Rabbits and their babies left for dead

22nd January 2009

Shocked RSPCA officers have slammed the people responsible for leaving three adult rabbits and 11 newly-born bunnies for dead in freezing cold conditions.

Three of the bunnies found dumped in a box in a lay-by off Winnats Pass, Castleton, last Wednesday have died and the remaining rabbits are in the care of staff at the Chesterfield RSPCA centre who are desperate to find them a loving home.

Richard Woodwards, centre manager, said: "It's shocking negligence and stupidity that someone felt they had to abandon these animals because we will always try to help look after them.

"There were 11 babies originally and three died but the remaining eight are all making a good recovery and the three adult rabbits are doing very well with us."

The rabbits were discovered by a woman, from Great Longstone who handed them over to staff at the Chesterfield centre. SOme of the umbilical chords attached.

Staff have nicknamed the mother Winnie and the other two adults Twiggy and Florence.

RSPCA inspector Mike Scargill said: "It's abhorrent and totally immoral for someone to abandon these rabbits in a rural location with no thought or care for their welfare and it was even more concerning given the sub-zero temperatures.

"These rabbits are domestic and their suffering would have begun the moment they were left."

The RSPCA has warned that anyone who causes unnecessary suffering to an animal can face up to six months in prison, a £20,000 fine or both.

Anyone wanting to re-home any of the rabbits or who may have information about how they came to be abandoned is urged to call the Chesterfield centre on 01246 273358.

• In safe hands: Lesley Darling, team leader with rabbit Winnie, and Craig Mason, on work experience from Castle College

***All the rabbitshave now been successful rehomed. Thank you to everyone who showed interest in them and offered them new homes***

Pets' memorial cash snatched by thieves

27th November 2008

Heartless thieves have stolen RSPCA cash donated by people wanting to honour deceased pets during the season of goodwill.

Staff at the RSPCA centre, on Spital Lane, Chesterfield, were horrified to discover the collection box cash had been snatched from behind the reception desk.

Centre manager Richard Woodwards said: "We've set up a scheme where people can donate cash in memory of lost pets and in return they get a bauble to place on our Christmas tree with a loving message.

"But these heartless thieves have done the lowest of the low and stolen all the cash which has been donated so far."

The thieves are believed to have struck between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning last week.

Police have launched an investigation and are keen to examine any available CCTV footage from the area.

Mr Woodwards said: "The RSPCA is a self-funded charity and we depend on the kindness of others.

"Members of the public have already made generous donations and left sentimental messages in honour of lost pets and they will be heartbroken to learn this money has been stolen."

Witnesses or anyone with information about the theft should call police on 0845 123 3333 or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• Cleaned out: Jane Strauther and Rebecca Kennel, animal care assistants, with the empty donations tub

RSPCA appeal after kitten is thrown from car

13th November 2008

RSPCA officers are appealing for information after a cold hearted motorist flung a vulnerable kitten from a car while driving near a busy road.

The kitten was spotted being thrown from a dark car near Buttermilk Lane, Shuttlewood, by a woman tending to horses in the area last Friday evening.

The woman came to the rescue of the frightened kitten, which was covered in axle grease.

Molly, who if thought to be seven months old, is now being cared for at Chesterfield's RSPCA centre, on Spital Lane.

RSPCA inspector Mike Scargill, urged anyone with any information about the incident to get in touch.

"Abandoning any animal in these circumstances isn't only against the law, it's morally indefensible.

"Without the intervention of a member of the public the cat may well have died," he said.

"If anyone has any information regarding the kitten or the incident, they should please contact the RSPCA as soon as possible."

• Safe: Animal care assistant Lindsay Holmes with abandoned Molly

What makes you feel good?

Returning a creature to the wild is so satisfying...

21st November 2008

"My name is Freda Shakespeare and I am a volunteer 'foster mum' for my local RSPCA animal centre which is based in Chesterfield. I have always loved animals, working on farms before my marriage in 1963.

In the spring of 2000 I started helping out at the Chesterfield RSPCA one morning a week, cleaning out kennels and exercising the dogs. One day while I was volunteering an RSPCA inspector brought in a family of 4 Starlings which has been pulled from their nest during a roof repair. They needed a foster mum so I brought them home, fed them and when they were able to fly I released them.

Soon the baby hedgehogs started to come in and I was hooked! Some were so tiny with eyes closed and weighing only a few grams. They needed bottle feeding and toileting every 2 hours, starting at 7.00am with the last feed at 11.00pm.

Since starting in 2000 I have successfully reared and released 52 Hedgehogs, 11 Rabbits, 6 Ducks and 32 birds including Pigeons, Doves, Starlings, Thrushes, Sparrows, Housemartins, Robins and a Jackdaw.

It has been hard, demanding work at times but satisfaction of seeing a fit, healthy animal or bird released back into the wild makes it all worthwhile. One bird that sticks in my mind is a young Housemartin which when released flew so high into a brilliant blue sky it disappeared into the distance and left me hoping would the bird make the journey to Africa?

Obviously not all are success stories and many do not survive despite all my efforts. One thing that saddens me is when well meaning people bring in fledgling birds. These youngsters have left the nest but can not yet fly very well and still need help with food from their parents. People think they need 'rescuing' when really they should be left alone, their parents will be nearby.

At present the RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire branch, which is a self funded charity, is struggling to raise money to rebuild tired and out of date dog kennels, cat pens and other animal housing. Daily running costs are over £750 and with the current economic climate the future of the centre is guarded. Whatever happens I shall carry on looking after my 'babies' as long as possible."

Animal lovers line up to boost funds

17th September 2008

Animal lovers got in step to boost funds for the RSPCA with a charity line dancing evening.

The fun event took place at the Riverside Club on Hollis Lane and all proceeds went to the RSPCA CHesterfield branch of the charity, which is based on Spital Lane.

The event included a raffle, as well as a prize for the best costume.

• RSPCA animal care assistants Jane Strauther, Beck Taylor, Bev Williamson and Rebecca Kennel with Bruno the German Shepherd