0:00:02 > 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 > 0:00:16Fighting 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 > 0:00:38Today on Animal 24:7...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40SHE SIGHS
0:00:40 > 0:00:43..the perils of a high-rise rescue...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48They can gain momentum and height by just continually running around
0:00:48 > 0:00:50until they've got enough height to get away.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52It wouldn't be very long before, A, it ran out of height,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55and, B, it ran out of wall, and it would fall.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58..the battle to get a stranded goose loose...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01It's a really small hole, this.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03I don't know whether you'll fit through it.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04I just want to make sure I can get back out.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Otherwise, we'll have a rescue of an inspector and a goose on our hands.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10..and I join the fight
0:01:10 > 0:01:14to save one of Britain's most endangered and dangerous reptiles.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16The idea was to swab their mouths,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20but it was deemed a bit too dangerous to do that, really.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29In many households, pets are like part of the family,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31but with the recession biting hard,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34an increasing number are being abandoned.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39In England and Wales, around 55 are dumped every day,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43meaning the RSPCA are busier than ever.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Life as an RSPCA inspector comes with many highs and lows.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59In London, Clare is about to experience both on the same job.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- An abandoned cat... - MEOWING
0:02:02 > 0:02:04..on a sixth storey balcony.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13I've had a number of calls from residents
0:02:13 > 0:02:16and from the housing authority about a tenant that has vacated property
0:02:16 > 0:02:18quite a number of days ago, unexpectedly,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21and they've left their cat on the balcony,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24which is six floors up.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26No balcony is a suitable place to leave any animal,
0:02:26 > 0:02:31whether it's on a ground floor, first floor or the sixth floor, but particularly not a cat.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33They're very good climbers. Six floors up,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36they going to go for a bird or anything that's going past.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40It's very hot, it's undoubtedly got no shade or anything out there.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42No, it's a hopeless place to leave a cat.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Clare is shown up to the sixth floor.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49We're going 46, this way.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53And, as the flat with the cat is deserted,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56the next door neighbours let her onto their balcony.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00What's it called? Do you know what it's called, hun? No?
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Clare's been told there's another cat inside the flat.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Come on, baby.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Come here. Clare MIMICS KISSING
0:03:07 > 0:03:10And, to add to the problems, she's not exactly keen on heights.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Oh, I need to get off his balcony.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21I'm six floors up and I can see the cat on the balcony
0:03:21 > 0:03:24but there is a possibility there's another cat in the property,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26which obviously we need to try and gain access to,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29because there is quite clearly a cat out here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Come on. Oh, it's so frightened.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36And it's not the only one.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39If that wasn't six floors up, I'd just climb over there, you know?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41But I'm quite frightened.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46A locksmith has been called to get them in next door.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51But sometimes an RSPCA inspector has got to do what an RSPCA inspector has got to do.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55I am going to go for it because I'm worried that it's quite frightened.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00My only concern... Obviously, then I can see into the flat if the other one's in there before we...
0:04:00 > 0:04:03This door might even be open, you never know.
0:04:03 > 0:04:04SHE SIGHS
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Making sure she doesn't look down...
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Oh.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12..Clare carefully climbs over.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20And now she can see inside the flat.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24They've quite clearly moved out. There's nothing in there whatsoever.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26But I can't see if there's another cat
0:04:26 > 0:04:28cos it could be in one of the other rooms. SHE TAPS ON GLASS
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Despite Clare's courageous climb,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35she still can't get to the cat on the balcony.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38There's a large gap here.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39You can see my hand.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43And the cat is small enough to just travel itself right underneath.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45The problem is, we are quite high,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48it could get off this balcony if I scare it too much.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53So I'm trying to encourage it to come out without scaring it too much.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59Cats do have a righting reflex that means they always land on their feet.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02You can't stay there. Oh, you're so sweet.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07There are lots of stories about cats surviving big falls.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08come on, darling.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12But a drop from this height would almost certainly kill her.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I can't grab the cat up here on the sixth floor.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19It's a very confined environment
0:05:19 > 0:05:21and cats are very notorious
0:05:21 > 0:05:27for sort of doing an effect almost like a cycle track.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30They can gain momentum and height by just continually running around
0:05:30 > 0:05:33until they've got enough height to get away from you.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36It could potentially try and do that up here.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39It wouldn't be very long before, A, it ran out of height and, B,
0:05:39 > 0:05:40it ran out of wall,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and it would fall, and I really can't take that chance.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Next door neighbour Evan has been feeding the cat for the past few days
0:05:47 > 0:05:48and is keen to help.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56But the cat's confused and scared.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58MEOWING I know, baby. Come on.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Do you want to get in the box? Go on.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03And, as they wait for the locksmith to arrive,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05suddenly Clare has more company.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Hey! I've just turned round just to look through the window again
0:06:08 > 0:06:11cos the locksmith is on his way up, I can hear him ringing the doorbell,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14and the second cat has appeared at the window,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17locked inside the flat, which is good news,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21cos then hopefully this one will come out and join its brother or sister.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23This is far more friendly, look.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26For Clare, it's a very disturbing case,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29as these animals have clearly been abandoned and left to starve.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34I find it unbelievable that someone would actually intentionally walk away from a property
0:06:34 > 0:06:37and leave their animal locked inside.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Even if they've provided water for a few days or so,
0:06:40 > 0:06:44they're not checking on whether it's all right, hurt itself,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46needed some companionship.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50And the fact that one's out on the balcony, which...
