Tales from England and Wales

Me and my dog Xabi

from Sophie 

The RSPCA has seven extremely dedicated regional press officers throughout England and Wales, covering a whole range of issues, from appeals for information and court cases to rehoming stories.

Recently, we’ve welcomed Lowri Jones into our midst as the new part-time press officer for Wales, who joins Gethin Russell-Jones in our Cardiff office. Lowri brings a wealth of experience to the role and we wish her all the best for her future at the RSPCA.

So, it makes sense to start this round up with Wales and a momentous case for RSPCA Cymru. A man from South Wales was fined £2,000 for using an electronic shock collar on his border collie. This was the first prosecution brought under the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010.

Dawlish kitten with animal care assistant Clare Pigeon

In the South West, a tiny kitten was found tied up in a carrier bag and dumped on Dawlish beach. The ginger and white kitten has been named Pebble by staff at the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter in Exeter. He was healthy but traumatised and joins the many cats in RSPCA care which desperately need new homes.

This time of year is always difficult with lots of kittens being born and many unwanted cats and kittens coming in. We urge people to consider getting a rescue cat and remember RSPCA adoption fees usually include neutering, microchipping, full veterinary checks, worming, flea treatments and any vaccinations so please contact your local branch or centre for the cat of your dreams!

The RSPCA in the South East urged people to pick up their litter after a six-week-old little owl was brought into the charity’s Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre in Hastings after eating part of an elastic band. Richard Thompson, wildlife rehabilitation team manager at the centre, said: “A rubber band could choke an animal so it’s lucky this little owl was found.”

The North region is trying to find fosterers for dogs involved in court cases. Many dogs have to remain in kennels until cases finish, which can take many months. To find out how to foster one of these dogs and offer them a normal life in the short term, please contact the RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre in Middlesbrough or RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in Chester le Street.

Also this week a mother and son were banned from keeping cows, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, horses and mules in Selby. RSPCA inspectors found dead and dying animals at their property. RSPCA inspector Laura Barber said: "This was a terrible case which involved very long periods of suffering and the deaths of a number of animals.”

In the East region, a goose was discovered in Norfolk with severe injuries, thought to have been caused by a blunt instrument having been driven through its breast area.

Anyone concerned about an injured, sick or suffering animal should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

Badger update

The long-feared badger cull was confirmed this week by Defra. The RSPCA believes that the problem of bovine TB in cattle needs a sustainable and effective solution which is supported by scientific research. Such a solution does not lie in this cull.

RSPCA supporters can express their outrage at this decision by going to Facebook.com/rspca and taking part in the ‘Tag and Share’ campaign.

Coming soon!  RSPCA 24/7 Tweet-a-thon – the first 24 hour tweet session from our frontline staff...3 August... #RSPCA247