Fantastic! Crisis appeal tops target

31th July 2003

The Chesterfield & North Derbyshire RSPCA has been saved from closure after residents have collected over £84,000 in just seven months.

Dozens of cats and dogs were facing destruction or life on the streets if Chesterfield's RSPCA Centre failed to meet its fundraising target.

But hundreds od people rallied to the cause by organising a host of events to keep the Centre up and running.

Staff needed to rake in £75,000 by the end of this month, but an additional £9,000 has been collected so far and the figure is still rising!

Richard Woodwards, Centre mamager, said: "We are delighted we've surpassed the target.

"The people of Chesterfield have been absolutely fantastic and I'd like to thank the Derbyshire Times for running story after story for us and keeping the Centre on the map.""

The Derbyshire Times alerted North Derbyshire residents to the cash crisis by launching the Save our Shelter campaign.

The money will be used to cover last year's cash shortfall and this year's expected deficit - giving the Centre a clean sheet to work from next year.

Richard has thanked everyone who helped raise the cash, the Centre's staff and trustees and all the volunteers who supported the campaign.

New life of brian rests in your hands

7th August 2005

Animal welfare chiefs were shell-shocked when they were called out to their latest abandonment case....

Six Giant African Land Snails - each the size of a human hand - were found by the side of a lamp-post on a Shirebrook street.

The snail-blazing discovery was the first time RSPCA officers had ever seen the rare breed and now they're seeking a new home for their African visitors.

Richard Woodwards, manager of Chesterfield RSPCA centre where the snails are currently being cared for, said: "There are five adults snails and one baby. The fact there were so many suggested they had been abandoned.

"We would like to re-home them. If somebody is interested in something a little different as a pet, then they are extremely easy to care for."

The snails are used to an exotic climate and would need a tank or vivarium, peat to bury themselves in, cuttle fish as a source of calcium and a diet of fruit and vegetables.

**Since the news article was pubished the snails have now found a new home**

Fearless feline's search for a new home

1st March 2005

A poorly puss who was forced to have his ears amputated because of illness is on the lookout for a loving new home. Casper (who is currently featured in our pet of the month) was brought into Chesterfield's RSPCA centre because he didn't get on with the other cats he lived with.

He was taken to the vet's where it was initially thought he was suffering from cancer, but following tests it was found he had a blood clotting disease which affected his ears, causing the flesh to die.

He is now on steroids to keep the condition under control, which also caused hair loss and swelling around his face. Richard Woodwards, manager of the Spital Lane centre, said: "He will make someone a very nice pet. He's very friendly.
"If you are prepared to take on a cat that needs steroids occasionally and has no ears, he's a very nice cat."

The centre is looking for a home without young children and one which does not have any other animals. Although Casper, who is predominantly white, has lost his ears, his hearing is still intact.

Anyone who would like to adopted Casper, should contact the centre.

**Since this article was published Casper has now found a new home**

I got you babe!

2nd June 2005

A pig tale is heading towards a happy ending after railway enthusiasts found a stray piglet at the Midland Railway Centre in Butterley.

A spokesman for the centre said one of the volunteers arrived at the station, near Ripley, on Monday morning to be greeted by the piglet, who disappeared into the undergrowth but was later captured and taken to the RSPCA centre in Spital, Chesterfield.

RSPCA branch manager Julie Ward said: "There are no farms near the centre so my feeling is that the piglet was dumped by someone who bought him, or stole him, and then realised just how big he was going to get."

The piglet is, Julie believes, aged about ten weeks old and is a British White. She said he is in general good health but 'doesn't half squeal'.

The piglet must stay at the RSPCA centre for 28 days before he can be moved, under DEFRA rules, but after that will be looking for a new home.

**Since this article was published the piglet has been re-homed**

Don't dump your pets warning

9th June 2005

Pet owners are being warned they could face up to six months in prison or a £5,000 fine if they abandon their animals.

The alert follows the rescue by the RSPCA of 23 pet rats dumped in a barn at Wadshelf and found by the property owner.

Andy Sowden, animal collection officer, said: "These rats are very friendly and will make great pets.

"They felt so safe together that, although they had chewed holes in the cages, they stayed with each other rather than escaping.

"These animals are very lucky that they were found when they were."

The rats, which had been left with toys, food and water, are described as healthy and mainly black and white.

It is thought an adult pair has bred to produce several adolescent and young rats.

RSPCA chiefs have warned anyone found guilty of abandoning an animal in a way which causes it to suffer can be prosecuted and may face a maximum of six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.

Anyone who is experiencing difficulty caring for their animals, should call the RSPCA on 0870 5555 999.

The Chesterfield animal shelter is looking for new homes for the rats. Telephone 0870 770 5071 for details.

**Since this article was published the abandoned rats have found new homes, however the animal centre very often has rats looking for good homes**