0:00:02 > 0:00:05Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07All too often, our wildlife
0:00:07 > 0:00:12and domestic pets are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:12 > 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.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'Today on Animal 24:7,
0:00:39 > 0:00:44'dealing with the dangerous dogs on Britain's streets.'
0:00:44 > 0:00:47He's biting again. Ti, he's biting again.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52'The growing problem of our abandoned pets.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:56It seems to be happening more and more.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00People move and will just kick the cats outside.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04'And the race to release four seals back to the wild.'
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Time is of the essence.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09We need to hit the road and get them out as quickly as possible.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Around 1,000 dangerous dogs are seized from London's streets
0:01:21 > 0:01:26every year, and those that are taken in the borough of Newham might well end up here
0:01:26 > 0:01:30because here, they're tackling the problem head on.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36But even a team as experienced as this can still meet fresh challenges.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42'This is Tina Delaney.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49'She's part of a team whose job it is to keep the growing number of dangerous dogs
0:01:49 > 0:01:51'off Britain's streets.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55'In the past year, Tina and he colleagues have seized 100 dogs,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59'including 39 illegal Pitbull Terriers.'
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Why are these dogs such a menace in the wrong hands?
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Because they are very powerful, a very muscular dog
0:02:06 > 0:02:08and a very pleasing breed.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10If you want the dog to be human aggressive,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13it's very easy to teach it to be human aggressive.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- If you want the dog to fight, it's very easy to teach it to fight. - That's quite frightening.
0:02:18 > 0:02:24It's such a powerful animal that if you can train it to do nasty things, that's a real danger.
0:02:24 > 0:02:30If you can train it to do nasty things, you have a potential fatal dangerous weapon.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34'Today's first call is to a garage in East London.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38'Tina has removed Pitbulls from the premises before.'
0:02:40 > 0:02:46We're going to a yard where it's alleged that the guy at the yard is keeping Pitbull Terrier type dogs.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51This guy's been in trouble with you before for having dangerous dogs.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- We've seized two Pitbull from him. - He doesn't seem to have learned his lesson.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58If he has Pitbulls on the premises, he definitely hasn't.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06'The dogs are reportedly kept in a yard at the back of the garage.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10'The police will keep an eye on all exits.'
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Situate someone here and then round the back. See if he's in the shop.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18'Because Tina has removed dogs from here before,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22'and her strong suspicion that Pitbulls are being kept here again,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26'they have a warrant to search the premises.'
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Is that the yard?
0:03:28 > 0:03:31'The owner isn't around, just the garage staff.'
0:03:33 > 0:03:36I have a warrant to enter the premises.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40'In the yard, we immediately find a dog who doesn't seem overly pleased to see us.'
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Hello. DOG BARKS
0:03:45 > 0:03:51'We're told his name is Tyson, or Ty for short.'
0:03:51 > 0:03:57It looks like a powerful dog. But to determine it is a pitbull, we need to do some precise measurements.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02'At first glance, Sergeant Ian McParland of the Metropolitan Police Status Dog Unit
0:04:02 > 0:04:05'suspects that Ty could be a Pitbull.'
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Look at the physique. Look at the muscles, look at the head.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13The head, having said that, is a little bit more Staffy than classic Pitbull.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18- But it's a lot bigger and taller than a Staffy.- A lot taller.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22The Staffy, 14 to 16 inches at the shoulders.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26This dog's going to be 21, 22 inches. Square looking dog.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Look at the muscle in the back end, the power.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34'Tina discovers there are two younger dogs in a nearby outhouse.'
0:04:35 > 0:04:41- I need you to be definite. Is this dog going to bite?- Step back. You step back.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42Hello.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45That's a Pit.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51'She's also pretty sure about at least one of the dogs in here.'
0:04:51 > 0:04:54The bottom one there looks very Pitbully.
0:04:54 > 0:05:01That one there looks... kind of...Bulldoggy cross. We have to get them back and examine them.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06'There's still no sign of the owner.'
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Hello?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'But the team wants to search the premises thoroughly
0:05:12 > 0:05:17'to investigate reports the dogs may have been used illegally for fighting.'
0:05:20 > 0:05:24There's an allegation these dogs might have been used for fighting,
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- so are you looking for paraphernalia associated with that?- I'm looking for break-sticks, flirt-poles,
0:05:29 > 0:05:34but I'm also looking for drugs, for needles, anything that might have been used to stitch dogs up.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39Anything that's been used to treat a dog without going to a veterinary surgeon.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44'There's no evidence of dog fighting. Tina's priority is now to remove all three dogs.'