0:06:50 > 0:06:52I guess they were in such a hurry to get out,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56they didn't even realise the cat was out on the balcony, which is even more shocking, isn't it?
0:06:57 > 0:07:00She's anxious to seize these cats,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04but how long that will take is still very much up in the air.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16Still to come - Clare discovers an empty flat with a very hungry cat...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19They've obviously intended to leave the cat.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Whether they intended to come back or not is a different matter,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25but they quite clearly intended to leave it. Shocking.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29..and I'm on the trail of one of Britain's most feared predators.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- Nice one.- Beautiful male. Oh, my gosh, you can see how warmed up they are.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- You've got a firm hold of him, have you?- Yeah, I have.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I wouldn't get too close to this one.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Sometimes wild animals can get themselves in trouble
0:07:45 > 0:07:48when they come across man-made objects.
0:07:48 > 0:07:54When this happens, it's often RSPCA inspectors who have to come in and help the stricken animal.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57But as those inspectors know only too well,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01even reaching them can often prove a very challenging job.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12In Cheshire, RSPCA inspector Anthony has had an unusual call
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and he's decided he needs some additional help from a colleague.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20Fellow inspector Lorna Campbell is on her way to meet him.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25He's had a call come in about a goose that's got itself stuck down a septic tank.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29It is apparently about 12 foot down a very narrow tank.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32He doesn't think he's going to be able to get it on his own.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34It is a bit unusual.
0:08:34 > 0:08:40I've never heard of it before and I'm not quite sure how it ended up down this narrow septic tank,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43but they say don't underestimate animals.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46They certainly do the daftest things.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49I don't fancy being the one who goes into the septic tank
0:08:49 > 0:08:52so I think we'll nominate Anthony for that one.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- Hiya. You all right?- You all right?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Farmer Jeffrey explains the goose went missing last night.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05And Anthony has spotted exactly where he's got to.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- I think it's an old septic tank. It hasn't been used for 20 years. - Oh, my God.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13I don't think there's going to be any harmful gasses down there.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- Yeah.- And the goose is obviously still alive.- Have you seen it?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Yeah, it's right in this bottom corner here. So...
0:09:20 > 0:09:23It's quite a lively goose, isn't it?
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Last night, it was like this, with its wings, hissing at me.- Yeah.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28I thought, "That's where you are!"
0:09:28 > 0:09:31So do you think you can fit through that hole?
0:09:31 > 0:09:35I think we can get down there, yeah, but obviously I just want to make sure I can get back out as well.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38This job's already proving a tough call.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Anthony is anxious to rescue the goose but he wants to make sure
0:09:41 > 0:09:44he doesn't jeopardise his own safety too.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47It'll just be a case of me going down there, grabbing the goose,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49and then if I can come, say,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- four or five rungs up, pass it to you...- Yeah.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Before I go down, I just want to make sure I can get back out.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Definitely. Shall we measure you and measure the hole?
0:09:58 > 0:10:02You don't want to measure me, it's a bit embarrassing. I am very thin.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Have you got overalls?- I'll put some overalls on, hard hat and a mask,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07just in case, but I don't think there's anything down there,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- otherwise, the goose would be ill by now.- Yeah.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Before Anthony can attempt to rescue the goose,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16he must ensure he's properly kitted out.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18I look like I'm going to a fancy dress party, don't I?
0:10:20 > 0:10:24The farmer's ladder will help Anthony climb down into the septic tank.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27But the real worry is the sheer lack of space.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29It's a really small hole, this, Anthony.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33I don't know whether you're going to fit through it.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Luckily, he's a very slim inspector.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39I just want to make sure that I can get back out.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Otherwise, we'll have a rescue of an inspector and a goose on our hands.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49As Anthony squeezes his way through the tight gap,
0:10:49 > 0:10:53he's anxious not to spook the stranded bird.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55GOOSE HONKS
0:10:55 > 0:10:57I've got the goose.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Lorna?- Yeah?
0:11:01 > 0:11:03After being trapped underground all night...
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Got it.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07..the goose's escape is complete.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09All right, all right, all right.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11And though it's a tight squeeze,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14it's not long before Anthony's back above ground, too.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Are you all right?
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Well done. SHE LAUGHS
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- At first appearance, the bird seems in good shape.- There is a slight...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- That's a superficial cut, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37It's more if it's ate anything down there, isn't it?
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- He looks OK, to be honest.- Yeah.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43He's a little bit lean but, I think, he needs a good meal
0:11:43 > 0:11:49- and everything should be OK, so... - Jeffrey is a very relieved man.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Are you going to place him back then, are you?
0:11:52 > 0:11:53With the goose safely out,
0:11:53 > 0:11:57he's soon able to reunite the bird with the rest of the gaggle.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- There he goes. - Who've clearly missed their mate.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Back with its pals. - "Where have you been?"
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Is that them saying thank you?- Yeah.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10It's the first time I've ever been to a goose stuck in a septic tank, yeah.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15In five years, I've never had anything stuck in a septic tank, never mind a goose.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19That was very random but it's what makes the job interesting.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25But it actually turns out that Anthony is an old hand at this type of rescue.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27This is my second one in the last six months.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31I had a swan last time that was in a United Utilities storm tank,
0:12:31 > 0:12:36so I think I'm starting to get a bit of a name for myself for these kinds of jobs.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Determined it won't happen again,
0:12:40 > 0:12:45Anthony is taking precautions to ensure this goose remains loose.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54Still to come, will Anthony's rescuing skills save the day again
0:12:54 > 0:12:56as he tries to snare an injured swan?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03So fast, aren't they? Not playing ball.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09And Clare launches a manhunt after two dogs are left for dead.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14Somebody has abandoned these animals and they are really suffering.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Most of us are aware that adders are a Briton's only venomous snake.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26What's less well-known is that they're under threat.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Conservationists are now so concerned, they've decided to really tackle it hard
0:13:30 > 0:13:34and I've been given privileged access to the first ever genetic study of snakes.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44The adder is one of four snake species found in Britain,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46but its venomous bite means it isn't everyone's best friend.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Today, I'm in Shropshire with economist Nigel Hand.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53It's his job to find adders, catch them and take away a sample
0:13:53 > 0:13:57of their DNA to help scientists learn why numbers are in decline.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- Hi, Nigel. I'm Tom.- Hello, Tom. - How are you?- All right, thanks.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07What's the plan for today?
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I'm going to ask you to be my assistant today to help me swab a few adders in this woodland.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- That'll certainly be a first.- You'll have to help me just restrain them
0:14:14 > 0:14:17while we tube the snake. Obviously, being venomous
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- we've got to restrain it to an extent in this tube.- Right.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21Let's go find a snake.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Handling adders in the wild isn't usually recommended.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Their venomous bite can hospitalised and even kill.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36But left alone, they're a valuable part of our wildlife
0:14:36 > 0:14:38and in need of help.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40So why are you doing this survey?
0:14:40 > 0:14:45We're concerned about the health of adder populations.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48We think there may be genetic problems - in-breeding, basically.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51So it really can be the case that they are in such small groups that
0:14:51 > 0:14:54they're inbreeding and like any species, that makes them a bit weak.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Yeah.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Adders used to be found across Britain in woods like this,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01but now their numbers have dropped
0:15:01 > 0:15:04and in some parts of the country, there are none to be found.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Nigel knows that spotting any today won't be a walk in the park.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13So the actual technique for spotting and tracking,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17I was going to say, how do we actually go about this?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20We've got to walk very quietly and try not to make too much
0:15:20 > 0:15:24noisy footfall and not cast a shadow over where they're laying,
0:15:24 > 0:15:29because they will sense us straightaway and they'll be gone.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32We've set out early in the morning when we should find snakes
0:15:32 > 0:15:37soaking up the sun, if there are any to be found.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Conditions are perfect. I'll try to tiptoe along.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44I have a feeling they're still going to be pretty elusive though.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Adders are prone to hide in long grass
0:15:49 > 0:15:53and sunbathe in short vegetation.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56But as I continue to struggle to pinpoint one,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Nigel suddenly spots something moving across the way.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Have you got one?- Yeah, a baby.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Wow.- Straight into your thumb.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09It might be only a baby,
0:16:09 > 0:16:13but Nigel's thick gloves have saved him from a nasty bite.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- What's the plan with this one? - We could try and swab this one. It's a very small one.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19I haven't swabbed one this small yet.
0:16:21 > 0:16:27It's my job to restrain the adder in a specially designed tube.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30If Nigel can get a swab, it could be valuable for the research.
0:16:30 > 0:16:37Trying to get it to go down the tube. That's a good one. That's it.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42Slightly nervous to put my finger on the end in case he shoots off.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46OK, there he is. The tube acts as a measuring stick.
0:16:46 > 0:16:4821, I'd say, I think.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50And means he's harmless
0:16:50 > 0:16:54while the uncomfortable procedure of swabbing can be done.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55That little swab is going into where?
0:16:55 > 0:16:59It's called the cloaca and we're taking a DNA sample from that.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02The idea was to swap their mouths,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05but it was deemed a bit too dangerous to do that.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09A few cells from the snake's back end is all Nigel needs.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14All that's left to do his mark the adder with a recognisable dot.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18We've got a visual marker so that if we go around this site again today,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20we don't end up repeat swabbing this snake.
0:17:20 > 0:17:26- That would be a bad day for this little chap.- It would be, yeah.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Little dot, there. Let it dry a little bit.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32I think we probably better let this one get back to his own life,
0:17:32 > 0:17:33rather than entertaining us.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Finding a baby is a great start.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38It shows that at least some adders
0:17:38 > 0:17:40have been breeding and surviving in this habitat.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- There he goes.- But Nigel knows there should be more.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51And when I spot something moving in the grass, Nigel gives chase.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- Nice one.- Beautiful male. My gosh! You can see how warmed up they are.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- Look at that black-and-white zigzag. - Fantastic.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- Do you fancy doing this one, Tom? - Yeah, if I can.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05And 43 centimetres, this is a fully-grown male
0:18:05 > 0:18:07and one which needs careful handling.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Keep going. All the way.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Nigel restrains it in a larger tube
0:18:11 > 0:18:15while I go about delicately retrieving the cells.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18How important could this be to the survival of characters like this?
0:18:18 > 0:18:21It'll tell us a lot about the populations that we're looking at.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26There's nothing been done with adders like this before in this country.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27With my hand well clear,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30this adder is released back into the undergrowth.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34It looks pretty happy after his swab and so am I.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- It was fantastic to do that. - Fantastic find. Well done.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40You've got your eye in, so let's hope we see some more.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Spotting adders isn't easy. They're patterned backs act as camouflage.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48But Nigel has been doing this for years and now we are on a roll.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Get it? You've got one! - Female. Fantastic.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Although, a white spot indicates it's already been added to the database.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- One we've done before, unfortunately!- Oh, no.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02The fact that you've swabbed this lady before,
0:19:02 > 0:19:03what does that tell you?
0:19:03 > 0:19:07It's a little worrying in a way that we're not seeing that many snakes.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10This is considerably quite a large population.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14The fact that you've caught the same one suggests there are relatively few here.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17That can be the issue with the genetics, you know.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Small woodlands like this are great for adders,
0:19:21 > 0:19:25but they do result in isolated populations.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28The challenge for ecologists is to get different groups to meet and that means
0:19:28 > 0:19:34connecting their habitats together across the countryside.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39I guess the idea is to bring remote populations together, they breed and you get some hybrid vigour.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Exactly. We want some new blood into the population.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46By building these and creating these corridors, animals will move between the two.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50The DNA from today will help scientists learn exactly
0:19:50 > 0:19:51how strong this group of adders is.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55The study will continue across the country
0:19:55 > 0:19:58and hopefully go some way to saving one of our native species.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03How does this leave you feeling about the project overall?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06I'm really pleased that this project has got the go-ahead
0:20:06 > 0:20:10and it's going on because it's about time, really, for adders.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12In my lifetime, I can see them disappearing
0:20:12 > 0:20:16and I'd like to think the results of this will mean they're still there
0:20:16 > 0:20:19for my kid's generation and the generation after to see.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- That'd be brilliant, wouldn't it?- It would be.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Now we are heading back to London where RSPCA inspector Clare
0:20:30 > 0:20:35is on a mission to rescue two abandoned cats from a high-rise
0:20:35 > 0:20:39block of flats, but not only is Clare having to battle to reach
0:20:39 > 0:20:44the stranded cats, she's also battling her own fear of heights.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Six stories high,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55this little cat has been stuck on a balcony for days.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02She's been abandoned without any food or water.
0:21:03 > 0:21:09There's another cat inside the flat and vertigo-suffering Clare...
0:21:09 > 0:21:11I need to get off this balcony.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15..can now join her, thanks to the locksmith.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Yey! Thank you so much.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22Still concerned she might spook the cat into jumping off the balcony,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Clare heads straight inside to check on her flatmate.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Come on. No, no, no.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31They've just left it a pile of crisps!
0:21:31 > 0:21:34And she is shocked by what she sees.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I've found the other cat, which seems to be absolutely fine.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41I don't quite know how because it's been left a pile of cornflakes
0:21:41 > 0:21:44and Rice Krispies which it quite clearly hasn't eaten,
0:21:44 > 0:21:49some crisps, which it clearly doesn't fancy, and an empty, dry bowl of water.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51It clearly hasn't eaten really or drink anything
0:21:51 > 0:21:54because again, even in this room, nowhere in the flat,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57there's no faeces, no urine.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Unbelievable. And it's boiling in here.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03This neglect amounts to cruelty.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08Shocking, actually. I'm quite shocked that they obviously intended to leave the cat.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Whether they intended to come back or not is a different matter,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15but they quite clearly intended to leave it. Shocking.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- And the cats aren't the only animals that have been left here.- Hey!
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Look at that little fish.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27One makeshift travel tank required.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Yey! There you go.
0:22:31 > 0:22:37- But the cats are Clare's real concern.- Come on.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39She's anxious to take them to the vet's,
0:22:39 > 0:22:44although the one on the balcony still hasn't come inside.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47The little boy from the next-door flat, Evan,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49has been feeding her over the past few days.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53I've recruited the little boy next door who's got quite a good
0:22:53 > 0:22:56little rapport going with the cat. I saw him playing with you then.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00I'm just trying to encourage it out from under this partition. Good boy.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Go on.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- And Clare's new assistant... - Careful, mind his head.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- ..is a natural.- Come here. Yey!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- Got you.- Good boy. Well done! Good lad.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15We should get you a job with the RSPCA.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Clare's happy both she and the cat are safely indoors.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Yeah, I am really relieved because I was really worried that
0:23:22 > 0:23:25he was going to go off the balcony but well done, you. Well done.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30Right, keep that shut because I don't want it going out there again.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33After leaving a notice in case the owner comes back...
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Pop it in. Go on. Just put it straight on the other one.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38It won't matter, they'll sort themselves out.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42..she takes both cats and the fish to her van...
0:23:44 > 0:23:46..still assisted by the boy wonder.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50What does it say? "Dude-o-metre."
0:23:50 > 0:23:54You are the dude today, mate. Thank you very much, Evan.
0:23:54 > 0:24:02I'm sure I'll see you in the future saving animals. Right.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09After a few days stuck on a balcony,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13the last thing you need is a trip to the Animal Hospital.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17But after fending for themselves for days, both cats need a health check.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22You're purring!
0:24:22 > 0:24:26It's no surprise to Clare to find they're not microchipped.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- Nothing's bleeping. - No, it's not likely to be, is it?
0:24:30 > 0:24:34Despite their ordeal, both seem to be OK.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38Hello. They're nice. Thank you, you're welcome.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44These two cats might be in good health...
0:24:44 > 0:24:47They'll go in together? That'll be lovely.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50..but their neglect means Clare is eager to speak to the owner.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53It's a good indication of that person's state of mind
0:24:53 > 0:24:57that they're prepared to leave a goldfish, a cat,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00a dog, a hamster - it doesn't matter to me what it is,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03you've left something that is living and breathing
0:25:03 > 0:25:06to fend for itself that needs looking after and feeding.
0:25:06 > 0:25:12- The cats will go on to the RSPCA's re-homing list.- Go on, in you go.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14There's a nice blanket there.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16For now, they'll have plenty of care,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18attention and a ground-floor view.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I'm pleased that we've got them out of the environment,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23particularly the tortoiseshell off the balcony.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27She is looking much more relaxed being in here
0:25:27 > 0:25:29and, obviously, being with her sister or her flatmate, if you like.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33I think they missed each other. They've reunited quite nicely,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36so, yeah, the future is quite positive.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40They're nice cats. There's no reason why they wouldn't get re-homed,
0:25:40 > 0:25:44either separately or together, in the future, if the owner doesn't
0:25:44 > 0:25:47come forward and explain to me why she decided to leave them.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Both cats were soon re-homed together.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53The owner was never traced.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00But dealing with abandoned animals is sadly something which Clare
0:26:00 > 0:26:03encounters on an almost daily basis.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07To Staffie dogs have been found tied to some railings on a busy street.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10It's all right, we are here, darling.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13One of them has a broken leg, the other is worryingly thin.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Clare and her colleague, Imara...
0:26:17 > 0:26:18Come here, sweetheart.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23..have been called after a passer-by took them to a local vet.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28The vet that we've picked them up from is not prepared to treat them, which isn't unusual.
0:26:28 > 0:26:34They're stray dogs, both injuries and diseases could possibly cost a lot of money.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37They know they probably won't get any recoup back from that
0:26:37 > 0:26:40and, potentially, an offence here was committed.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45Somebody has abandoned these animals. They are already suffering.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47This isn't a typical abandonment.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51The two dogs called Jasper and Simba have recently been microchipped.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55The fact they've only had them microchipped a month ago
0:26:55 > 0:26:58and then, obviously, these animals have become sick
0:26:58 > 0:27:00and injured in the meantime, that is quite unusual.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Maybe she genuinely lost them.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07But why would you have lost them up here? There's no way you'd lose two dogs
0:27:07 > 0:27:12miles and miles away from where you got them microchipped.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16What happened to these poor dogs is a mystery to Clare and Imara.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18See you inside.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23But the microchip has provided the owner's address.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- So they go looking for answers. - Hello!
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- Still to come... - Come on, then. Slowly.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45..the daily pressure of dealing with animal cruelty
0:27:45 > 0:27:47pushes Clare to breaking point.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Even after ten years, it just doesn't get any easier.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54The cruelty, I think, is just getting steadily worse.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57I love my job but it's just so hard.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Earlier, we saw how RSPCA Inspector Anthony
0:28:07 > 0:28:12clambered into a cramped septic tank on a farm to rescue a stranded goose.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16It was the second time in six months that Anthony had been called out
0:28:16 > 0:28:19to help birds stranded in tanks.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Now he's responding to a fresh call about two more birds in need of help.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Lymm in Cheshire, and Inspector Anthony Joynes
0:28:31 > 0:28:35is heading to rescue two swans on a lake in a country park.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41The male has fishing line wrapped around his legs.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44It's not the first time Anthony has tried to help the swan,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48but on arrival, the situation seems to be worse.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52I actually came out to it yesterday and I spent quite a while
0:28:52 > 0:28:54but I was just unable to catch it.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57It's a pretty elusive swan, so I'm back here today.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00It seems to be more urgent today because it looks like the line
0:29:00 > 0:29:02may be embedding into the legs,
0:29:02 > 0:29:05so it's something that we've got to catch today.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06The line is really, really strong.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08We wouldn't be able to snap it with our hands,
0:29:08 > 0:29:12and it could just go through the soft tissue of the swan, really.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Cause really terrible injuries.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Armed with his hook, Anthony spots the swans
0:29:18 > 0:29:20but knows he needs to be clever if he's going to catch
0:29:20 > 0:29:22the injured male.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24He's on the bank around the corner there.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26This is the point we got to yesterday.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29I think he's a very clever swan. He recognised my uniform.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32He was straight in the water.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35So I'm going to sneak round and then basically just try and grab him.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Anthony tries to sneak up behind him...
0:29:41 > 0:29:45..but despite his injuries, the male escapes straight into the water.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Straightaway he's recognised me there.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I think what I might have to do is try and outwit the swan
0:29:50 > 0:29:53and maybe put on a different-coloured jacket or something.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I think he sees the black and white and sees it's danger
0:29:56 > 0:29:59because I was trying to catch him yesterday.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03It was 1-0 to the swan yesterday so we're going to try to even it up.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Knowing he needs to act fast, Anthony heads back to the van
0:30:08 > 0:30:12to change his jacket, hoping it will be enough to fool the swan.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22He's not sure it's going to work, so calls for backup.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25The gentleman that's called us up to tell us about the swan,
0:30:25 > 0:30:29he's on his way over now with some bread to give us a helping hand,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32so hopefully we can entice the swans a little bit closer
0:30:32 > 0:30:34so we can grab hold of the injured one.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39The caller's name is Paul Roden, who's the groundsman for the area.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- Hiya.- How you doing? Anthony.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42I've brought you some bread,
0:30:42 > 0:30:47so it may or may not attract them. We'll have to see how you get on.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50We'll give it another shot anyway. Come on, then.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Anthony uses the bread to coax the male
0:30:52 > 0:30:57but it doesn't appear to be working.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59They need to up their game if they're going to outwit
0:30:59 > 0:31:02the clever swans, so Paul comes up with a new plan.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06If I feed them and you go along there with the pole...
0:31:06 > 0:31:09It's not a bad idea, that, actually, yeah.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14If I swap with you, now, then, and I'll go and sit in some cover.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23How close is he?
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Pretty close.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30The new tactics seem to be working so Anthony seizes the opportunity.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35But frustratingly, the swan gets away.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39So fast, aren't they? Not playing ball.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42A closer look shows it's actually the female
0:31:42 > 0:31:44who's now wrapped in fishing line.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47I can't see it on him any more. It was definitely him yesterday,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50because he's got a scar across the top of his beak.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52She's definitely got something on her.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55I thought it might have been a reed. Look, is that a weight?
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Yes, yes.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59It's on her as well.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02They need to get her out as quickly as possible
0:32:02 > 0:32:05before she comes to serious harm.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Now they have two injured swans to deal with.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28SWAN SQUAWKS I know. I know.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Anthony's perseverance has paid off.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32He's caught the female.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34They need to get the line off straightaway
0:32:34 > 0:32:37so she doesn't become more entangled.
0:32:37 > 0:32:38Got those scissors? Cheers.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- It looks like she may have...- Pulled it off him.- Pulled it off him,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46and then it's wrapped around her,
0:32:46 > 0:32:47and now it's wrapped around me as well!
0:32:47 > 0:32:50I just want to check that she hasn't...
0:32:50 > 0:32:52I know, I know.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Anthony may have won his battle of wits with the swan...
0:32:58 > 0:32:59Jacket fooled you, swan.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03..but now he has her close up,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06he and Paul make a more worrying discovery.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09That's a braid. We'll possibly find a hook at the other end of there.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Can you see a hook?
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Which really annoys me, to be honest -
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- that fishermen can leave hooks and line.- Oh, it's appalling.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22The hook they were worried about has become embedded in the swan's neck.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It seems to be superficial, just on the outside,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28so I'm hoping to be able to remove this now and just let her go.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30It needs to be pushed this way.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35It has gone through there but it is really superficial.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37I'm hoping that if we can...
0:33:37 > 0:33:38That's out. It's a big book, that.
0:33:38 > 0:33:44- Is that for carp?- Carp fishing, yes. They've been carp fishing.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45That's shocking.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46SWAN SQUAWKS OK, girl.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- I think she's good to go.- Wonderful.
0:33:49 > 0:33:50Right.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Despite being distressed by the situation,
0:33:53 > 0:33:57it looks as though the female has escaped with no major injuries.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Good luck, girl. Go on.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03She can be released straight back onto the water to rejoin her mate.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05OK, go on.
0:34:06 > 0:34:07Go on, then.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Even though Anthony is still concerned about the male,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17he doesn't want to cause the swans any more stress today.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20With the male, which had the line attached originally,
0:34:20 > 0:34:25we're just going to ask the guy who rang us up originally
0:34:25 > 0:34:27to keep an eye out and just check on him tomorrow,
0:34:27 > 0:34:31see if he's got any injuries and see if...
0:34:31 > 0:34:32He seemed a bit lame earlier on.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35See whether that's improved and if not, to give us a call back
0:34:35 > 0:34:36and we'll come back out then.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41For Anthony, it's a prime example of how people's careless actions
0:34:41 > 0:34:44can have lethal consequences for wildlife.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49Fishermen need to be completely responsible with their equipment.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52That's what was left, with about three foot of line in that as well,
0:34:52 > 0:34:56on the end of this, so it was really, really dangerous.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Wildlife like this are always going to come into contact
0:34:59 > 0:35:01with what they leave behind, and become injured.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03We managed to take the swan out the water, take the hook out,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06straight back in the water, back with her mate.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Couldn't have gone any better, so I'm made up, really. Job done.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Finally, we're heading back to London,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22where earlier we saw RSPCA inspectors Clare Ponsford
0:35:22 > 0:35:26and Imara Alagaratnam pick up two abandoned Staffie dogs.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30The dogs were in a terrible condition and now Clare and Imara
0:35:30 > 0:35:35are on a mission to find out exactly what had happened to them.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42Jasper and Simba were found tied to some railings on a busy street.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45It's all right. We're here, darling. She's here. She's here. She's here.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50Jasper has a badly broken leg. Simba is emaciated.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Don't you worry, darling. There's a good girl. Come here.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Clare and Imara want some answers.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01The dogs' microchips have led them to this flat
0:36:01 > 0:36:03on the outskirts of London.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Hello!
0:36:05 > 0:36:08But there's no sign of anyone living here.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11Kind of looks like there probably was people in here at some point.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13It's a little bit worrying.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Is there anybody living here?
0:36:15 > 0:36:18The neighbours confirm the flat's been empty for weeks.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20There's quite clearly nobody here.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23The plants are dead and the property's empty.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25We've been informed by a member of the public
0:36:25 > 0:36:28that the young lady that lived here moved out about a month ago.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32We know it's a young lady that owns the dogs, and we know the dogs were microchipped a month ago,
0:36:32 > 0:36:34so that would fit.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40The investigation will have to wait. The dogs need treatment.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43But Clare is fearing the worst.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48They are Staffordshire bull terriers, bull terrier breed-type dogs.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51There are thousands of these dogs in London. Nobody wants them.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54That's why they end up in circumstances like this.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58The RSPCA and all the other animal agencies' re-homing centres
0:36:58 > 0:37:00are full of these dogs
0:37:00 > 0:37:04and because they have an undeserved poor reputation,
0:37:04 > 0:37:06they don't get re-homed.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09So I'm afraid their long-term prognosis is not good.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12The RSPCA sees cases like this all the time.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16I might take her home, you know. It's just so sad.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22But even for an experienced inspector like Clare,
0:37:22 > 0:37:26sometimes it's hard to take.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Even after ten years, it just doesn't get any easier.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32The cruelty, I think, is just getting steadily worse.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34I think people are becoming poorer.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Animals that would have otherwise been really well looked after
0:37:38 > 0:37:39are now suffering.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41I can't help these two dogs.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44I can't help all the dogs I've taken out of the addresses
0:37:44 > 0:37:45in the last few days.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47It's too late for that.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I love my job but it's just so hard.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01Slowly, slowly.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Clare and Imara have brought Jasper and Simba to a vet
0:38:04 > 0:38:08who specialises in forensic investigation of animals.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Come on in. Slowly.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Their condition needs to be recorded officially,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16in case a prosecution is brought against their owner.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18There's a good girl. Come on.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20And on that front, there's new information.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28I've just found out from the vet where the dogs were taken into
0:38:28 > 0:38:31that both dogs are micro-chipped to the same person
0:38:31 > 0:38:33and there's a contact number.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Hello, this is the RSPCA.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I'm calling about your dogs.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43The registered owner explains that the dogs really belong
0:38:43 > 0:38:45to her ex-partner.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47OK. And where are you living now?
0:38:47 > 0:38:49She left them with him
0:38:49 > 0:38:52when she moved in with her new boyfriend a few weeks ago.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54I certainly don't want you to ring him or make any contact with him.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57I don't want you to ask him about them or where they are, anything. OK?
0:38:57 > 0:39:00And she's shocked to hear about their current condition.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Just keep calm. Just keep calm.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07Clare now has something to go on, if not the full story.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10It may be that her new partner didn't want the dogs,
0:39:10 > 0:39:11so she gave them to her ex-partner,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13but agreed that she would go round and see them.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16That's quite normal. Why they've ended up sick and injured,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19tied to railings, I have no idea.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21This lady's very distressed.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23She's arranged to meet the lady she phoned and is keen
0:39:23 > 0:39:26to speak to her ex-partner.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29I now need to know how both those dogs
0:39:29 > 0:39:33have come to be in those conditions, tied to railings today.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37And I think one of these people that I'm going to get in touch with
0:39:37 > 0:39:40in the next couple of days will have some answers to that.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Which may or may not lead to a prosecution.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Clare and Imara will continue pursuing a criminal investigation
0:39:46 > 0:39:48against those responsible.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55Five days later and there's finally some good news for one of the dogs.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00Oh, is that nice? There's a good girl.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03And while Jasper's broken leg is recovering,
0:40:03 > 0:40:06for the still very thin Simba, there's some positive news.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09The dog has been at a vet's for a few days, just checking
0:40:09 > 0:40:11that there's nothing wrong with her, really,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14apart from the fact that she hasn't eaten for a little while.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17And now she has... Someone has come forward offering to foster her
0:40:17 > 0:40:20for a little while, which is brilliant news.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23And it's well-known that once a dog goes into a foster home
0:40:23 > 0:40:24they very rarely come out again.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27They worm their way in to the hardest of hearts.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30So I think her prognosis is 1,000 times better than it was
0:40:30 > 0:40:32when we picked them up on Friday.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Sit down. Sit down.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38We're going to your new home. I know.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40There's a good girl.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Simba will now receive the kind of care and attention she deserves.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53And before long, Jasper, the male Staffie, has a foster home as well.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- Sit.- With Storm Lonsdale.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Jasper's had a major operation to save his broken leg
0:41:01 > 0:41:04and, thankfully, it's proved a big success.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06He only got his stitches out the other day
0:41:06 > 0:41:09but he seems to be fine and he's never been tender around that area,
0:41:09 > 0:41:13but I think maybe actually that's because he's quite brave
0:41:13 > 0:41:16and also quite soft and he would never be snappy or anything.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Storm is a student
0:41:18 > 0:41:21and she's looking after Jasper during the summer.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25If she hadn't taken him in when she did,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Jasper would have been put to sleep.
0:41:28 > 0:41:29He's got such a good personality.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Everybody who comes around and meets him adores him.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35He's settled really well. We haven't had any problems with him.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Apart from he likes to go bin-diving if we leave him in the kitchen
0:41:38 > 0:41:40by himself.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43It's thought Jasper's badly broken leg was caused by a person.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47No animal deserves to be treated like that.
0:41:47 > 0:41:52I just can't see how an animal like this would ever have, like,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55any anger directed towards him.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59And as Clare continues to work on the animal cruelty case,
0:41:59 > 0:42:02she's relieved that both Jasper and Simba
0:42:02 > 0:42:04are enjoying much happier lives.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07I am pleased to hear that the dogs have settled into foster care,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10because obviously they were found in a really bad situation.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12So it's nice to know that they're getting some TLC
0:42:12 > 0:42:15and the attention that any dog deserves now, really.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21I don't doubt at all that we will be able to find a lot of people
0:42:21 > 0:42:23who will really want to take him and give him a forever home
0:42:23 > 0:42:28when the time comes, because he's such a nice little guy.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45remember there are dedicated professionals out there
0:42:45 > 0:42:48who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd