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.”

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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.

If you have room on your sofa for Jake, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.

Stanley & Doughnut


Age: 6 & 10

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.

If Stanley and Doughnut could join your family, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch. 

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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.

If you have a space in hour heart for Fraizer, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch. 

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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.

If you could help Zeb and Spike feel safe in a loving home, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch. 

Albert


Age: 14 months old

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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Stray Pets Rescue Club: Olaf, Monty, Gracie & Georgia need a loving home

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 Olaf the rabbit, Monty the dog, or mother-and-daughter cats Gracie and Georgia find their new family with you? 

Gracie & Georgia 


Age: 9 and 6

Gracie & Georgia’s story: This mother and daughter came to Harrogate Cat Rescue after their owner of three years, who adored them, suddenly passed away. Before this, they were abused by their previous owner, including being burnt and thrown – which left them both severely traumatised.

Temperament: Georgia suffered the most abuse, so might be a little wary at first. Her mum, Gracie, is very affectionate and loves being fussed and groomed.

Ideal home: This pair are looking for a home where they can be together and relax again. Both are indoor cats, and have no knowledge of being outside.

To find out more about Gracie and Georgia and how you can help, contact Celia at Harrogate Cat Rescue on 07749 461042

Monty


Age: 8 months

Monty’s story: Monty is a Romanian rescue dog. He came to Miss Mollie’s Rescue when he was six months old, and lived with a 10 year old girl who he loved. Sadly their circumstances changed and he was returned to the rescue.

Temperament: Monty is good around other dogs and children, is lovely to walk, and loves having cuddles.

Ideal home: Monty is already house trained. He has bowed front legs (often called ‘Queen Ann Legs’), so may need trips to the vet; Miss Mollie’s would help with the costs.

If Monty could become part of your family, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue. 

Olaf


Age: 3 years 8 months

Olaf’s story: Olaf came to the RSPCA after he sadly lost his girlfriend and his previous owners were unable to keep him. He’s missing both his girlfriend and his home.

Temperament: Olaf is a sweet boy, looking for a new girlfriend. He is neutered and will need to be re-homed where there is an existing female already. Olaf also loves treat time and being hand-fed.

Ideal home: An adult only household with space to go outside and explore would be perfect for Olaf. His hutch needs to be at least 6 foot, with an attached run of at least 8 foot.

If you could help Olaf find love again, get in touch with the RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch. 

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Firefighters and RSPCA rescue elderly cat from Harrogate building

Firefighters and the RSPCA rescued an elderly cat that got stuck on a ledge outside the fourth storey of a building in Harrogate.

The animal charity responded to reports of an animal in distress at the office building on the corner of West Park and Victoria Avenue.

The cat, called Alfie, had climbed out of the office window and wouldn’t go back in.

Claire Mitchell, deputy chief inspector at the RSPCA, attended but was unable to get on to the roof so she summoned help.

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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue sent a crew with a cherry picker vehicle to rescue the ginger and white cat.

However when the firefighters eventually reached Alfie, he decided he could make his own way down.

Ms Mitchell said:

“Cats are very agile and seem to like getting themselves into a spot of bother sometimes and Alfie is no exception.

“He must have climbed out of the fourth storey window onto the roof and got himself into a pickle as he couldn’t get back down.

“We were very grateful for the fire services who attended to help rescue Alfie — although it seems as though Alfie was less grateful as he got spooked by the cherry picker and managed to get himself down from the roof after all!”

Alfie did not suffer any injuries during the ordeal and quickly ran off down the road to be reunited with his worried owner.

Stray Pets Rescue Club: the dog, cats and rabbits hoping you’ll be their new family

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 Jerry the Patterdale Cross, cats Mitchell, Webb & Lollipop, or rabbits Mojo & Mystery in their quest for a loving home? 

Jerry – Patterdale Cross


Age: 14-15 months

Jerry’s story: Jerry was left tied to a tree, and was handed to the dog warden after being found.

Temperament: Jerry is very friendly and also very lively. He can be a little unpredictable around other dogs.

Ideal home: Jerry will be a fantastic dog for someone who has time to spend training him. He needs a very secure garden, and a home without children or other pets.

If your family has space for Jerry, contact Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs. 

 

Mitchell, Webb & Lollipop – Domestic Short Haired


Age: 2.5 years & 1 year

Mitchell, Webb & Lollipop’s story: This trio came to the RSPCA as part of a multi-cat seizure, where their previous owner did not have enough time to spend with all the cats. They are very much bonded to one another, so need a special adopter who can give a home to all three.

Temperament: These three cats had been left extremely nervous of people. They have been in care for quite some time and have come on well, and although they are still very nervous when people are around, they are ready to start their new lives with a loving new family. Mitchell, Webb and Lollipop are very playful and active with their toys and each other – they will enjoy interacting with you for fuss and playtime once they get to know you.

Ideal home: They will find moving to a new home very strange, so adopters will need a spare room where they can be together to begin with. Once they’ve settled and gained confidence, they can begin to investigate the rest of the house. Adopters will need to be patient; Mitchell, Webb and Lollipop will need to be kept as house cats for a very long tie and may never have the confidence to go outside. They will need a quiet, adult-only home, but could possibly live with other cats.

If you could help Mitchell, Webb and Lollipop, visit RSPCA York, Harrogate and District. 

Mojo & Mystery – Rabbits


Age: 10 weeks

Mojo & Mystery’s story: This sweet pair were born at the RSPCA, after both mum and dad were no longer wanted by their previous owner.

Temperament: Mojo and Mystery are young, cheeky and playful little boys, who will make wonderful and entertaining family pets. They love treat time, and like being hand-fed.

Ideal home: Mojo and Mystery will need to live in a hutch which is a minimum of 6 feet, with an attached run of at least 8 feet. These boys will be happy to live indoors if given lots to do, and can live with secondary school aged children.

To provide a loving family home for Mojo and Mystery, visit RSPCA York, Harrogate and District. 

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Cat shot in Markington ‘on the brink of death’

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat called Timmy was found with a shot wound on his shoulder in Markington.

RSPCA officers found the seven-year-old ginger tomcat in the village, which is between Ripon and Harrogate, after a resident alerted the animal welfare charity.

Timmy was rushed to the vets where an X-ray revealed an entry wound from a pellet had shattered his shoulder.

The cat had shrapnel all over his body, and the RSPCA said it was “lucky” the pieces missed his vital organs.

Timmy is now recovering well and the RSPCA has launched an investigation.

The vet believed the shot was fired by a shotgun at close range meaning “someone really wanted to hurt Timmy”.

RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor said:

“This poor cat would have been in terrible pain from the gun wound. Poor Timmy was on the brink of death before the vets operated on his shoulder and saved him.

“His owners are understandably distraught, this was a callous and horrible act of cruelty against him.

“It is very distressing to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals. These are deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty.”

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Ms Taylor said cats and wildlife were often victims of shootings because they are out in the open.

Airgun attacks are most commonly used but the shrapnel suggested a shotgun had been used in this case.

Anyone caught deliberately injuring an animal can face up to six months in prison. They could also be ordered to pay an unlimited fine, if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.

If you have any information you can call the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Lucky Ripon cat Loki rescued from windy tree

Firefighters from Harrogate rescued a cat called Loki when he got stuck 20 metres up a windy tree in Ripon.

A member of the public alerted the RSPCA on Sunday when they noticed the eight-month-old grey cat struggling to keep his balance on the branches of the tree on Wayne Tarbard Close in Ripon.

Loki’s hind legs kept slipping off branches as they shook in the wind.

When an RSPCA officer was unable to tempt Loki down, extra help was required.

A fire crew from Harrogate rushed to the scene and used a 10.5 metre ladder to attempt the rescue.

But Loki kept climbing higher, and was soon out of reach from even the ladder.

Another crew from Harrogate was summoned, and with the help of an aerial ladder platform was able to bring the furry animal safely back to ground.

@NorthYorksFire attended a cat stuck up in a tree with Insp Little in Ripon. Unfortunately after multiple attempts using every trick in the book they had to call upon the Ariel ladder. Working together they managed to reach Loki and bring him down to safety. @RSPCA_official (64) pic.twitter.com/HvVyKvhUKJ

— RSPCA Frontline (@RSPCA_Frontline) February 21, 2021

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After being checked by the RSPCA officer, Loki was reunited with his worried owners.

RSPCA inspector Claire Little said cats were usually adept at finding their way down trees and could be coaxed with strong smelling food like fish. But Loki’s circumstances were different. Ms Little added:

“This poor cat had become well and truly stuck in the tree during quite windy weather.

“RSPCA officers are trained to use ladders, which they carry for rescues like this, however, in situations where we are still unable to reach the animals, we may ask the fire service to help and they often use animal rescues as a vital training aid.

“The fire service tried everything from ladders, reach and rescue poles and eventually they used the aerial platform to bring little Loki down to safety.”

Unlucky fox found stuck in netting on Harrogate school field

An unlucky fox was rescued by RSPCA officers on Friday afternoon after finding itself stuck in netting left on a Harrogate school field.

The fox got stuck in some football netting on Rossett school field. With the help of an RSPCA officer it was able to be released.

The animal was found unharmed but just a little muddy.

The charity used the image to ask people to put any netting away when it isn’t being used to avoid other animals getting themselves stuck in the gaps.

https://twitter.com/RSPCA_Frontline/status/1357732552694521856

RSPCA Inspector Dave Holgate responded to the incident and said:
“This poor fox was well and truly tangled in football netting. I managed to cut him free and then checked him over and thankfully he wasn’t injured so I was able to release him back to the wild.
“I advised the groundsman of the school to remove the netting whilst it is not in use. Unfortunately, people may not realise that netting such as goal nets pose a real hazard to our wildlife and many wild animals get trapped in them.”

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Each year the RSPCA gets around 2,500 calls each year about animals trapped in netting.

As many of these animals are nocturnal the RSPCA says that many are left trapped and struggling overnight so often need veterinary treatment before they can be released.