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Do you have a key to this cupboard?
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Hello. Hello.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- Good dog.- There you go. Come on.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05What do you make of these two, now you've got them in the open?
0:06:05 > 0:06:11Erm... For me, this one is very Pit... Pitbull-like, but obviously we have to do a thorough examination.
0:06:11 > 0:06:18'Even though Tina suspects one of the dogs is a Pitbull, its behaviour so far has been very passive.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23'But she fears Tyson will be anything but.'
0:06:28 > 0:06:33'Still to come - Tina treads carefully, as she takes on Tyson.'
0:06:33 > 0:06:38I have to be careful because of the type of dog and because he can do severe damage.
0:06:38 > 0:06:44'And the dedicated wildlife worker who's up all hours caring for deer.'
0:06:44 > 0:06:47You can't be sick. Never be sick.
0:06:47 > 0:06:53If you're sick, even if you feel as though you're dying in your bed, you've got to do your feeds.
0:06:56 > 0:07:02The credit crunch has not only had a big impact on households, it's also being blamed for a large increase
0:07:02 > 0:07:05in the number of pets found abandoned.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10In 2009, more than 21,000 animals had to be rescued by the RSPCA
0:07:10 > 0:07:13after being left by their owners.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16As one inspector in the West Midlands is finding,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20that 6% rise is all part of a growing problem.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32'On her patch in Coventry, RSPCA inspector Nicky Foster
0:07:32 > 0:07:37'is no stranger to dealing with cases of abandoned animals.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41'But today, she's responding to a disturbing report of animals
0:07:41 > 0:07:45'which have been left home alone at two addresses on the same road.'
0:07:45 > 0:07:50We've had a complaint come through about an abandonment of some cats.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56It appears at the minute that two properties have been vacated within the last month and both have gone,
0:07:56 > 0:08:00leaving cats outside to fend for themselves.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04'Nicky begins the investigation at the first abandoned house.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11'But there are few clues and no sign of cats.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18'After checking round the back,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21'Nicky decides to begin door-to-door enquiries.'
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- Hi. Sorry to bother you, RSPCA.- Yeah, no problem. I've caught one.- Right.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33'It appears Nicky has struck lucky.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38'Neighbour Clare Patterson seems to know the whole story about the abandoned cats.'
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- When did she move? - She went last...Wednesday.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46'Nicky established that two families on the street have moved out,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49'but both have also left their cats behind.'
0:08:49 > 0:08:51OK, I'll grab my basket
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and we'll get the one sorted out that you've got in your garden.
0:08:55 > 0:09:01- And then we can deal with the others. - Lovely.- All right. I'll meet you at the side. Thank you.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06'Neighbour Clare has already managed to catch one of the two cats and put it in a cage.'
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- Do we know his name? - Yeah, it's Mickey.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14'This cat was abandoned by Clare's next-door neighbour six days ago.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17'And Clare's been looking after him ever since.'
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Hiya, handsome.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27He's quite healthy, isn't he? He's quite well fed!
0:09:30 > 0:09:34'Clare has also been taking care of a second cat called Kushka.'
0:09:34 > 0:09:37This one's been abandoned about a month.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40'She's been living wild after being left by her owners,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43'who used to live further along the street.'
0:09:43 > 0:09:45She was in very, very bad state.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Hefty little appetite, but she was just skin and bone.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53'It's incredible Kushka has been able to survive alone for more than four weeks.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56'But that's not the only surprising fact about her.'
0:09:56 > 0:10:02- She was pregnant but at this point, we don't know where these kittens are.- No.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07'If Kushka has just had kittens, her health could be at risk.'
0:10:09 > 0:10:12She's still a bit on the lean side.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15'And there's no sign that she's still feeding.'
0:10:15 > 0:10:18I can't feel any milk there coming out at all.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22We'll pop her in there and I'll go and have a quick look for peace of mind.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29'Although Nicky's checks seem to suggest Kushka hasn't had any kittens, she still wants to be sure.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34'Clare believes she has seen going to and from of the neighbouring gardens.'
0:10:36 > 0:10:40I have watched and she goes into the bushes here. There are two sheds.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46She's been going in and out through there. That goes into somebody's shed.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- I've been in at night to look. - Right.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56Nobody's come out, but also no noise at all.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03'If Kushka has had kittens, there's definitely no sign of them at the moment.'
0:11:03 > 0:11:05OK.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09Obviously, if anybody sees or hears these kittens appear anywhere,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12then give us a call and we'll come and get them.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14But we'll get her sorted.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19'As Nicky heads back to the van, she's already reflecting
0:11:19 > 0:11:23'on a frustrating situation, and one that's completely avoidable.'
0:11:23 > 0:11:28It appears over time there's been various families come and go and have left cats behind.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31They're then breeding, as they've not been neutered,
0:11:31 > 0:11:36and the problem appears to be escalating. So we'll do what we can.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40It's a huge problem and we're seeing it happen on a daily basis.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Cats particularly seem to get a bad deal when people move out,
0:11:43 > 0:11:49whether they're going into another rented and they can't take them with them or it's a money issue.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51It seems to be happening more and more.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54People will just kick the cats outside.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00'And Nicky feels these owners have a lot to answer for.'
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Moving out and leaving a cat outside is not a good option. It is illegal.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11You have a legal obligation to meet the needs of your pets.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14That, for the cat, is feeding, watering,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17providing a suitable environment.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21So leaving it outside, it's not an option.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25There are so many other avenues you can go down.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30You can contact the RSPCA, or other cat agencies, charities, that will help out.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40'Usually, these cats would go straight to the local RSPCA animal home,
0:12:40 > 0:12:46'but with so many recent abandonments, they're having to be settled in a private cattery.'
0:12:46 > 0:12:50It's nice to know we've got them in somewhere, they're not on the streets,
0:12:50 > 0:12:54they're not breeding and creating more problems for us in the future.
0:12:54 > 0:13:01So it's peace of mind that at least these two are going to be safe and warm and have regular food and water.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04'The cats' owners were never tracked down.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09'But the good news is that Kushka has since been found a new home.'
0:13:16 > 0:13:20In London, dangerous dogs are a growing concern,
0:13:20 > 0:13:25as more owners choose to keep animals which can pose a real threat to others.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30Earlier, I joined a team from Newham Council Animal Welfare Service,
0:13:30 > 0:13:32as they try to get a grip on the problem.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37The first stop was garage where Pitbull Terriers have been kept in the past.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39We found three more dogs there
0:13:39 > 0:13:43and Tina Delaney suspects that at least two of them are Pitbulls.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54'Tyson, or Ty for short, is the dog causing most concern.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02'Tina also believes that one of the two younger dogs they found here is a Pitbull.'
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Good girl!
0:14:05 > 0:14:08That's the two puppies in and the big dog to go.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13I can't believe Tina's bravery, in getting involved with these animals that could be so dangerous.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16But it's rooted in her experience.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22'The garage owner isn't here, but Tina is armed with a warrant to search the premises.'
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Initially, he said he was on his way down.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31'They're seizing the dogs because they're suspected Pitbulls,
0:14:31 > 0:14:35'one of the four banned breeds listed by the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39'And Tina's only too aware of the danger Ty poses.'
0:14:39 > 0:14:45He displays aggressive behaviour towards us but he is a guarding breed. He's likely to do that anyway.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50He's not necessarily going to do that when he's removed off the premises, but at the moment this is his home.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53They have said once you get him out, he's OK.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58But I have to be careful because of the type of dog and because he can do severe damage.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05'Maybe he was just being a good guard dog, but because Ty seemed very aggressive earlier,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08'Tina's using a grasper.'
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Good boy. Hello, Ty. Hello.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14'He does seem to have calmed down.'
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Good boy. Come on.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Come on. Good boy.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23'And Tina shows him to the kennel.'
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Good lad.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32'But aggression towards people isn't the only concern.'
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Good boy.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36'Dogs can be a danger to each other.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42'And as soon as Ty's in the van with the other two, tension grows.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47'All he and the other male want to do is to get to each other.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Move!
0:15:49 > 0:15:51I want him, sideways.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57'The vari kennels may not be strong enough.'
0:15:57 > 0:16:00He's biting again. Ti, he's biting again.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04We're going to have to call for another van soon.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- Another van.- OK, another station van.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Yep. Can you get me a grasper now?
0:16:12 > 0:16:17Can you get me a grasper? Where's the one I just had? Where's the one I just had?
0:16:17 > 0:16:20What we need to do is move him out.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23'Ty is taken out of the van.'
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Tina, what was all that about?
0:16:26 > 0:16:30It's two male dogs being in the same vicinity. They're very dog aggressive.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- Two males together is just the wrong chemistry.- Too close proximity.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- This one tried to get out of his cage.- They were both trying to get out of the cage.- Chewing at the lock.
0:16:39 > 0:16:45- Successfully, it looked like! - That's quite a lot of jaw power, so... It's only a vari kennel.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51'The two male dogs will be travelling to the kennels separately.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57'For Ty, it's a police escort.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05'With the dogs loaded, Tina's thoughts have turned to the animals' living conditions.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10'And in particular, the outhouse where the two younger dogs were being kept.'
0:17:12 > 0:17:14And the light was off.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17So if we look at turning the light off and coming in.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Then that's the environment that the dogs were in.- That's pretty dark.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27As you can see, it's absolutely pitch black dark.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29The light wasn't on, we've turned that light on.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32If you look around the environment they were in,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35obviously it's hazardous.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- There's no water for them. There's no food bowls for them.- It stinks.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41It absolutely stinks.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46'On the floor, there is clear evidence of just how starved the dogs have been.'
0:17:46 > 0:17:52Obviously, they've been quite hungry. In this dog poo, you can see wires that they've eaten.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55I can see it in this as well.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00Copper wire, in what looks like something that's been...
0:18:00 > 0:18:06It looks like they've been eating... You can see they've been eating it. That looks... Dog teeth.
0:18:06 > 0:18:12'This discovery highlights the hazardous conditions and suggests desperately hungry dogs.'
0:18:12 > 0:18:16So it's not only important with the breeds of dogs,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20it's also the conditions the dogs were living in.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25Because everything together shows a picture that tells a story.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29This is the second time we've seized dangerous dogs from the premises.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33It's the second time they've been seized from the same kind of conditions.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36And yet, he hasn't learned from that.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44'Tina will question the garage owner about all her findings as soon as she can.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46'But for now, there are more warrants to serve.'
0:18:48 > 0:18:52So what's happening in this next job? Something a little unusual.
0:18:52 > 0:18:59It is unusual. We're going to an address where it's alleged there's an Argentinean Dogo.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02An Argentinean Dogo? What is that?
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- One of the other dogs that's described on the Dangerous Dogs List. - What kind of a dog is it?
0:19:07 > 0:19:14It's a very muscley, powerful dog. It weighs between 40 and 45 kilos.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17It's pure muscle. We've never had any in the borough before.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22There have been some in the UK, but never that I know of within...
0:19:22 > 0:19:26This will be the first time that we'll actually be seizing one.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29How's this particular one come to your attention?
0:19:29 > 0:19:35We've had complaints from a few of the neighbours to say that the dog's been jumping over the fences.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39'Even for Tina, with all her years of experience,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42'this dog is set to present her with a new challenge.
0:19:48 > 0:19:54'Still to come - the foreign invader who's alarming the Dangerous Dog Squad.'
0:19:54 > 0:19:59- A serious dog, I gather.- They are. Bred for hunting mountain lions and pumas in Argentina.- You're joking!
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- No. - Hmm... Could hunt me then!
0:20:08 > 0:20:13Wild animals can be at their most vulnerable in the first few months of life.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18It's often then that dedicated carers are called upon to step in and nurse them back to health.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21The RSPCA operates four wildlife rescue centres
0:20:21 > 0:20:25across the country and they're all devoted to treating animals
0:20:25 > 0:20:29and returning them to the wild as soon as they possibly can.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39'West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44'Every year, they care for around 4,000 wild animals from across the whole of the West Country.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53'Today is a big day for these four young grey seals.
0:20:53 > 0:20:59'Fishface, Reef, Tap and Slipper came to the centre after picking up injuries at sea.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04'They've been coming on leaps and bounds,
0:21:04 > 0:21:10'thanks to lots of fish suppers from West Hatch supervisor Shawn Clements.'
0:21:10 > 0:21:13A couple of them had some bite wounds on the hind flippers.
0:21:13 > 0:21:20The majority of them came in with minor injuries, but post-weaning, so weren't quite coping really.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24'Today they're heading back to the cold waters of the Atlantic.'
0:21:24 > 0:21:28Come on, guys. Do you want this? Come on.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34'From now on, there'll be no more fish deliveries.'
0:21:34 > 0:21:40We release them at a healthy weight, natural for this time of year, so they have a bit of a head start.
0:21:40 > 0:21:47It's going to take them a while to be able to learn how to hunt for fish. They've got to find that food.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52We've got a lot of good data to prove they survive really well, but I always worry about them.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56We've put a lot of time, effort and care into them.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00And now it's down to them to go into the big bad world
0:22:00 > 0:22:03and try and find food and hunt for themselves.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08'So, once the last supper has been served...
0:22:11 > 0:22:14'to get the seals out of the pool, it has to be drained.'
0:22:15 > 0:22:19The idea is now we'll pull the plug.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24We've got to wait for them to be free of water, so we can catch them.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28'It'll take nearly half an hour to empty,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31and the team here need to stay on their toes.'
0:22:31 > 0:22:35We've just got to keep them in the pool whilst it's emptying.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Otherwise, if they come out and they jump in,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42it could cause a lot of problems, they can injure themselves.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46That's why we've got a couple of us in here, just to keep them in the water.
0:22:47 > 0:22:53It's extremely stressful for them, what we're putting them through today.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56If you think from the point when we started emptying the pool,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59to the point of release, you're looking at 3.5 to 4 hours.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04'Despite this being confusing for Fishface, Reef, Tap
0:23:04 > 0:23:07'and Slipper, it'll be worth it in the end.'
0:23:11 > 0:23:13'They belong at sea.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16'As soon as the water's gone, they'll be coached into crates
0:23:16 > 0:23:19'and off to the coast.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26'In another corner of the sanctuary,
0:23:26 > 0:23:30'staff are gearing themselves up to care for a nervous new arrival.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36'This is eight-day-old Torrington, a baby roe deer,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39'who's been brought into the centre as an orphan.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Breakfast time, come on.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Come on, then.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48'It's the job of Emily Atkinson to care and feed him.'
0:23:48 > 0:23:50There you go.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54He was found on the side of the road covered in afterbirth.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59So we assume that maybe mum was hit by a car and then gave birth by the side of the road.
0:24:00 > 0:24:07'Hand rearing fawns means they have to bond with just one individual, who effectively replaces mum.'
0:24:07 > 0:24:12Are you not hungry? No, you're just mischievous. Aren't you?
0:24:12 > 0:24:15'So for Emily, that means round-the-clock work.'
0:24:16 > 0:24:20You don't get any days off for four months. Literally.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24As you can see, I've been up since 6am, and I'm sure I'll be awake at 12 tonight doing feeds.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27You can't be sick. Never be sick.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32Even if you feel as though you're dying in your bed, you've got to get out and do your feeds.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38'Today, there's a new arrival to add to the workload.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43Apparently, he was next to his dead mum.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47So obviously, he's a true orphan. He's not a young fawn.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50He's about a month because he's quite big.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54I've got the feeling he's going to be a bit of a... hard work for me
0:24:54 > 0:24:58because he's a little bit more established to his mum.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01We'll just have a look to see what sex he is.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05And it's a girl.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07It's a little doe.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13'The West Hatch deer are named after the places where they're found.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16'So this doe is now called Stowey.'
0:25:16 > 0:25:22She's so frightened, because she's lying next to mum. She's waiting for mum to get up and feed her.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27'The first priority is a vet check with David Cooper.
0:25:27 > 0:25:33We're just going to check her over for dehydration. Obviously, she's not fed for a couple of days,
0:25:33 > 0:25:37so she could be weak. Also, I'm going to check her over for injuries to make sure she's not wounded.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41David is surprised by Stowey's condition.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44She's remarkably strong, all things considered.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49Two days is a long time for her not to have fed.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55And also, potentially, she could have been attacked by predators or dogs etc.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00So with no mum too look after her, anything could have happened to her really.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04The fact she's got no sign of any injuries is quite remarkable.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10'But the next few hours will be crucial for Stowey.'
0:26:10 > 0:26:13That's fine. Can she stand herself?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15'After a month with mum,
0:26:15 > 0:26:19'Emily isn't sure how she'll take to bottle feeding.'
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- You're just a little bit thin, aren't you?- A wee bit skinny.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28'She'll attempt to find out later.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33'But first, Stowey needs a bit of time to settle in.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40'Back at the seal pool, the water is just about gone.
0:26:42 > 0:26:48'Now the task for Shawn and his team is to encourage Fishface, Reef, Tap and Slipper into crates.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55'Naturally, they don't look a very attractive proposition to the seals,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57'so they try to give their keepers the slip.'
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Back, right into the back there. That's it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10'But soon, they're all in.'
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Gone better than I expected, to be honest. Many hands make light work.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20It was quick, as stress-free as possible, from that perspective.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Now the journey starts.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27'It's a journey that will end with their release in North Devon.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32'It's vital during the trip that they stay as cool as possible.'
0:27:32 > 0:27:36The air conditioning will be blowing, keeping their body temperatures down.
0:27:36 > 0:27:42Time is of the essence. We need to hit the road, get there and get them out as quickly as possibly.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46OK.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47Off we go.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56'Coming up - the seal pups face the perils of returning to sea.'
0:27:56 > 0:28:00They've probably been in horrible storms, bashed against the rocks,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03so some of this is going to be bring back some anxieties.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Now, we're heading back to East London,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13where I was out on the road with the Dangerous Dogs Team.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17Tina Delaney of Newham Animal Welfare Service has already
0:28:17 > 0:28:21picked up three suspected Pitbulls from one property.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25Now she's investigating reports of a misbehaving Argentine Dogo,
0:28:25 > 0:28:29a much rare breed that's also on the banned list.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36'At an address in Plaistow, the team is responding a to a report
0:28:36 > 0:28:40'that a dog is scaring the neighbours.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43'It's reportedly an illegal Argentine Dogo.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48'I've arrived with Tina and the team to establish whether it is.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53'Sergeant Ian McParland of the Metropolitan Police Dangerous Dogs Unit
0:28:53 > 0:28:56'is on hand to determine whether or not it is a banned breed.'
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- I gather you've seen these before. - I have, yeah.
0:28:58 > 0:29:04There have been some others in the Home Counties that we've taken through the court process.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09- A serious dog, I gather. - Bred for hunting mountain lions and pumas in Argentina.- You're joking?
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- No. - Hmmm... Could hunt me then!
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Hello there. Police officer. Could you come and open the door, please?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22DOG BARKS
0:29:22 > 0:29:26'We can hear the dog, but we still don't know whether it's a Dogo.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31'As we execute a warrant to enter the property, I'm nervous.'
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- I'm a police officer. We've come to talk to you about your dog.- Is your dog OK?
0:29:40 > 0:29:46'The priority is to get a clear view of the dog, but from a safe distance.'
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Can you just call your dog?
0:29:49 > 0:29:52'The dog's owner isn't home, just his partner.'
0:29:52 > 0:29:57Just stick him in one of the rooms for us a moment. I'll come and have a chat with you.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01'Ian can tell immediately that the dog is not an Argentine Dogo.'
0:30:02 > 0:30:07We've got a warrant to search the house for a Dogo Argentino because it's a prohibited dog.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09It's actually an American bulldog.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12I thought it was an American bulldog as soon as I saw him.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Thank you for coming.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18'But the dog's behaviour is still bothering Tina.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21'When his owner Mohammed turns up, she expresses those concerns.'
0:30:23 > 0:30:28People should and have to be able to go into their garden without a dog entering their garden.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31The residents were complaining.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Also, your partner has just told us that you do let the dog off the lead
0:30:34 > 0:30:35and it runs up to people.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38If it does that in a public place and people are worried,
0:30:38 > 0:30:41it can be seized under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43regardless of its breed, OK?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45You need to be responsible as an owner
0:30:45 > 0:30:49that when you're out with your dog your dog doesn't run up to other people.
0:30:49 > 0:30:50Fair enough.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52He displays very confident behaviour and he's only young.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56'Mohammed takes me the inside to meet the dog who's called Casper.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00'He's still a puppy despite being a fair old size.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04'He was actually a present from Mohammed's four-year-old daughter.'
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- Like you say, when you get up close to him he's quite a soft dog, isn't he?- He is a friendly dog.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- And really you think he's OK with your little girl? - Yes, I mean...
0:31:13 > 0:31:16It seems quite surprising for a four-year-old... Casper, come on.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20You haven't seen it, when I'm not home, you can ask my partner,
0:31:20 > 0:31:24they're running up and down the stairs with the blanket and everything.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29- She sleeps on him. She does everything on him. You should see it.- Really.
0:31:29 > 0:31:30Yeah, of course.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35What do you think about the instructions you got from Tina and the policeman?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Fair enough, I put my hand up,
0:31:38 > 0:31:41there is times I did let him off the lead and everything.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44And he does approach people and everything so, yeah.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47But he's not approaching them in a bad manner.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50No, but people don't know that.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55The trouble is because these dogs are associated with others that can be dangerous,
0:31:55 > 0:32:00people look at it and think, "Oh, my God, there's a big dog coming towards me."
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Casper, that's his name, he's a friendly dog.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Mohammed just needed guiding in the right direction.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11It's been a worthwhile visit for Tina.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14And there's just one more call to make tonight.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16What's the report here?
0:32:16 > 0:32:19We're going to a premises where it's alleged that a young lad
0:32:19 > 0:32:22has a Staffie cross that's jumped over the front garden
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and ripped the clothing of somebody who's passing by.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29We don't believe it's a pitbull, but we have to check that out as well.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32We have to advise him that he has to be a responsible owner.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37'The Staffie cross in question is called Crash.'
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- So he was the one that jumped up to the person with the clothes?- Yes.
0:32:41 > 0:32:42Right, OK, was he out on his own?
0:32:42 > 0:32:48'His owner, Pat, claims his dog was provoked by a group of lads.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50'But Tina is still concerned by the dog's behaviour.'
0:32:50 > 0:32:55Regardless of how Crash is, you might think he's a lovely dog,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58if he's ripped somebody's clothing, then that's quite serious.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59Crash, come.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act,
0:33:01 > 0:33:06if your dog even runs at somebody barking, let alone rips their clothing,
0:33:06 > 0:33:08then it can be seized as a dangerous dog.
0:33:08 > 0:33:13'Pat is worried about Crash's health and asks Tina for advice.'
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- You said you'd been to the vet?- Yes. - 'She recommends castration.'
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Might giving him the snip help to calm the aggression problems
0:33:23 > 0:33:26and make it easier for Pat to take him out and about?
0:33:26 > 0:33:30Yes, if you castrate him, there are so many unwanted dogs at the moment
0:33:30 > 0:33:33that we advise people to castrate their dog, have them neutered,
0:33:33 > 0:33:37because there are so many dogs being put to sleep.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39It's going to be beneficial for him,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43especially if he's already developing problems with his testicles.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47It's going to make no difference to him if you remove them.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51It's not going to make him fat or lazy - these are myths people have.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56- OK, then? Brilliant.- Thanks a lot for your time. Good to see you. See you, Crash.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59He's a very helpful lad.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01He sounds like he's taking our advice.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05He's got concerns about his dog's welfare which is highlighted, which most people won't do.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08I'm happy that's going to be the end of the matter.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12Yes, it's a serious incident because the dog has ripped a member of the public's clothing.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16However, it seems to be a one off event. It was a worthwhile call.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20For Tina advising people about responsible dog ownership
0:34:20 > 0:34:24is much more satisfying than seizing potentially dangerous dogs.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28BARKING
0:34:28 > 0:34:31At the maximum security kennels the three dogs Tina removed
0:34:31 > 0:34:34from the garage earlier are settling in.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40Ty and the other male who's called Bully are once again noisy neighbours.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43You can see problems with their temperament here, can't you?
0:34:43 > 0:34:47You can and they haven't actually seen each other, they can only hear each other.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52One of them was taken round the back of the kennels and the other one came in through the front.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56They can't see each other because it's a completely solid base.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59This is how they behave when they're only able to hear each other.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Did you have no option of putting them further apart in the kennels?
0:35:03 > 0:35:07There isn't any kennels anywhere that a dog won't see another dog or hear another dog.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13After an independent assessment, Ty and Bully were found not to be pitfalls
0:35:13 > 0:35:17and were later returned to their separate owners.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19The owners were served with warning notices ordering them
0:35:19 > 0:35:22to improve the dogs' living conditions.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27Sadly, the female dog was confirmed as a pitbull and was later put down.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30It's been a long, challenging day for Tina and her team,
0:35:30 > 0:35:34but they know there will be many more
0:35:34 > 0:35:37in the battle to tackle the problem of dangerous dogs.
0:35:42 > 0:35:48Now we're heading back to the RSPCA's West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52Earlier we saw four grey seals being prepared for their journey
0:35:52 > 0:35:54and released back into the sea.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Elsewhere in the centre wildlife assistant Emily Atkinson
0:35:58 > 0:36:03is preparing the difficult task of hand rearing some orphaned roe deer.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14At West Hatch it's a big day for eight-day-old Torrington.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19Having only just lost his mum, he's about to be introduced to another resident.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21You can have a friend.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26Six week old Winsham has been hand reared by Emily for the past month
0:36:26 > 0:36:29and that's required her being on hand night and day.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31OK.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36It's quite exciting to see what their first instincts
0:36:36 > 0:36:37will be with each other.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42I've got a feeling maybe the elder one might be a little bit taken aback a little bit more.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47Obviously he's not had any interaction with any other roe dear,
0:36:47 > 0:36:48so it'll be quite exciting.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54Socialising the fawns is a vital part of their rehab.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Winsham, come on then, boy.
0:37:00 > 0:37:01Feeding time.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04And a new friend.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05Hello.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Who's this?
0:37:08 > 0:37:12At first Winsham seems more interested in lunch.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17All gone, that's it.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19But soon the two fawns are becoming acquainted.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Who's that? Look.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26And with the odd, inquisitive sniff, they're getting along very nicely.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29I think it's just brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34So with the fawn friendship developing Torrington
0:37:34 > 0:37:38and Winsham will stay in the paddock together.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41These guys will basically bond for life which will be so lovely.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44They'll bond until they're released.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46When they're released they stay together for quite some time.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50In the previous years I've released roes together they've stayed together
0:37:50 > 0:37:52for the six months I've tracked them for.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54So that bond is very strong.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02Over in the barn, another roe dear, one-month-old Stowey,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04is settling into life at West Hatch.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08She was found by her mum's body at the side of the road.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Today is the first time Emily is going to attempt to bottle feed her.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15The first feed is usually pretty hard
0:38:15 > 0:38:18and the fact they're not used to human beings.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23She'll probably kick and scream, but we shall see.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24SCREECHING
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Ssh-ssh-ssh.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Emily settles Stowey down.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31All right.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Ssh-ssh. OK.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Then shows her the bottle.
0:38:36 > 0:38:37What's this?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40And she doesn't need asking twice.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42There you go, see?
0:38:43 > 0:38:45You're hungry.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49It's quite unusual for roe deer to take straight away.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54This is a really good sign. This is fantastic, really.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Obviously starving, bless her.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Because she's feeling so well, it's a good sign that
0:39:00 > 0:39:03I can mix this sooner rather than later which is brilliant.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09The signs are good for Stowie but for a dedicated carer like Emily,
0:39:09 > 0:39:14it's set to me many more sleepless nights as she plays mum
0:39:14 > 0:39:16to all the roe deer.
0:39:23 > 0:39:2770 miles away on a North Devon coast is the picturesque village of Lee.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30One, two, up!
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Emily's colleague, Sean Clements
0:39:32 > 0:39:35has arrived here to carry out his own special mission.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39After a two and a half hour journey from West Hatch,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41grey seals, Fish Face, Reef, Tap and Slipper
0:39:41 > 0:39:45are ready to be released back into the wild.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49This location has been chosen to give the four seals
0:39:49 > 0:39:52the best chance of survival.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56We've selected this site purely
0:39:56 > 0:40:00because there's a local colony of seals, grey seals,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03just around the point so the idea is by releasing them here,
0:40:03 > 0:40:07they'll meet up with them and find out where the local food supply is.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10That's the theory behind it anyway.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12So, we're not just abandoning them in the middle of a beach,
0:40:12 > 0:40:15where they're not going to know where to go and what to do.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Seals are a popular tourist attraction
0:40:20 > 0:40:23and a crowd has gathered to watch the show.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26But Sean knows it isn't always just a case of opening the crates
0:40:26 > 0:40:29and watching them go.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34Hiya, folks, just a quick little something to say.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36We've got boards to hopefully funnel them down into the sea.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39They won't come directly for you,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42they're just trying to get out of the water possibly.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Enjoy the day with what you're about to see.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49It's impossible to predict how the seals will react
0:40:49 > 0:40:51when the doors are opened.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55They've become accustomed to a freshwater pool.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00It's been many months since these seals were last in open water.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06So, Sean is nervous about the release.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09They came into us, thin and emaciated, they've probably been
0:41:09 > 0:41:12in some horrible storms, bashed against the rocks.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Some of this is going to bring back some anxieties.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18But after a moment's uncertainty...
0:41:22 > 0:41:25..the seals are soon on their way.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42All in all, it's gone very, very well. Better than usual.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48For Sean, this is the culmination of months of hard work.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Getting to see them through to release,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56from when they come in sick, literally on death's door.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59It's the best part of the job.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03It might be their natural home but right now,
0:42:03 > 0:42:07this is a whole new world for Fish Face, Reef, Tap and Slipper.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Although Sean is confident they'll be OK.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17It's a massive learning curve from now on.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Later today, they'll pick up with the other seals.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23They'll naturally work their way southwards along the coast,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26down to Cornwall, where there are loads of seal colonies.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31They'll hopefully live a nice, tranquil life,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33as I would expect them to.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime or a creature that
0:42:47 > 0:42:51needs immediate protection, remember there are dedicated professionals
0:42:51 > 0:42:55out there who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58They're the people we meet on Animal 24/7.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd