Talking meerkats and radioactive seagulls

Some of our more unusual highlights of 2011

30.12.11

A miraculous tortoise recovery and a stubborn ornamental hedgehog are amongst some of the stranger requests that we have been asked to deal with in 2011.

In a year that has seen an increase in calls asking for help during the difficult financial times, we have been advising and helping callers in England and Wales.

 

We have had one of our busiest years to date, dealing with well over a million phone calls and more than 14,000 online enquiries. These range from asking for help and advice for their own pet to reporting cruelty and neglect and requesting that we look into the matter. 

Top ten calls of 2011

Whilst the majority of enquiries are genuine there are a few that left staff somewhat puzzled. So here, in no particular order, are our top ten calls of 2011.

 

• A caller rang to complain that a neighbour's power shower caused their dog to go to the toilet.
   
• A concerned resident who thought gulls in their area were radioactive - it turned out that nearby garden lights were illuminating them and turning them green.
   
• A lady phoned in to complain that the blackbird in her garden didn't sing.
   
• We had a call from someone who wanted to complain about someone else's dirty house. An odd call to the RSPCA because there were no animals involved.
   
• One caller rang to cancel a visit as their dead tortoise had 'come back to life'.
   
• Another caller rang in concerned about the talking meerkats on the Compare the Market advertisement.
   
• A caller requested the RSPCA to come and get their dog down the stairs as it was too heavy for them to carry.
   
• One caller rang concerned about a hedgehog on their path. She tried to move it to shelter but was not able to pick up the creature because its suction pad was too firmly attached to the floor.
   
• Someone asked if they could get advice on microchipping...their guitar.
   
• Finally an inspector was called out to deal with a report of improper killing of ferrets dumped in a bag. On arrival the inspector found a fake mink stole.

Serious messages prevented 

Although we may have a little laugh at these stories, we do want to remind members of the public that the 24-hour cruelty line is for reporting serious cases or emergencies concerning animal welfare. Many requests are for animals to be rescued or to report animals involved in accidents.

The cruelty line operates in a very similar way to the 999 emergency services number and non-urgent calls could prevent us from dealing with a serious incident.
 

Advice and information on animal welfare

People with general enquiries about the RSPCA should call our non-emergency enquiries line: 0300 123 4555.  Or check out our help and advice pages for advice and information on animal welfare.