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 > 0:00:45'Today on Animal 24:7...'
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Come on, heffalump.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51'..crisis for the pooch who's piled on the pounds.'
0:00:51 > 0:00:56Her breathing's compromised due to the extra weight she's carrying.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Every step will literally be an effort for her, to be honest.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05'A police raid at an owl-lover's home faces a major setback.'
0:01:05 > 0:01:11He's had an owl put his claw straight through the vein. The hole's about that big.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15'And a tiny fragment causing huge problems for Ralf.'
0:01:16 > 0:01:19The fact is, it's like a stone in the shoe,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and you wouldn't want that in one of your joints.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29To many people, the classic image of animal cruelty
0:01:29 > 0:01:32is when a dog has been starved.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Its ribs are showing and it can hardly move.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37But, as this next story shows,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41the problems can be just as bad when a pet is given too much food
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and becomes really fat.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51'We're often warned about the consequences of a junk food diet.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57'Obesity rates are on the rise and a couch potato lifestyle
0:01:57 > 0:02:00'can have serious health implications.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05'But it's not just people that can be affected.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07'Our pets are, too.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11'The latest complaint is in Preston.
0:02:11 > 0:02:17'Inspector Mandy Barr has been told that a dog is so fat, it can barely walk.'
0:02:17 > 0:02:22Hi, I'm from the RSPCA. Someone's called concerned, saying it's really overweight.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26'Inside, though, the size of the dog is not the only problem.'
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Ooh, look at her ears. That's not normal.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- 'There's a whole host of issues.' - She is quite matted underneath.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39'And it seems to be all because the dog doesn't get out and about.'
0:02:39 > 0:02:44Her feet look quite bad, as well, and I can't tell if her nails are there. I just don't know.
0:02:44 > 0:02:51'Mandy's seen enough. This dog, Rosie, needs help. The family is persuaded to let her go.'
0:02:51 > 0:02:56It's not her dog. It was dumped on her last year. But she's looked after it so she is responsible.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00'Rosie is so overweight, she can barely walk.'
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- DOG BARKS - Are we going to try and lift you up? Come on, then, Rosie!
0:03:04 > 0:03:08'Mandy has to use all her strength to get Rosie to the van.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10SHE GROANS
0:03:10 > 0:03:15'And outside, the sorry state of this King Charles is clear to see.'
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Come on, heffalump.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20'Rosie's a huge bundle of fat and matted fur.'
0:03:20 > 0:03:24She's really heavy, but she's also reluctant to move,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27because she's overweight, and she's panting quite a lot.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32So she just sort of flops down after a couple of seconds of moving.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37But, yeah, she's quite hefty. A lot of that will be the fur, as well. But she is very overweight.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42'Rosie's size will be putting plenty of strain on her heart, as well as her legs.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47'She needs to see a vet to find out how much she's suffering.'
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Come on, then, fatty!
0:03:52 > 0:03:56'Once again, Rosie is unable to walk.'
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Come on, then, sweetheart.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04'Vet Claire Shaw is on hand to check her over.'
0:04:04 > 0:04:07She's got quite a bit of wheezing and crackling on her chest there.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12Cos she is quite large, that could be a lot of referred noise from the upper airway.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16'Examining Rosie is not an easy task.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Her paws are... I can't tell whether her nails are there or not.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25And her back end, there's actually faeces within her fur at the back.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30That claw is curled right the way round.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35'Claire soon discovers it's not just weight which is holding Rosie back.'
0:04:35 > 0:04:41There's a claw here that's also cracked and actually broken off.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44On her hind feet, as well. These are quite difficult to see.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49The claw has actually grown round and into the pad. That's obviously not just happened.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52'All of Rosie's claws are painfully overgrown.'
0:04:52 > 0:04:56For the claws to go round like that, you're looking at a few months, at least.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59'This is a direct result of her couch potato lifestyle.'
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Most dogs that get regular exercise don't need their claws trimming
0:05:03 > 0:05:07cos they'll naturally wear down through walking on hard surfaces.
0:05:07 > 0:05:13But ideally, all dogs should have their claws checked at least every three months, really.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16These have certainly not been looked at
0:05:16 > 0:05:19since they've had the dog, unfortunately.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- Rosie. Ooh, you've got a nasty tooth there, haven't you, sweetie? - Very nasty tooth.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27'And whatever Rosie's eating is rotting her teeth.'
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I've removed quite a large chunk of matted hair and food
0:05:30 > 0:05:35and I've found tooth roots are exposed there
0:05:35 > 0:05:41and quite a lot of discharge and infection around the roots, so those will need extracting.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- 'And, on the other side...'- Ooh.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46'..her tooth decay is even worse.'
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I've examined the right-hand side of her mouth
0:05:48 > 0:05:53and a large plaque of what looks to be matted food and discharge there.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57'The verdict on Rosie is damning. She has a series of chronic problems
0:05:57 > 0:06:02'caused by lack of exercise, poor grooming and a bad diet.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04'She needs immediate treatment.'
0:06:05 > 0:06:10The kindest thing would be to put her under anaesthetic and have a look at her teeth when she's asleep.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14She will need numerous extractions, though.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19'But putting a dog this fat under anaesthetic comes with huge risks.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28'Later...'
0:06:28 > 0:06:33That's what we've just clipped off its ear, which is just all mat.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38'And Ralf the horse faces a risky procedure.'
0:06:38 > 0:06:42You can't overestimate the importance of getting the anaesthetic right.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45What's going on in his joint won't kill this horse,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48but if something goes wrong with the anaesthetic, it could.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Owls are beautiful and majestic birds
0:06:54 > 0:06:57and though usually associated with living in the wild,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01they can be kept in captivity if you have the right paperwork.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03But that's not the only thing to consider.
0:07:03 > 0:07:09If you own such a bird, they are powerful and have sharp talons, which can be dangerous.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18'It's early morning in Plymouth.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21'A team of officers are preparing to mount a raid.'
0:07:21 > 0:07:24A lot of the decisions in terms of exhibiting
0:07:24 > 0:07:26will be decided on what we actually find there.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30'A local man is suspected of illegally keeping owls.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35'Sergeant David Knight of Devon and Cornwall Police is heading up the briefing.'
0:07:35 > 0:07:38No birds will be handled by anybody unless absolutely essential.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44'It's also thought that the suspect has been opening his property to the public without a licence.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47'This is illegal.'
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- How many birds are we expecting? - We can have up to 200.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58'And it's not just the number of birds that could make this job difficult.'
0:07:58 > 0:08:03It's going to be muddy out there, so it'll be slippery under foot, so be careful.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07We won't be touching animals, so we shouldn't worry about bites or scratches.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Right, are there any questions?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13'The team is now fully briefed.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22'Officers from the National Wildlife Crime Unit, RSPCA
0:08:22 > 0:08:25and police force set off in convoy.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32'Leading the way is the council's animal welfare officer, Jackie Taylor.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35'She's had dealings with this bird owner before.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41He's, erm, changeable, I think is the word I'm looking for.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44He might be OK, he might not.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47We have to identify every bird that's there.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51We have to make sure that they're all healthy and well.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56And we have to double check each piece of paperwork, should there be any,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59against each individual bird that's there.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04Blood samples will be taken and microchips will be inserted.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15'Straight away, there are clues this owner may have been opening as a business.'
0:09:15 > 0:09:18It's obvious that he was open.
0:09:21 > 0:09:27'Inside, there's a variety of aviaries and sheds housing dozens of owls.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31'There's also a caravan where owner Brian Hooper lives.'
0:09:31 > 0:09:33We're here to execute a warrant.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36'It's the job of the police to explain.'
0:09:36 > 0:09:40What we'll do is search your property, have a look at your animals.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Why do you want to see my birds? You don't trust me?
0:09:43 > 0:09:48No, it's because we need to make sure that they've been recorded correctly.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Yeah, that's OK. It's not a problem.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57'Brian is keen to cooperate. The team can now get to work.'
0:09:57 > 0:09:59They've gone in, they've executed the warrant,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03he seems quite happy with us all being here, which is nice.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08And they're going to get a site plan of what's here
0:10:08 > 0:10:11and then start identifying birds one by one
0:10:11 > 0:10:17whilst checking welfare, taking bloods, microchipping, all that sort of thing.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24'But initial inspections reveal problems with the way these birds are living.'
0:10:26 > 0:10:28We're checking each individual cage
0:10:28 > 0:10:31to make sure there's no signs of any welfare issues.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36That one is slightly worse.
0:10:36 > 0:10:42'There are now real concerns that Brian has too many owls and is struggling to cope.'
0:10:43 > 0:10:48It's difficult to assess a condition of a bird unless you touch it,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51because of feathers and things. A bit like a hairy dog.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Some long-haired dogs look quite fat but they might be really thin.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57So it's the same sort of thing with birds.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04'Jackie is now keen to get close up to see if the birds themselves are suffering.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10'Brian brings his owls out one by one.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14'Vet Chris Gardner begins assessing each and every bird.'
0:11:14 > 0:11:19IBR closed ring, 37986Z.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24'They're scanned for chips and a description is taken.'
0:11:24 > 0:11:27C00Z.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31'This will then be checked against Brian's paperwork.'
0:11:31 > 0:11:36Looking through the caravan, we've found some documents and certificates
0:11:36 > 0:11:40and bits of paper that are relevant to his keeping the birds.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45We're just going through a few of those to check against the list of birds that we've found
0:11:45 > 0:11:48that were recorded with the experts.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55'It's not illegal to own owls, but if any of these birds have been taken from the wild,
0:11:55 > 0:11:57'Brian will be breaking the law.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01'Everything seems to be going to plan.'
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- NA7.- OK.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07'Then suddenly, a setback.'
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- I've had worse than this.- Yeah, but that's gone right through your vein.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18'Owls have incredibly sharp talons and one has ripped into Brian's hand.'
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- That's going to need stitches. - No! It isn't big enough for that.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27It is big enough for that. It's not a little tiny cut.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32'With Brian unable to handle the birds, the operation is at a standstill.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37'An ambulance has arrived.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:42He's had an owl put his claw straight through the vein. The hole's about that big.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47'The paramedics will now decide how seriously Brian has been injured
0:12:47 > 0:12:51'and whether this operation has to be postponed.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00'Later, Rosie begins her fat-fighting classes.'
0:13:00 > 0:13:04She does really enjoy it. She will pant a bit, because she's not used to it,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08but when she gets going, she's wagging her tail the whole way.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12She's so excited to be out and she just wants to enjoy herself.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Like most of the animals we treat, horses can get sick,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22and when they do, they need the very best medical attention.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27But these guys present a particular challenge in comparison to most of our pets.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Their sheer size.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34Well, today I'm at one of the biggest vet clinics in the Northwest of England
0:13:34 > 0:13:38seeing how they cope with the scale of this problem.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46'Wright and Morten has a team of six equine vets who deal with
0:13:46 > 0:13:49'several hundred cases every week.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56'The hub of their operation is their high-tech horse hospital near Congleton in Cheshire.'
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- So where is he?- Just in a stable over here.- Oh, there he is!
0:14:04 > 0:14:09'Today, Francesca Squire is visiting her 16-year-old Hanoverian, Ralf...'
0:14:09 > 0:14:11He's beautiful, isn't he?
0:14:11 > 0:14:14'..before he undergoes a critical operation.'
0:14:15 > 0:14:18So, tell me, why is he in here in the first place?
0:14:18 > 0:14:23At the end of April, I noticed that he was slightly uneven, a bit lame.
0:14:23 > 0:14:29We were hoping it was just ligament strain, but it turned out that he has a chipped bone in his fetlock.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34'The fetlock is a joint just above the hoof
0:14:34 > 0:14:36'which is critical for a horse's mobility.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43'It's vital vets operate to improve Ralf's movement and stop the pain.'
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Let's have a walk away first.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52'First, surgeon Cedric Chan wants to assess the extent of his lameness.'
0:14:53 > 0:14:56That's fine. That's great. OK.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Shall we do that again, please? - What are you looking at as he walks up and down?
0:15:00 > 0:15:04We're looking for any signs of lameness.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09When the lame leg hits the ground, the head nods up. And that can tell us which leg is lame.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15- Does the head come up cos it's a bit like us going, "Ooh!" - Yeah, absolutely. Exactly like that.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20'Ralf is lame in his right leg.
0:15:20 > 0:15:26'As he's led away, Francesca is now becoming nervous about his first ever operation.'
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- How do you feel?- A bit sick. But I'm sure he'll be fine.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33There's always a risk with anaesthetic, like with humans.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37There's a bigger risk with horses, especially large horses.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43- So will you be a bit queasy until you get the call this afternoon? - Yeah, I might have a stiff drink!
0:15:45 > 0:15:48'Ralf is prepared for the surgery.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52'Next door, I'm amazed to discover that the cause of his lameness
0:15:52 > 0:15:54'is a tiny piece of bone.'
0:15:55 > 0:15:58If you look very closely at the front here,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01you can see a little tiny fragment of bone.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03That's a chip fracture that's come off.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05You can see just where my arrow is there.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09That's actually come away from the top of the proximal phalanx.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13So the best thing for this horse is to take it out so that the joints settle down again.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17'Ralf is one of the largest horses the vets have operated one.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22'And as he waits for surgery, I meet the hospital's smallest ever patients.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29'These American miniature horses often suffer from overgrown hooves.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34'Vet Claire Phillips has been called in to help solve this common problem.'
0:16:34 > 0:16:39These ponies are often kept on straw or shavings beds a lot of the time
0:16:39 > 0:16:44and then in grassy fields, so he's not having any opportunity to wear his feet down in a normal pattern.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48So we get abnormal foot growth, which we'll need to trim back.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52The bones within the foot can take an abnormal position,
0:16:52 > 0:16:56so we want to check the position of that bone today by a radiograph.
0:16:56 > 0:17:02'At just 24 inches tall, Starburst and Dandy really are minute.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05'Owner Sarah Jane thinks small is beautiful.'
0:17:05 > 0:17:11Why do you have such a small horse? Presumably you can't ride it. Do you have it in your living room?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Well, they've been in the kitchen on several occasions,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- but not in the lounge, not yet. - SHE LAUGHS
0:17:18 > 0:17:21'Today it's Dandy's turn to have his hooves X-rayed.'
0:17:21 > 0:17:26We need to bring him round towards the front of the machine, where the X-rays come out.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30'To get a really clear image, he needs to keep still.'
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Super. That's one foot done.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38'After some gentle coaxing, the X-rays are complete.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40'It's time to assess the results.'
0:17:40 > 0:17:47We have an image of his right foot. We can see he's got a really long horny section of foot.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51His foot is already, at his age, becoming a little bit horned.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54So you were absolutely right to bring him in at this stage.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59'These X-ray results will now be sent to the farrier, allowing him to trim the hooves properly.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03'And as far as little Dandy's comfort is concerned,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07'that will be a big step in the right direction.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13'Across the hospital, the team has reached a vital point in preparing Ralf for his operation.'
0:18:13 > 0:18:17This is one of the parts they worry about most with horses, the anaesthetic,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21because they are so big and they can get a bit scared as they go down.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26'For Ralf's safety, he's given the drugs in a padded area.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35'Around one horse in every 100 dies during an anaesthetic.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39'It's vital the team works quickly to complete the procedure.'
0:18:39 > 0:18:42OK, off we go.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47'Moving more than half a tonne of horse requires the helping hand of a mechanical winch.'
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Keep going, keep going, keep going.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54'Plus another five team members to guide Ralf into position.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59'To limit the time required for Ralf's recovery,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02'Cedric will be performing keyhole surgery.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05'Once Ralf's leg has been prepared,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08'Cedric is ready to make his first incision.'
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Cutting.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14'By inserting a camera probe inside the joint,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17'Cedric should be able to find the fragment.'
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- You seem to need quite a lot of oomph to get it in.- You do, yeah.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25So let's see what we can see.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29'But finding the rogue bone is not the only pressure on the team.'
0:19:29 > 0:19:33You can't overestimate the importance of getting the anaesthetic right.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36What's going on in his joint won't kill this horse,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39but if something goes wrong with the anaesthetic, it could.
0:19:42 > 0:19:48'After gaining access to the joint, it's not long before Cedric finds the problem area.'
0:19:48 > 0:19:50So you think this could be the fragment?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53This could be part of it. If it's hard, it is.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57'Using special pincers, Cedric is soon able to remove it.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:03We're just pulling the fragment out now. And there it is.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08'It's only when the lights are raised that I can fully appreciate
0:20:08 > 0:20:10'just how minute the bone is.'
0:20:10 > 0:20:14So this tiny little flake here, smaller than a grain of rice,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17was what was causing all the problem.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21But, the fact is, it's like a stone in the shoe,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24and you wouldn't want that sitting around in one of your joints.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30'With the surgery complete, Ralf is winched back into the padded room.'
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Keep going, keep going. Hold it.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36'Getting a horse back on his feet can be dangerous.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39'There's a real risk Ralf could fall and break his leg.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44'Thankfully, after 45 minutes...'
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Here we go.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Ooh, he's up. Wobbly but up.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55'For the whole team, it's been a job well done.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57'And, thanks to the keyhole surgery,
0:20:57 > 0:21:02'Ralf should have no more pain and be able to walk more easily.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11'Coming up, a serious blow for bird lover Brian.'
0:21:11 > 0:21:15If she's blind and she's got bad feet,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19I think the outlook isn't that great for her in terms of quality of life,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22so I would say think about putting her down.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30A good diet and daily exercise are vital to our pets
0:21:30 > 0:21:34and it's down to us as their owners to make sure they're kept trim and healthy.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38But if they're denied this, a whole host of problems can arise.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41The King Charles spaniel rescued from a house in Preston
0:21:41 > 0:21:45is the perfect example of how pets can suffer.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52'Rosie is in a bad way.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55'Her teeth are black, her nails are bent double...'
0:21:55 > 0:21:58We can see that one was quite bad, wasn't it?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00'..and her coat is a matted mess.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05'Now there's one final indignity.'
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Shall we weigh her?- Yep. - Are you feeling strong?
0:22:08 > 0:22:12'Mandy and vet Claire Shaw decide to share the load.'
0:22:12 > 0:22:17She's 18 kilos. She should probably be more like 11, I would say.
0:22:17 > 0:22:23She's a big stamp of a cavalier. You get little ones, but she is a big cavalier, anyway.
0:22:23 > 0:22:29- But even with that taken in to consideration...- She needs to lose 50 percent of her weight.- At least.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33'And as she slowly hobbles away from the scales,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37'the consequences of this extra weight are vividly illustrated.'
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Her breathing is compromised due to the extra weight that she's carrying.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46Every step will literally be an effort for her, to be honest.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Coupled, as well, with the matting around the feet,
0:22:50 > 0:22:55it's almost like walking in sand all the time, your feet are constantly slipping and sliding.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58It might be that once she's all clipped off
0:22:58 > 0:23:02and she has lost weight, that her mobility does return.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06'Rosie can hardly move. Her whole body is under strain.'
0:23:06 > 0:23:09I'm just going to have a feel of her hips and knees
0:23:09 > 0:23:12before we take her through for her blood sample.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Ohh, you're a heffalump!
0:23:17 > 0:23:20On her right hind here, she has got a luxating patella.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24The patella is basically the kneecap.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28In these little guys, the groove that the kneecap sits in can be slightly shallow,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32so it slips in and out of joint and that can sometimes cause a little bit of lameness.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Again, any animal that's carrying any extra weight,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38if they've got a problem like that, it will be exacerbated.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42'Rosie is going to have to go on a crash diet
0:23:42 > 0:23:46if her aching joints are going to have any chance of improving.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52'But the priority today is to try and make her feel a bit more comfortable.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58'Her teeth and claws need to be fixed and her tangled coat needs to be shaved.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04'It's a big job, so Rosie's going to need an anaesthetic.'
0:24:04 > 0:24:10- It's Inspector Barr from the RSPCA. - 'Mandy has to speak to her owner.'
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Right, just to let you know, I'm at the vets now.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17The vet needs to keep her in. She needs to have some work done on her teeth and her fur.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20When did she last eat? Last night?
0:24:20 > 0:24:25Brilliant. Will you agree for her to have an anaesthetic?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27The vet's saying she needs it doing.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31OK, I'll let the vet get on with it, then. All right. Thanks. Bye.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40'The treatment can now begin. Mandy goes to complete the paperwork.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44'Claire prepares Rosie for her operation.
0:24:49 > 0:24:55'But with a dog this obese, there's no telling how she's going to cope with anaesthetic.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02'Her breathing is already affected by the extra weight.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05'She'll have to be closely monitored.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13'Claire begins with Rosie's rotten teeth.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19'Meanwhile, nurse Emma gets to grips with her matted mane.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25'One by one, her bad teeth are removed.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31'And huge lumps of tangled and dirty hair are shaved from her body.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34'It's a bit like sheep shearing.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39'But as the clumps are removed, the other serious problem is uncovered.'
0:25:39 > 0:25:42The claw's grown round.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45This is what happens when your claws get too long, they just grow.
0:25:45 > 0:25:51This has grown that far that it's actually twisted along itself and wound back into the pad.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54'Every step Rosie took will have been in agony.'
0:25:54 > 0:25:56So I'll just clip that off.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01'Emma continues with Rosie's coat.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04'Slowly, the knotted hair is all consigned to the bin.'
0:26:04 > 0:26:09That's just what we've just clipped off its ear, which is basically just all mat.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14'The emergency procedures are over
0:26:14 > 0:26:17'and a woozy Rosie begins to slowly come round.'
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Does that feel better, sweetie pie?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26'Now Mandy returns to see her latest patient transformed.'
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- Hiya.- Hello!- Just want to see how she's getting on.
0:26:31 > 0:26:37She's had teeth out, total clip, she has ears now and we've clipped all the nails.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- And she's looking 100 percent happier.- She looks a different dog.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45'This is only the first stage of Rosie's transformation.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- 'She needs to lose weight, but this will take time.' - Bless you, sweetheart.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55'And after interviewing the owner, Mandy thinks she knows why Rosie has been piling on the pounds.'
0:26:55 > 0:26:59She admitted that she was being fed supermarket packet ham,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02chicken, turkey and cheese slices.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05That was her diet, cos she wouldn't eat dog food.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09That's not a suitable diet for a dog, so it will affect the general health
0:27:09 > 0:27:13and the skin and the fur, but the main problem is the weight.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17'Rosie has now been signed over to the RSPCA.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21'She had a life of luxury dining and a lazy lifestyle,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25'but it's going to be a different story from now on.'
0:27:25 > 0:27:29She will be forced to eat normal dog food. She will eat it.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34Yeah, she needs to go back onto a suitable light diet and get some of that weight off
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and gradually increase her exercise to get that weight off her.
0:27:41 > 0:27:48'A month later. Rosie's fitness and weight-loss regime is well underway.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52'She's under strict supervision at the RSPCA's care home in Halifax.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58'Chris Walker has been helping her to fight the flab.'
0:27:59 > 0:28:03She's lost about three or four kilograms while she's been with us,
0:28:03 > 0:28:08but she's still got quite a way to go. It will start dropping off more slowly now,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11so in another couple of months, she might be at her ideal weight.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15'For a dog used to lounging around on the sofa all day,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18'these daily walks came as a bit of a shock.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22'But now she's slowly beginning to get used to a more active way of life.'
0:28:22 > 0:28:26She does really, really enjoy it. She will pant a bit,
0:28:26 > 0:28:30because she's not used to it, but when she gets going, she'll be wagging her tail the whole way.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34She's so excited to be out and she just wants to enjoy herself.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44'Rosie still has a long way to go, and she also needs to find an owner
0:28:44 > 0:28:47'willing to help her lose more weight and keep it off.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01'Still to come,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04'will Rosie ever ditch her couch potato lifestyle?'
0:29:04 > 0:29:09Rosie's really lazy. I get up in the morning and she's laying on the sofa.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12I have to lift her downstairs and then she will walk outside,
0:29:12 > 0:29:16does what she has to do, then she gets back up on the sofa.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Now back to Plymouth, where officers are investigating a bird lover
0:29:24 > 0:29:26suspected of keeping owls illegally.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30It's believed Brian has been rehabilitating injured wild birds
0:29:30 > 0:29:33but not releasing them back into the wild.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37It's also suspected he may have been opening to the public without a licence.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40But as the team began their search of the aviaries,
0:29:40 > 0:29:44there was a major and quite unexpected setback.
0:29:47 > 0:29:53Do you want to put your phone down a minute so we can check your hand? There's just one puncture wound.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01'Brian's been badly injured by the sharp talons of one of his own birds.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10'Paramedics finally manage to staunch the blood and bandage Brian's hand.'
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Ready to go again now?
0:30:13 > 0:30:18'Now the operation of inspecting and identifying these owls can continue.'
0:30:19 > 0:30:25Most of them are fine. I've seen the odd one with a little bit of foot damage, but generally fine.
0:30:25 > 0:30:32'But for Alan Roberts from the National Wildlife Crime Unit, there are other issues here, too.'
0:30:34 > 0:30:38The issue here is whether they've come from the wild
0:30:38 > 0:30:40and they could have been rehabilitated.
0:30:40 > 0:30:46If they're injured and they could've been rehabilitated, that is a problem for him and the birds.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51'There were also real concerns that with so many owls,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53'Brian may be struggling to cope.'
0:30:55 > 0:30:58273572.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03'And soon the team comes across one bird that gives them real cause for concern.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10'This is Snowball. He's 12 years old, he's blind
0:31:10 > 0:31:14'and he's suffering from a bacterial infection known as bumblefoot.'
0:31:17 > 0:31:20She's got the weight on her feet all the time.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23'It's a common illness amongst captive owls.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28'It's caused when a bird spends too much time standing on its feet.'
0:31:29 > 0:31:31What do you think I should do with it?
0:31:31 > 0:31:36Well, if she's blind and she's got bad feet,
0:31:36 > 0:31:39I think the outlook isn't that great for her in terms of quality of life,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42so I would say think about putting her down.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48'Brian hasn't meant to be cruel to any of his owls.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51'And, as the news of Snowball's condition hits home...'
0:31:51 > 0:31:54I really think you're doing the right thing for the animal.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59'..it becomes clear to all the officers that these birds mean the world to him.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06'With a heavy heart, Brian agrees to have Snowball put to sleep.'
0:32:08 > 0:32:13- I won't be there when you do that. - I'm so sorry, Brian.- Just take it.
0:32:14 > 0:32:20'Animal welfare officer Jackie Taylor tries her best to soften the blow.'
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- I hate doing things like this.- So do I. That's why I couldn't do it.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25- Cos it's my pride and joy. - I know it is.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30- I really know it is.- I live my life for these birds.- I know you do, Bri.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- We go back quite a long way, don't we?- Yeah, yeah.- Sorry, love.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- Bless you.- I'll be all right.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- Yep. I'll be fine. - We did the right thing for the bird. - Yeah, yeah, I know.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48'Despite the upset, the officers must conclude their operation.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54'After a thorough search, they believe Brian may be keeping some birds illegally
0:32:54 > 0:32:58'and are also suspicious that he may have been opening to the public.'
0:32:58 > 0:33:03Do you understand, if you don't turn up on this date, you could be liable for arrest?
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I've never done it before, but I'll be there.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10'The team have all the evidence they need to put their case together.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17'Brian will now have to be interviewed at the local police station in six weeks' time.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25'Seven months later.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29'The charges of opening to the public have been dropped,
0:33:29 > 0:33:32'but Brian was cautioned for taking a bird from the wild
0:33:32 > 0:33:36'and for selling an owl without the correct paperwork.'
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Hi, Brian. How are you?
0:33:41 > 0:33:46'At the original inspection, there were also concerns about the conditions the owls were living in.'
0:33:48 > 0:33:51It's smelling a bit better, isn't it, Bri?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54'So today, Jackie Taylor and PC Martin Staley
0:33:54 > 0:33:58'are coming back to check up on Brian and his birds.'
0:34:01 > 0:34:04We just need to check food, water, cleanliness,
0:34:04 > 0:34:08that you're keeping up with everything we discussed last time.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09Next, next.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14Oh, look at that lovely, fresh water. Beautiful!
0:34:15 > 0:34:18That's more like it.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22It has improved. We just need to keep coming back and nagging you, I think.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27'Jackie is pleased with the improvements
0:34:27 > 0:34:31'but she's concerned to hear that Brian's numbers have grown again.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34'He now has 91 birds.'
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- Brian, you've got to look at the bigger picture.- Yeah.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40The more they expand, the more you need to expand.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45'It seems Brian just can't stop himself when owls are in need of help.'
0:34:45 > 0:34:50Eventually, you've got to say, "I've got 91, or 95, I can't have any more."
0:34:50 > 0:34:56- So what number are you going to cap at?- About now.- About 91, 95?- Yeah.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- Yeah?- But when you say that,
0:34:58 > 0:35:02if I get a phone call in the night, "I've got an owl here,
0:35:02 > 0:35:05"I can't manage it, I can't deal with it, my husband's just died..."
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- You're going to go and get it.- Yeah.
0:35:10 > 0:35:16'But for now, at least, it seems he's in a better position to offer them a place to live.'
0:35:16 > 0:35:18I'm very satisfied with the efforts that he's making.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21There are still minor improvements that need to be done
0:35:21 > 0:35:26but he's getting there slowly considering he's a one-man operation with, now, some outside help.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35'Although Jackie's satisfied with the improvements,
0:35:35 > 0:35:39'she's determined to keep an eagle eye on the situation.'
0:35:39 > 0:35:43We can keep an eye on the numbers increasing or decreasing over the years or months
0:35:43 > 0:35:48so that we don't end up with this massive explosion of 300 birds in six months' time
0:35:48 > 0:35:50because nobody's been back.
0:35:50 > 0:35:56'It's been a long journey, but now Jackie and Brian can part on friendly terms.'
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Much happier.- Much happier.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Well done, you.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05'They'll continue working together to ensure Brian's beloved owls
0:36:05 > 0:36:07'get the care they need.'
0:36:13 > 0:36:17It's very tempting to give your dog a treat every now and then,
0:36:17 > 0:36:21but too many can cause them to become terribly overweight.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25Rosie the King Charles spaniel was just one such dog.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30Her weight ballooned after living on a diet of cheese and prime cuts of meat.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35After being rescued by the RSPCA, she's on a big weight-loss regime.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39But it seems teaching an old dog new tricks is not easy.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53'Three months ago, Rosie the cavalier was in a pitiful state.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57'She had become so overweight, she could barely stand.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03'Her hair was a matted mess and her nails were painfully overgrown.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13'Today, she's in much better shape,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16'thanks to the help of new owner Nicola Lowrie.'
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Once I saw her, I just had to have her. She's just gorgeous.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24It's a bit of a challenge, as well. I just want to help her.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29'The weight is coming off Rosie slowly
0:37:29 > 0:37:32'but it's a regime that has to be managed carefully.'
0:37:32 > 0:37:35We can only walk her twice a day for 20 minutes,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38just light walking,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41and gradually increase that,
0:37:41 > 0:37:43see how she does.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46She's got to lose the weight gradually
0:37:46 > 0:37:52and then, hopefully, she might be normal, hopefully.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58'And it's becoming clear that this is one dog who does enjoy taking things easy.'
0:37:59 > 0:38:04Rosie is really lazy. I get up in the morning and she's laying on the sofa
0:38:04 > 0:38:07and she will stay on the sofa until I lift her down
0:38:07 > 0:38:11and then she will follow me... She may follow me downstairs,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14or usually I have to lift her downstairs,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17and then she will walk outside, does what she has to do
0:38:17 > 0:38:19and then she gets back up on the sofa.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Come on.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27'Like most couch potatoes, Rosie takes some convincing
0:38:27 > 0:38:30'about the benefits of getting fresh air.'
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Good girl. Good girl!
0:38:33 > 0:38:36'But Nicola's determined to help her fight the fat.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39'If only Rosie would make a bit more effort.'
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Fetch it! Fetch it!
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- 'Nicola's certainly getting fit.' - Come on!
0:38:46 > 0:38:48'But that's not really the point.'
0:38:49 > 0:38:52I hope that we'll be able to go on longer walks.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56I hope that she'll chase a ball and that I won't have to always fetch it.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00I just hope she doesn't get so tired so quickly.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05'It's clear Nicola is going to have her work cut out.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09'But it's not only Rosie's weight that she needs to keep on top of.'
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Good girl!
0:39:14 > 0:39:17'This is the local dog grooming parlour.
0:39:17 > 0:39:22'Dozens of canines arrive every day for their hair and beauty appointment.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29'Today, Rosie's been booked in to join the list of dogs getting a wash and blow-dry.'
0:39:29 > 0:39:33I think she's really looking forward to it.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38We're just going to get her looking really nice now she's lost quite a lot of weight.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41She's having everything. She's having her claws done,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44she's getting everything, she's going to be clipped right back.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50'Rosie finds walking much easier these days.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02'In charge of her grooming today is Louise McConaughey.'
0:40:02 > 0:40:07The first thing I'm going to do is clip Rosie before she goes in the bath.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10It keeps the dogs healthy, it keeps the coat nice
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and the skin in really good condition.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Especially with spaniels, you do have to keep on top of their ears,
0:40:16 > 0:40:20cos they can have ear problems with the hair that grows in there.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24'Time for the trim. Rosie's hair begins to come off,
0:40:24 > 0:40:26'revealing a much more slender figure.'
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Most dogs to enjoy being groomed.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Just like ourselves.
0:40:32 > 0:40:38Most people like to have a bit of a pamper at the hairdressers and most dogs are just the same.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42'Her paws get special attention, too.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44'And it's a much easier job than three months ago.'
0:40:44 > 0:40:49I'm just going to take all this hair away from Rosie's toes.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52It can cause a lot of problems.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56The feet can get quite matted and they can get a lot of knots under there,
0:40:56 > 0:41:00which is quite uncomfortable for the dog, as well.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02And it can make them quite sore.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08'After the haircut, it's time for a shower.'
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Obviously, regular bathing and grooming
0:41:14 > 0:41:18does keep on top of any flee problems
0:41:18 > 0:41:21or any other parasites that the dog may get.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24'And after a quick rub-down
0:41:24 > 0:41:27'and a blow-dry,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29'it's time for a manicure.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34The majority of them are not too bad. They just need the ends taking off.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37There's one in particular that is really short,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40so whether she's been having a bit of a chew at that herself...
0:41:40 > 0:41:43There is the odd one that is quite long
0:41:43 > 0:41:45that she will need to keep an eye on.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Well, that's it for Rosie today.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53She's behaved very well to say she's never been groomed before.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58And hopefully she'll not be as nervous the next time she comes.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04'The makeover is complete and now Nicola has come back to collect her pet.'
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- Hello!- Your mum's here now! - Hello, good girl.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- How was she?- She's been fine.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15She's been really good considering she's not been to see us before.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18A bit nervous round her head, but hopefully that'll improve...
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- She looks so gorgeous.- ..when she's been to see us a few more times.
0:42:21 > 0:42:27'It's been a day of royal pampering for this King Charles spaniel.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32'And those all-important before and after shots
0:42:32 > 0:42:37'reveal Rosie's transformation has been truly remarkable.'
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- There you go.- Thank you very much. - And we shall see you in a couple of months.- Yep.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- Thanks a lot.- OK. - Bye.- See you later.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime
0:42:53 > 0:42:55or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:55 > 0:43:00remember, there are dedicated professionals out there who will answer your call around the clock.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
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0:43:10 > 0:43:14E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk