordered from the Canine Blood Bank,
0:29:54 > 0:29:59and we're going to give him a blood transfusion, which will hopefully make him feel a lot better
0:29:59 > 0:30:03and give him chance and time to respond to the treatment that he's on.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11The blood from Tara the greyhound is exactly what they're waiting for.
0:30:11 > 0:30:17Six weeks ago, I watched as Tara gave a pint of her own blood to help another dog.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Tests have now shown Tara and Jack are the same blood type.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Her donation was immediately dispatched,
0:30:24 > 0:30:29and after a mercy dash of more than 100 miles, it finally arrives.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37As it's eagerly unpacked, Jack is prepared for the transfusion that may help to save his life.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45Jack's illness means his immune system is killing his red blood cells,
0:30:45 > 0:30:49the very things that Tara's blood can provide.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56The strain is taking its toll on Jack's owner, Michelle.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Jack's been pretty poorly
0:30:58 > 0:31:03for a while now, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, up and down.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05I've been quite close to losing him.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10The transfusion begins, and it's a critical time.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13There you go, make you feel better, won't it?
0:31:13 > 0:31:15The first 10 minutes are crucial.
0:31:15 > 0:31:21In some cases, the blood can be rejected. If that happens, Jack could die.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25It's quite sad to see him like this.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27I just love him to bits.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29I'm really hoping now that
0:31:29 > 0:31:34it'll work for him, and that he'll pull through.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37There's an anxious wait to see how his body reacts.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42As the seconds pass, so does the danger.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47The fresh blood is accepted, and the transfusion can go ahead as planned.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51Fingers crossed and just hope for the best now.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53I just hope it all works.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58With the first hurdle over, Jack is hooked up to the drip overnight.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Staff make regular checks to see if he's OK.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05Come on then, Jack. Come on.
0:32:07 > 0:32:13Jack's been on his drip for just over an hour now, and as you can see, he's already feeling a bit brighter.
0:32:13 > 0:32:19His tail's wagging a bit harder so, fingers crossed, he'll continue to improve.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23But just replacing Jack's blood won't be enough, his body needs to use the strength
0:32:23 > 0:32:29in Tara's red cells to restart his own immune system, then he can produce healthy blood of his own.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Good lad, aren't you?
0:32:32 > 0:32:37Whether his body has the strength to fight on will only become clear in the next few days.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54It's seven days later.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59Since his transfusion, Jack has been recovering at home with his best friend, Tess.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03You don't want to play, do you? No, Tess is the always the one that takes all the balls.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08Although he has a long way to go, Michelle has certainly noticed a difference.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13Since Jack had his transfusion a week ago, he's perked up quite a lot.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18He's still not his normal, bouncy self, but he's definitely showing signs of improvement.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21A lot more tail-wagging, a lot more interest in things.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24He saw a frog last night, and he was determined that he was going to pounce on that.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29Good boy! Yeah... Oi!
0:33:29 > 0:33:30Come back here.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32Aaah...
0:33:32 > 0:33:36You get tired, still, quite easily, don't you?
0:33:37 > 0:33:42There are signs of the old Jack there, which is really, really good.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47We just keep our fingers crossed and hope that he keeps going on the same direction.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54He's my baby, he means the world to me.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Him and Tess just... Oh, I love them to bits.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01They are my world.
0:34:01 > 0:34:09I very rarely go anywhere without Jack or Tess, they just mean everything to me.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Come on, this way, this way.
0:34:15 > 0:34:21Although Jack seems to have recovered some of his spark, there are still more hurdles to overcome.
0:34:25 > 0:34:32Michelle has been taking him for regular checkups to see if his red blood count is increasing.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36If it is, that means he's starting to produce his own healthy cells.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40It is creeping up really, really slowly.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44Although it's difficult not to get too excited, it's obviously quite positive,
0:34:44 > 0:34:51but there's still that worry that it might go down, so I'm hoping today it will have gone up again.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56A healthy dog will have a red blood count of between 35 and 45.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01- This way.- Before the transfusion, Jack's was just at 25.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06Today's blood tests will establish if the Tara factor has really kicked in.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13- Right, how is Jack today? - Yeah, he's fairly bright still.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16As you can see, wagging tail.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20Right, let's have him up on the table.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23We're just checking the colour of Jack's gums.
0:35:23 > 0:35:29They're a nice healthy pink colour, so that's much better than when he was initially ill.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32He was really quite white-colour.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34So far, so good.
0:35:34 > 0:35:39- And Jack's heart and temperature are also normal.- Sounds good.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41But the biggest test is yet to come.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44We'll take some blood.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54He's getting a bit more reluctant for us to do that.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Good boy.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01A fresh sample of blood is taken.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03OK, so we just need to go and test this.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06For Jack, this procedure is becoming all too familiar.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Good boy, stay there.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14And every time he has to go through this, Michelle has an agonising wait.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21She keeps her fingers crossed that her beloved pet is making steady progress.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25Upstairs, Helen performs the crucial tests.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32It takes just a couple of minutes.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42And finally, Helen returns with some vital statistics.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- Good news, Michelle. It's gone up to 31 today.- Oh, wow!
0:36:46 > 0:36:49That is such good news.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55It's just what everyone's been waiting for.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Good boy, such a good boy.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Jack's blood count is nearly back to normal.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Oh, just...
0:37:02 > 0:37:04amazing, absolutely brilliant. So, so pleased.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Hopefully he'll soon be back to his old, lively self.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Running around, totally mad.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15Going for walkies, you'll be able to go walkies again soon. Yes!
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Won't that be nice?
0:37:18 > 0:37:23It's been an incredible journey that's criss-crossed the country with heartache and hope.
0:37:23 > 0:37:29Tara's blood has travelled from Birmingham to Hay-on-Wye via the Pet Blood Bank in Loughborough.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34Remarkably, it's now given a once gravely ill Jack a second chance.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40It's just an incredible service that has saved Jack's life.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45I'm just so pleased I made the right decision and went with the transfusion,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47because here he is, still, today.
0:37:50 > 0:37:56- Come on.- They may live many miles apart, but with a blood tie to bind them,
0:37:56 > 0:38:01Tara and Jack now have a unique and lasting bond.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Finally, we're back to the story of Socks and Bubbles.
0:38:11 > 0:38:17The two cats were climbing the walls after being left cooped up in a flat.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22But now, after being cared for in a cattery, they're about to be given a new lease of life.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34Over the past few months, there's been very little for these two Cheshire cats to grin about.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37But life for Socks and Bubbles is now on the up.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43The two cats had been living with minimal human contact.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49But now they're on their way to new owners who can give them the individual attention they crave.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Aren't you lovely? Beautiful.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58Socks is the first to pack his bags.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- Want me to pop him in for you? - Yes, please. Thank you.
0:39:00 > 0:39:07He's heading off to a new life with Jim and Sheila Tynan at their home near Manchester.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14He's lovely.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17Socks is home now.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20There he is. Come on, little fella.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24He's still very wary of strangers.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26He's coming out.
0:39:26 > 0:39:32But, with a little encouragement, this once nervous cat begins to come out of his shell.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36He'll get to know us in a few days, won't he?
0:39:36 > 0:39:40We couldn't wait until today came, because we were so looking forward to having him,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42having not had a cat for about five years.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46We lost the last one, and it was very saddening for us all.
0:39:46 > 0:39:52Jim's been a cat lover all his life, and Socks is about to fill a very special place in his heart.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54He's like Skippy, isn't he?
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Jim was devastated when his last cat, Skippy, died.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02Socks has exactly the same markings, and is the ideal replacement.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08I saw this cat in the paper and it reminded me so much of Skippy.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12I said to Sheila, "I'm sure that I'd love that cat."
0:40:12 > 0:40:16So it said, "Cattery open from 11-3."
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Well, we were there at 10 to 11 in the morning.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24With such a handsome set of white paw markings,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27the Tynans have decided to stick with Socks as his name.
0:40:30 > 0:40:37But for his old friend, Bubbles, it's not just a new home, but a new identity, too.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39PURRING
0:40:39 > 0:40:43His new owners, Martha Copsey and children, Sarah and Jacob,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47decided to blow Bubbles away, and try him with a new name instead.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50PURRING
0:40:50 > 0:40:58We decided to change his name to Alfie, cos Sarah didn't want to keep the name Bubbles. I'm not sure why.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01And there was a big competition, a big vote.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- And "Alfie" won.- But, although he may have a new name,
0:41:04 > 0:41:10Alfie, like Socks, still carries a few issues from his previous life.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15At first, he didn't want to go out of his carrier.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19Then when he went out of the carrier he started hiding.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Then he came out, heard a dog bark, and hid behind the sofa for a while.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24He's just been quite nervous.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29But as you can see, even since yesterday, he's had moments
0:41:29 > 0:41:32when he's become a lot more relaxed.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Noises or...
0:41:35 > 0:41:40like Jake said, a dog barking sent him hiding behind the sofa.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43So... We've only had him 24 hours.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46ALFIE PURRS
0:41:47 > 0:41:52From the noises he's making, Alfie is clearly loving his new home.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56And his good nature has certainly won the hearts of his new family.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02He is a nice, affectionate cat who likes being stroked.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07When he's not hiding, he likes to relax.
0:42:07 > 0:42:15It's encouraging that he likes being stroked by anybody and will come and sit on my lap and my husband's lap.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19So I think he'll be quite happy here.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26It's a very happy ending for these once-abandoned cats.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31A month ago, both were all alone and left to fend for themselves.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Their new lives couldn't be more different.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Inquiries revealed the original owner had not contacted the RSPCA,
0:42:45 > 0:42:49but was on a waiting list for another animal charity.
0:42:49 > 0:42:55But the RSPCA believe this did not give him a reason for abandoning the cats in such a mess.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59The owner pleaded guilty to failing to meet the animals' needs,
0:42:59 > 0:43:04and was ordered to pay £500 costs, and banned from keeping animals for five years.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd