Animal plea as family dumped

4th October 2007

Animal welfare inspectors are urging pet owners not to dump unwanted animals after a family of hamsters were abandoned in Chesterfield.

The four Russian hamsters - a mum, dad and two babies - were found in a box on Cordwell Avenue in Dunston by a passer-by who took them into the RSPCA centre on Spital Lane.

Staff at the animal centre have named the two parents Hayley and Frank and the babies Nutty and Raisin and all four are being assessed before they will be made ready to rehome.

Mike Scargill, RSPCA inspector, said: "The hamsters are friendly and used to being handled and had probably been cared for.

:All too often we see animals which have become unwanted and are dumped and owners need to realise this is illegal.

"If someone really feels that they can not care for their pet they need to contact an animal welfare organisation - abandoning them is not an option."

People found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

**Since this article was published all 4 hamsters have found loving homes**

Mac bids to be top dog!

13th September 2007

A nervous canine from Chesterfield is hoping to be named top dog in a national RSPCA competition.

Four year old Mac, a cross-breed, was taken to the town's RSPCA animal centre when his former owner could no longer afford his upkeep.

However, noisy kennel life upset him so much he began to self-harm, resulting in him having to have the last six inches of his tail amputated after he persistently chewed and banged it.

Devoted new owner Alison Ashton, of Oaklea Way, Old Tupton, said: "When he was taken to the RSPCA he was so emaciated and really skinny.

"he had damaged his tail beyond repair and had to have six inches taken off it. His tail has healed up now - it's just a little shorter than it should be!"

Mac was nominated as the RSPCA East Midlands dog of the year by the charity's staff in Chesterfield.

Six dogs from each region, will now battle it out for the national title in a contest which will run exclusively in the Sunday express newspaper.

The overall winner will be announced in November and receive prizes including a year's supply of dog food, a year's pet insurance and a photo session with a glossy magazine.

• Title hopful: Mac with new owner Alsion

**Please note that the voting of now ended for this competition**

Abandoned greyhound spurs alarm

2nd August 2007

Animal welfare chiefs are hunting the owner of an abandoned greyhound believed to have been used for illegal coursing.

An elderly lady found the dog tied to a gate at the end of Calow Lane, Chesterfield.

She took the animal to the RSPCA shelter where it will be put up for adoption if its owner cannot be traced.

Richard Woodwards, manager of the Spital Lane shelter, said: “The dog was wearing three ankle bandages, one on the front left leg and two on the back. We believe they were put on to strengthen her ankles and use her for illegal coursing.

“We suspect this because the inspector in this case has seen this done before.”

Through a tattoo in the dog’s ear inspectors have discovered she was bred in County Durham as a racing dog and given the name Barley Gem, before being sold to someone in the Doncaster area.

Richard said they believe the dog – known as Chloe by her breeder – is two years old.

Anyone with information about Chloe, who was found on Sunday, is urged to call RSPCA Inspector Mike Scargill on 08705 555999.

• Chloe with rescue worker Rachel Gray.

Creature comforts

2nd August 2007

Animals at a Chesterfield rescue centre will be treated to home comforts after a generous donation from secondary school pupils.

Brookfield Community School’s year eight students raised £1,180 for the RSPCA through a week of events, including bun sales, a lunchtime rock concert, and a sponsored bike ride.

Alison Gill, head of year eight, said: “They really flung themselves into it and did a fantastic job. We were absolutely stunned at the amount they raised.”

The pupils requested the money be spent on specific products for the animals, and staff at the centre have drawn up a wish-list of ‘luxury’ items including good-quality grooming products, toys, plastic paddling pools, and scratching posts.

Chesterfield RSPCA’s Richard Woodwards said: “It’s a substantial amount and has enabled us to spoil the animals in our care. Normally we have to go very much with the basics but this amount came just at the right time for us to buy some home comforts.

Dancers put charity in spotlight

27th July 2007

Twinkle-toed youngsters took centre stage to raise money for an animal charity.

Pupils at the Starlets Dance School in Hasland collected £620 for the Chesterfield RSPCA from ticket sales for their annual dance show.

Elly Prince, Starlets principal, said: “We don’t do exams at our dance school but we do an annual show, mainly for our own fun. However, any money we made we decided to give to the RSPCA because we are so grateful for the charity.

“I’m really proud of everyone involved in our show. Not only did we have so much fun, we all find it rewarding that the money raised went to a charity we really appreciate.”

Spaces are available at Starlets for dance classes for three to nine-year-olds. Contact Elly Prince on 01246 276910.

• Lindsay Holmes (RSPCA) with Sooty and Barry, Sophie Snodden and Elly Prince from Starlets Dance School.