Police to refer man who left four dogs in hot car to RSPCA
North Yorkshire Police has said it will refer the owner of four dogs who were left inside a baking hot car to the RSCPA.
The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a Land Rover Discovery window to free the dogs.
They had been trapped for over half an hour without even a window open.
Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.
The Labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner.
But that might not be the end of the matter. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson has confirmed that an officer spoke to the male owner and will refer the incident to the RSPCA.
A spokesperson said:
“Members of the public witnessed the dogs being left unattended with the windows up and seemingly without air conditioning for around 30 minutes.
“One of them smashed a window on the vehicle and the dogs were taken into the care of a vet.
“Police spoke to the owner of the dogs and are due to report him to the RSPCA.”
It is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car but owners are legally responsible for their pets’ health and welfare.
If a dog becomes ill or dies in a hot car, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This could lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine.
The charity has no legal enforcement powers or authority in its own right, so all prosecutions are brought via independent solicitors acting for the RSPCA.
The charity runs a regular ‘dogs die in hot cars’ campaign that warns motorists of the dangers of leaving a dog inside a car during hot weather.
A spokesperson said:
“Despite our very clear message each year, some people still continue to leave their dogs in hot cars thinking there is no risk, and many more take their dogs out for walks in hot temperatures when pavements are red hot.
“It’s so important to remember not to leave any animal in any vehicle or caravan, or in a conservatory or outbuilding, where temperatures can quickly rise, even when it doesn’t feel that warm outside.”
Harrogate family reunited with missing cat after five years
A Harrogate family was left stunned yesterday after their beloved family cat Django was found — five years after they thought they had lost him forever.
Lisa Watson and her husband used to live off Knaresborough Road with Django, a black and white puss they had owned for over two years.
The cat was microchipped but one day Django disappeared and never returned.
Lisa, who had a close bond with her pet, was frantic with worry.
She joined Facebook groups, printed posters and went out every night for four weeks looking for her.
She even went to see a clairvoyant who told her that Django had been killed and she should move on. She said:
“It broke my heart. I thought, that’s my closure, I’m never going to see him again.”
When Django went missing, Lisa was five months pregnant and she said the stress of losing the cat contributed to her giving birth two months early.
But years later, she never stopped thinking about Django and wondered if he was still out there.
The family moved to a different part of the Harrogate district but whenever they were in the area they used to live, they would take a detour to see if they could spot Django.
Everything changed yesterday when Lisa had a phone call from her husband. He cryptically asked her what phone call would she never expect to receive.
She immediately responded with: “Finding Django”.
Django had been found at Fodder by the Great Yorkshire Showground, and after her microchip was scanned by a local vet, it led her back to Lisa.
When she picked Django up, he did not look like a cat that had been struggling to survive in the wild. He was well fed and decidedly chunky.
She described the emotional reunion with the affectionate mog.
“He leaped into my arms, picked up his head and nuzzled my face.”
Lisa and Django have a lot of catching up to do. The family now has some other cats and a five-year-old son who is delighted to have a new pet.
Lisa said:
“If Django doesnt wander off again he’ll be mine for life.
“It’s like when people get reunited there are mixed emotions. You’re glad but you’re strangers again. A lot has happened, there are new family members and the dynamic has changed!”
Lisa urged anyone who sees a cat they think might be a stray to get their microchip checked by a vet. It could help another family be reunited with their long-lost pet.
Harrogate man found guilty of animal cruelty
A Harrogate man has been found guilty of mistreating two pet dogs.
Robbie Nelson, 23, of Woodfield View, appeared before magistrates in York yesterday.
He was accused of failing to provide a suitable environment for a mastiff type dog called Rocco and a lurcher type dog called Smudge.
Bilton’s Peter the Peacock living his best life in Lancashire
Bilton’s Peter the Peacock is now happily living among fellow peacocks on a farm in Lancashire.
Peter had wandered around the Tennyson Avenue area for years and was considered part of Bilton. Facebook and Twitter accounts were set up in honour of the enigmatic bird.
But in June last year Peter vanished, which shocked the local community.
It emerged a resident had contacted the RSPCA about Peter after he was seen limping, and the colourful creature was whisked away to the vets for treatment.
Residents in Bilton mobilised and considered launching a campaign to bring the bird back. Bilton councillor Paul Haslam even offered to rehome him on his farm.
But their efforts were in vain, as the RSPCA said they had already found a new home for him.
A year on from the saga, the Stray Ferret asked the RSPCA for an update on Peter, and it’s good news.
After visiting the vets, Peter crossed the Pennines for rehab with a specialist keeper in Lancashire.
He has since been happily rehomed on a farm with other peacocks, also in Lancashire.
His new owner said:
“Peter is doing really well and he enjoys wandering around on 400 acres of nearby farm land. He no longer limps on his right leg and he enjoys sleeping in his own barn.
“He tends to keep himself to himself but has the company of three other peacocks when he is feeling sociable. We love having him and are delighted that he is happy here.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said it’s the “perfect home” for Peter:
“Peter lived for many years on his own but was found to be injured.
“He was returned to full health in our care and a new home was found with many other peacocks for company where he will be able to spend the rest of his days.
“We are grateful to the residents who cared for him but it would have been illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to release him back into the wild in Bilton because peacocks are classed as a non-native species. Fortunately, we were able to find him the perfect place to live in Lancashire.”
A Killinghall woman has contacted the RSPCA as part of the attempt to solve the mystery of the village’s missing peacocks.
A muster of peacocks has roamed the village for years but there are fears about 10 have been killed.
The number of peacocks rose sharply in the last couple of years, prompting some residents to say they were sick of the noise and calling for action.
Just two peahens remain, prompting fears somebody has taken matters into their own hands.
Sarah Leanne Hughes said it was possible the birds had been re-homed by the animal charity, which re-homed Peter the Peacock from Bilton. She added:
“I have spoken to three different people at the RSPCA. I’m just asking for advice to see if they have been reported.”
“All I want to know is where the birds have gone. It’s the not knowing that’s awful. People are starting to point fingers. Somebody’s name has been mentioned a couple of times but it’s not a witch hunt.”
Ms Hughes set up the Killinghall Peacocks Facebook page two years ago to celebrate the peacocks, which used to visit her garden regularly.
She moved to Killinghall from Bilton and whereas sightings of Peter were rare, she saw the Killinghall birds regularly. Her home, on Cautley Drive, is close to the tree where the animals roost.
Peacocks roosting in Killinghall last summer.
Ms Hughes said the number of page members had doubled recently amid concern for the peacocks’ welfare. She said:
“It’s causing a lot of upset in the village. Somebody knows something and they should do the decent thing and say what has happened.”
The Stray Ferret has asked the parish council if the matter will be raised and whether it plans to take any further action to investigate the plight of the birds.
Sue Reid, the clerk, said the peacocks were not on the agenda for the monthly meeting at 7pm but the annual parish meeting, which followed at 8pm, was an open forum that gave residents the opportunity to raise any subject they liked.
Stray Pets Rescue Club: Hovis, Bertie and Gary need your help
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, three gorgeous boys are hoping to meet someone to call their own.
Hovis
Age: 1
Hovis’ story: Hovis is currently living at Miss Mollie’s Rescue, having arrived from Romania. When he arrived he was a very scared boy, and had probably been treated very cruelly by the Romanian dog catchers.
Temperament: He is very worried by new people, but after some patience and kind attention he is lovely. He enjoys running around a field, and having lots of cuddles once he’s got to know you. Food is a very big part of his life, so treats are the way to his heart – and his trust.
Ideal home: Hovis will need an experienced adult home, and he will need to be placed with someone who will be at home most of the time to help build his confidence.
If you could help Hovis feel safe in a loving home, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Bertie
Age: 2
Bertie’s story: Bertie was handed over to the Dogs Trust when he was one year old, as his owners couldn’t cope with his behaviour. He was already worried by unfamiliar people and places, but due to the covid lockdowns he has had a very sheltered life.
Temperament: If you take the time to slowly get to know Hovis, you’ll see a wonderful boy who will always make you smile. He loves to play with his toys and is very affectionate with his friends. He is full of character and is also very smart. He’s now doing really well but needs adopters who’ll work with Dogs Trust Leeds to transition him to his new life slowly.
Ideal home: Bertie needs an adult only home with no pets and no visiting children. Other dogs are a worry for him and so he must be walked in quieter areas. He requires a quiet and predictable home with owners who are willing to continue with his training.
If you have room in your heart for Hovis, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.
Gary
Age: 5
Gary’s story: Gary came to the RSPCA as a semi-feral cat after his welfare had become compromised and he could no longer stay where he was. Gary was extremely nervous of everyone when he first arrived, but after lots of hard work he’s now ready to be re-homed.
Temperament: Once Gary builds a bond and trusts you, he is the sweetest boy. He loves head rubs and playing with wand toys. Once he’s got to know you, he enjoys being around you and likes to sit and watch – even if you’re not interacting with him.
Ideal home: Gary is still very fearful of people he does not know, and any new adopter will need to give him time to settle into a home environment. He will need a spare room that can be dedicated to him and he can make his own and feel confident in before being introduced to the rest of the house. He needs an adult only home.
Buzzard trapped in Harrogate car bumper has miraculous escape
A buzzard had a miraculous escape after it was hit by a car in Harrogate and got trapped in the front radiator grille.
The driver of the Jaguar felt a bump whilst driving and later was surprised to see her car had hit the bird, which had become stuck.
She frantically called different mechanics in Harrogate to see if they could remove the bumper and free the buzzard. After struggling to get help she called the RSPCA.
RSPCA animal rescuer, inspector Claire Little, was sent to an address in Fulwith Road to free the bird of prey.
Ms Little said:
“She thought the car had hit something and she then found the bird stuck in the car grille – who was miraculously still alive.
“I went along and was able to carefully remove the bird from the front grill of the car by removing some parts.
“I then checked her over and amazingly she didn’t seem injured – she just had a few ruffled feathers but no cuts on her body.”
The plucky bird of prey has made a full recovery and was released back into the wild on New Year’s Day.
Ms Little added:
“She was a little shocked at first but wasn’t displaying any signs of injury. I think she just had some concussion but she seemed to recover well.
“It was a great moment to watch her happily fly off as I released her – and I caught the heart-warming moment on video.”
Watch a video of the bird being released below:
Stray Pets Rescue Club: could these adorable pooches find a home before Christmas?
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Poppy, Jake, Stanley and Doughnut are hoping they’ll have met someone to love them before Christmas.
Poppy
Age: 7 years old
Poppy’s story: Poppy has been living at Miss Mollie’s Rescue for around 5 years. Since being rescued from Romania, she was incredibly nervous, but was comfortable living in a house with the other dogs. She is currently unhappy in boarding kennels, and in desperate need of a foster carer.
Temperament: She is an affectionate dog once she gets to know you, and loves her home comforts, walks, and being around other dogs.
Ideal home: Poppy needs an owner with lots of patience who has experience with nervous dogs. She can live with cats and dogs in an adult home. Fostering Poppy means there is no need for an adoption donation, and Miss Mollie’s can help with any problems that may come up.
If you could help Poppy feel safe in a loving home, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Jake
Age: 7
Jake’s story: Jake has had a very unsettled life to date. He was originally handed over to Dogs Trust in 2015 when he was just one year old, due to his owners’ change of work commitments. He was rehomed in 2015 until 2019 when he was returned again after a change in personal circumstance for his owner.
Temperament: Jake is the sweetest and most loving boy. All his handlers adore him and can often be found in his kennel giving him extra cuddles. He is very happy when he is curled up on the sofa with a human friend.
Ideal home: His unsettled life has led to some anxieties, so Jake has been working on a special training programme which has worked brilliantly to build his confidence with new people. Jake needs an adult-only home with no children or visiting children and no other pets.
Stanley & Doughnut’s story: This loveable pair came to the RSPCA when their previous owner was moving and could not take them with her. Stanley (Jack Russell) and Doughnut (Beagle x) are very bonded to each other so will need adopters who will take them together.
Temperament: Both Stanley and Doughnut are such sociable boys who are eager to say hello to everyone who are willing to stop and see them. They love walks and human attention and will sit and get as much fuss and attention as they can possibly get. Stanley and Doughnut both love their food and snuggling up after a snack!
Ideal home: Stanley and Doughnut are suitable to live with other dogs, cats and children aged 6 years and over. They will need adopters who are happy to take them out for nice and interesting walks and adventures, but they can be left alone for short periods.
Stray Pets Rescue Club: Fraizer, Mavis and Foxy need your help
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Mavis the cat and dogs Foxy and Fraizer need your help.
Mavis
Age: 5 years old
Mavis’ story: When Mavis came to Harrogate Cat Rescue, there were suspicions she had been abused, and she was aggressive towards cats and other people.
Temperament: Over time and with plenty of patience, Mavis has learned to trust humans once again. She is now a loving and affectionate cat.
Ideal home: Mavis needs an adult only home, with someone who will give her time to adjust. She will also need access to a safe outdoor space once she’s ready.
If you could help Mavis feel safe in a loving home, contact Celia at Harrogate Cat Rescue on 07749 461042.
Foxy
Age: approx. 5 years old
Foxy’s story: Foxy has lived at Miss Mollie’s Rescue for a number of years as she needs a very specific home – but she is ready to find her new owners.
Temperament: Foxy is very affectionate, and loves having cuddles and lots of attention. Riding in the car and going for nice, quiet walks are her favourite things to do. She can get anxious and protective of her home, and needs reassurance.
Ideal home: Because Foxy prefers women to men, she will ideally live with a woman on her own with no visiting children. Foxy will need a quiet home, and an owner with lot of experience with rescue dogs.
If Foxy could become part of your family, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Frazier
Age: 11 years old
Fraizer’s story: Fraizer came to the RSPCA in a terrible condition; an untreated flea allergy left him with sore skin and the loss of half his fur. he’s now ready to start his new life with a new family.
Temperament: Fraizer is always happy to see and meet new people and is sociable with most other dogs (but can get a bit giddy!). He loves attention and snuggling up for fuss.
Ideal home: Fraizer is desperate to be in a loving home and part of the family. He can live with other dogs (after a successful meeting) and children aged over 10.
Stray Pets Rescue Club: would you love Una, Albert or besties Zeb and Spike?
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, in desperate need of a loving home. Could you help Albert, Una, or best friends Zeb and Spike?
Una
Age: 4 years old
Una’s story: This beautiful girl arrived in Harrogate about a month ago from Romania. The volunteers at Miss Mollie’s Rescue think her owner turned her onto the streets, where she was caught by the dog catcher and thrown into the kill kennels.
Temperament: Una can be quite timid, but with some patience and time she will learn how to trust again.
Ideal home: Because of Una’s tough start in life, she will need a quiet, adult-only home. She’ll also need lots of patience, time and love to help build her trust and confidence.
If Una could become part of your family, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Zeb & Spike
Age: 3 and 8 years old
Zeb & Spike’s story: These boys came to the RSPCA when they were abandoned by their previous owner, along with four other cats. They were all in a terrible condition and very hungry. They’ve now put weight on and are ready to enjoy life in their new home.
Temperament: Both Zeb and Spike can be a bit nervous when adjusting to a new environment. Spike (black) is more confident, and enjoys a fuss. Zeb will watch from a distance but come for a little fuss if he’s feeling brave; with Spike at his side, he’ll be just fine.
Ideal home: Zeb and Spike will need to remain as permanent house cats. They can live with other cats and children aged over 14 as long as they understand this pair will need time to settle in.
Albert’s story: Albert has had a tough time in his short life, and hasn’t;t been in a home since he was 10 days old. He’s had quite a sheltered life and isn’t used to the big, wide world.
Temperament: He can be a bit unsure of new people initially, but with a bit of time you’ll see his fun and affectionate personality shine through.
Ideal home: He’lll need a home with a secure garden with no other dogs, and a family who can be around him a lot of the time initially. Any children at home need to be over 13. Albert also has problems with his patellas that mean he’ll need restricted exercise long-term.
If Albert is the missing piece of your jigsaw, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.
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