Portmeirion Workers donate food and toys to Branch

Workers at the Portmeirion Trentham Lakes Warehouse helped animals in North Staffordshire by collecting pet food, toys and accessories and then giving them to several local animal Charities, of which the Branch was one. The generous amount of food as well as pet toys was a welcome surprise and is much appreciated by the Branch, and particularly our animals.
The Branch is extremely active in the rehoming of the animals that come to us and being entirely self funding, any gift is most welcome.

The Branch wishes all our supporters a very happy Christmas and a fulfilling new year.

Christmas Closing

Please note that our Office will be closed from 17 December to 4 January. Messages can be left on our answerphoine or via e mail. The Cruelty hotline of course will still be open and any cases of cruelty should be referred to them.
As it is Christmas time please think of your pet and follow the 11 rules of Christmas;
 1.    Always supervise interactions between dogs and children and never leave them alone together, A scared dog could bite if they feel threatened.

2.    Make sure your dog has a quiet, cosy spot to retreat to if they become stressed, or want to be alone.

3.    Teach children not to approach your dog when they are sleeping, eating, have a toy or looks worried.

4.    Watch out for guests leaving doors to the outside open. lf your dog escapes they could be hit by a car or get lost.

5.    Beware of the dangers that human treats can have for dogs. chocolate, raisins and grapes are poison to dogs — never feed them the foods.

6.    If you're having turkey (or other poultry) for lunch. don't feed your dog the bones (however much they protest!) as they can cause a choking hazard.

7.    Fireworks frighten many animals. Close all doors and put on some calming music and ensure your dog has a safe place to seek comfort away from noise.

8.    Keep the number of an emergency vet to hand, just in case

9.    If your dog is on medication remember to stock up before the holidays.

10.    Yes, puppies are cute, but they're also very demanding and the reality of owning a dog bought as a gift can kick in quickly. Every year, rescue centres are inundated with animals bought as presents, then abandoned.

11.    If you are considering getting a dog do your research first. Why not wait until after Christmas and give an RSPCA rescue dog a second chance!
And finally we will not be rehoming animals until after Christmas.

We are going mobile

We are currently working on a mobile friendly version of our website site. Please bear with us in the meantime as some of the pages are not yet right. However the site should automatically load when you click onto our page from your mobile. If it doesn't you could check us out on  http://mobile.dudamobile.com/site/rspcanorthstaffs

Jim finds a new home

Jim’s story –

My name is  Jim and I’m only 3 years old. My owner died and the family refused to take me in so I sat outside the house for days meowing at the window to get back in. Thankfully  the locals noticed my plight and contacted the Inspectors to get me the help I needed.  I  found the cattery a bit distressing after a comfortable house and missed the love and fuss I had had.

Now I have found a new home and thought you may just want to see a picture of me on my first evening at my new home ...............................................

From his new owner...  Looking a little bit more contented after a plate of Smoked Salmon , though hopefully he won’t expect it every night !
I think he’s happy

Microchipping is back.

Following the success of our last Microchipping day we are holding another one. Last time saw queues and we were so busy that many people had to wait. This time we hope to have more volunteers so that waiting time can be reduced. The deatils are
Thursday 29 November, 2012
Microchipping Day at Bucknall Community and Bowling Club, 189 Werrington Road, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent, ST2 9AL
Come and have your cat/dog microchipped for free - (But donation appreciated)
10.00 am to 2.00pm
This event is very popular so please arrive early if possible

A Microchipping Tale

As a result of the recent successful microchipping we were told of the following;
A lady contacted the office as her young missing cat had after two months absence, come home on November 2nd, wearing a new collar with a blue tag on it stating that it was microchipped. On taking it to the vet it was found that the cat had also been recently neutered. The microchip was tracked down as one implanted at our recent microchipping day . By tracking the microchip number we contacted the people who had taken the cat along to the microchipping day. I
t turns out that this cat was really owned by them since it was a tiny kitten (along with its brother) they had had it neutered and chipped. It had always had a tendency to stray, so, on vets advice they kept it in for seven weeks after neutering. They also got it chipped, then a week after letting it out again it disappeared again. The lady who reported it to us had taken it in thinking it was a stray and had been planning to get it neutered as well.!!The cat it seems was living between two homes, with neither families realising it was a shared cat. They now know where to look when it hasn't been home for a while, it's in the next street!

Increase in animal attacks by air rifles

Within two weeks there have been incident's of animals being used as targets by air rifles. The first was near the Caldon Canal with birds being shot at and more recently a cat in Newcastle. For the full story please  go to http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Hunt-gunman-shot-pet-cat-air-rifle-Newcastle/story-17157648-detail/story.html?ito=email_newsletter_thisisstaffordshire

People are urged to come forward and report anyone to the Police or the RSPCA (0300 1234 999) they suspect of shooting at animals with air guns or rifles.

The RSPCA Inspectors Work is never done

The previous blog concerned a cruelty case. Sadly this isn’t the only story. An injured dog was tethered to a kennel - by the same person who had tethered another dog to a park bench 18 months ago. The full story can be read at http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Cruel-dog-owner-David-Nicholls-given-ban-leaving/story-17032075-detail/story.html

Thankfully not all of our animals have been so mistreated. There can be many reasons why they end up with the RSPCA but all make wonderful pets once they are rehomed with a loving family. So its usually a very happy ending for most of them with full and eventful lives ahead of them.

Help Stop the Badger Cull

Badger cull update

Please do everything you can by supporting our efforts to stop the cull.  You can sign the e-petition by going to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/38257.  Alternatively, please follow us at  www.stopthecull.com and support the Stop the Cull page on Facebook; http://www.facebook.com/StoptheCullCampaign.  Spread the word!

Man in Court after RSPCA Inspector visit

The RSPCA Inspectors are busy people. This year they have had  over 6500 calls in North Staffordshire area alone. Whilst some of the calls led to advice or recovery of injured animals, several of them were far more serious and one such case was that of a man letting two of his dogs starve to death. The story can be read at http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Norton-dad-Carl-Boote-left-dogs-die-yard/story-17109401-detail/story.html?ito=email_newsletter_thisisstaffordshire

Whilst these two dogs had such a distressing time the Inspectors rescue many more and some of them come to the local RSPCA Branch were they can be found new and loving homes. So anyone looking for a cat, dog or rabbit, please contact us as we have several wanting new homes. And the animals really appreciate a new, loving home and give so much back. Please help.

Don't Forget our Microchipping Day

On Thursday, 25 October we are offering Microchipoping for your pets. It is free although we do ask for a donation if possible. Our last event was so successful that we have extended our times to 10.00am to 3.00pm, again at Bucknall Community and Bowling Club, 189 Werrington Road, Bucknall, ST2 9AL.

Bonfire Night

The firework season is about to start. Please make sure your pet is safe by following the top 6 tips below

 1.Make sure that your pet has somewhere safe to hide

2 Walk your dog during the day and keep your pet inside at nighttime

3 At nightfall close all windows and curtains and put some music on

4 If your pet shows signs of fear LEAVE THEM ALONE unless they are likely to harm themselves

5 NEVER punish or maker a fuss of your pet when it is scared

6  Keep your pet safe and secure so that it cannot escape

Should the worst happen and your pet escapes make sure that is already microchipped.
For more information please visit http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/fireworks.html

Like a duck to water campaign

Ducks are Britain’s forgotten farm animal . Did you know that 84% of people have never considered how ducks are reared for meat?

Ducks are water birds and they have evolved to be in and around water, yet around 10 million ducks kept on UK farms never get to experience full body access to water and the situation is getting worse – the RSPCA believes this is unacceptable.
To read about the campaign visit our site on http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/current.html

A second microchipping day

Following the success of our last Microchipping Day we are holding a second one on Thursday, 25th October at Bucknall Community and Bowling Club 189 Werrington Road, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent, ST2 9AL

Come and have your cat/dog microchipped for free (But donation appreciated) . We are even extending our hours to 10.00 am to 3.00pm

Pet Run

This years Pet Food Cavalcade was another resounding sucess. Thanks to Sid Rodgers organisation, hundreds of bikers took part, not only raising funds for our selves and Cats Protection (with whom we worked closely) but also collecting pet food for various animal charities. Our volunteers were out in force, with 12 helping out on the day by collecting money from the bikers, selling raffle tickets and helping at the auction. A good day all round

Microchipping Sucess

On Friday 7 September we held a microchipping day at Bucknall and it was a great success. We were open for 4 hours and during that time 40 cats/dogs were microchipped and people were also very generous with their donations. Apart from a short interval at lunch time, there was a steady stream of people with their animals. The weather was fine and our venue was well suited as those waiting could bask in the sunshine.

Volunteer morning

Just two days to go then its Sunday and an opportunity to come and meet us and see how you can help. Meet us between 10.00am and 1.00 pm at M Club Spa (formerly Esporta) at Festival Park and have a coffee and chat

Sell through E bay and help the Branch

Our Branch has now linked up with E Bay. If you list an item you can ask for a donation to be made tpo the Branch or if you buy you can make a donation. Details can be found on the link http://donations.ebay.co.uk/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=56949

Microchipping

Please note there are two Bucknall Community Clubs on Werrington Road. Our Microchipping is at 189 Werrington Rd NOT 430 as in the previous post..

Friday 7 September

Microchipping Day

Bucknall Community and Bowling Club

189 Werrington Road, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent, ST2 9AL

Come and have your cat/dog microchipped for free

(But donation appreciated)

11.00 am to 3.00pm

Volunteer Coffee Morning

Sunday 9 September

Volunteer Coffee Morning at

M Club Spa, Formerly Esporta Health Club

Festival Heights Retail Park, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5NZ

10.00am to 1.00pm

Come and meet us and enjoy a cup of coffee and see how you can help us.

 We need to expand our activities and volunteers are needed to man stalls, help at store collections or take on particular tasks and generally become involkved with the Branch.

Whilst we cannot offer hands on work with our animals we rely on volunteers to administer the work of the Branch and raise funds.

The Coffee morning is an ideal time to come and meet us and discover how you can help

Free Microchipping

Friday 7 September

Microchipping Day

Bucknall Community and Recreation Club

430 Werrington Road, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent, ST2 9AB

Come and have your cat/dog microchipped for free

(But donation appreciated)

11.00 am to 3.00pm

Home Visitng

Home visiting is a flexible way of volunteering for the RSPCA! There is no weekly time commitment, visits only take a short amount of time and are local to you!
What does it involve?
When someone wants to adopt an animal from the RSPCA, we first carry out a pre home visit. This is to ensure that the home is suitable for the animal the family would like, that they are prepared for the commitment needed and to answer any questions they might have about the adoption. After adoption, we do post home visits, to check that everything is going ok, and the pet is settling in.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in helping us, please call or email us! We will then send you out an application form and some more details about the role.From then we will arrange suitable induction training for you, and you will be taken out on a number of visits with an experienced home visitor from your area. They will take you out with them on visits until you feel able to go it alone!
If you are interested in home visiting, please call the home  visit  co-ordinators  on; 0300 123 8642 or email hvcr6@rspca.org.uk
This opportunity is not restricted to our Branch.

Pat Dale Memorial Walk

Much to our suprise it rained heavily during the walk. The route was largely through trees on the basis of being sheltered from the sun if it was a hot day, instead the trees sheltered us from the rain. Nevertheless it was a good walk and we raised £55. Turnout was lower than was hoped but the Olympics were on so this may have accounted for that.

Pat Dale Memorial Walk on Sunday 12th August at 10.30am, Hanchurch Woods Picnic Area

This 4.5 mile walk is dedicated to Pat Dale, our late Treasurer who served the Branch for over 50 years. The walk takes you along broad and narrow forest tracks in the Hanchurch Woods area of North Staffordshire. There are some gentle climbs and navigation is easy.

The walk will be led, but each entrant will also have a map and route description. It is hoped to have a dog refreshment point just over halfway and at the end squash and biscuits/cake will be available. Please note that there are Deer in the woods and dogs must be kept under close control and bear in  mind that if your dog is not on a lead it could run off and because of the vegetation cover might easily become lost.
It is estimated that the walk will take about 2 hours, depending on numbers.

There is an entry fee of £5 per entrant and all monies raised will go to help the animals of North Staffordshire. This can be cash/cheque on the day or through Just Giving via our web page http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/muttstrutt.html

The walks starts from the Picnic Area at Hanchurch Woods (postcode ST4 8SN) at 10.30. Walkers are asked to arrive from 10.00am onwards for a prompt start.

Swimmer raises £222.50

Our deepest thanks to Carole Barnett, from Stoke on Trent,who swam 1 mile at South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Cheadle, staffs...on the 25th May 2012.

She had had a back operation last year and was advised by her doctor to take up swimming. Whilst posting her progress on facebook her cousin Dave said “why don’t you do it for charity?”

It not only gave her an aim to go for, which in this case was 1 mile, but her chosen charity was the RSPCA...and she raised £222.50.

QR codes

If you have a mobile device you might like to try our QR Codes. I'm not sure that I know what I am doing but if I have got it right  our QR codes on our rehoming and home page should get you right there.

Dogs find homes

Three of our dogs, Coco, Tip and Walley have now all found new homes.

Rescue Dog becomes 'Queen's' Companion

One of our rescue dogs became a companion to the 'Queen' at a Jubilee event at Etruria during the Sunday celebrations. Despite the heavy rain on the day, Charley, one of our rescued dogs, was asked to pose with the 'Queen' as she was part Corgi. Charley was with her owners, manning a stall at the Jubilee event when one of the 'Queens' entourage spotted her and asked her to take part as she resembled a corgi. It was an honour for her to be part of the festivities - you never know what delights a rescue dog may enjoy.

Pet Less Pet Show Competition

We have just launched our Pet Less Pet Show. For anyone out there who has a pet, whether it be small like a pet mouse or large, like a horse and anything in between which is mammal, bird or fish but not an exotic pet, then please enter our competition. There are six categories and you can enter as few or as many categories as you wish with your pet.
The categories are designed to cover all types of animal. Entry is £1 per category and can be online or via our shop.
Please visit http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/competition.html to enter or for details

Jubilee celebrations

We  took part in the Jubilee celebrations by having a stall in Cheadle. Sadly the Sunday was cancelled because of the awful weather but on the Monday we were at the Party in the Park and raised nearly £250. All this goes directly to help local animals.

Rabbits Found Homes

Two of our rabbits, Dominque and Peaches  have found new homes. They had been with us for some time so its good that they now have a new home. However we still have many others who desperately need homes, many having been with us for well over a year or even two.
Please come and look at http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/rabbits.html and maybe give a few more the home that they deserve.

A word from Sam about her Challenge

I'm raising money for RSPCA Staffordshire North Branch  and I'd really appreciate your support.

 

My Husband and I are climbing 3 volcanoes in 3 days in Ecuador from this weekend.  The highest-  Cotopaxi is the world's 3rd highest active volcano.  We will be climbing up the glazier in temperatures below freezing at night in the dark and we will be climbing up to 19347 feet (5897 m).  Please can you forward this on through facebook to see if anyone could donate to our local Branch of the RSPCA which does such an amazing job helping our local wildlife and abused / neglected animals.

 

Please see the RSPCA website for updates on how we are doing!

 

It's easy to donate online with a credit or debit card - just go to my JustGiving page: 

 

http://www.justgiving.com/Lawrence-Bradley0

 

JustGiving sends your donation straight to RSPCA Staffordshire North Branch  and automatically reclaims Gift Aid on all eligible donations, so what you give is worth even more.  I hope you'll join me in supporting RSPCA Staffordshire North Branch .

 

Thank you.

 

Samantha

We are busy in Cheadle

This coming Bank Holiday we shall have our stall at two events in Cheadle, the Classic Car Show on the Sunday and  Party in the Park on Monday. Please come and visit us and join in our tombola and other goodies. Also a good time to come and meet us and perhaps even become a volunteer!

Volunteer to take on the 3 Volcanoes Challenge

One of our volunteers is travelling to Ecuador to take on the three great volcanoes in the country, rising to 20,000 feet. She aims to raise funds for us as well as completing the challenge so if anyone would like to sponsor her, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Lawrence-Bradley0

Every penny she raises will go to help local animals.

Rabbits desperately need homes

We are absolutely full with rabbits and sadly some of them have been with us for some time. Smudge, Punkie and Toffee are now in their third year and especially need new homes. Please help them and visit http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/rabbits.html  to see some of our other rabbits. Please ring 01538 388604 and if no reply leave a message if you can help or e mail admin@rspca-staffsnorth.org.

All of our rabbits have been neutered and will make wonderful pets. Thank you.

What we have been doing

We may have been quiet on our blogs over the last month but that doesn't mean we've not been doing anything. We have been busy at two events and raised nearly £300.
We really could do with more help at events. It is fun being with a group of like minded people and if there are plenty of us we can do more but also it gives a little time to mooch around other stalls at events and enjoy them as well.
There are other ways to help as well. Please visit us on http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/helping.html

New - Newsletter

We now have a newsletter that you can download and read at your leisure. Something to hand over to friends who may not have a computer but are interested in our work. Please visit us at http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/newsletter.pdf
thank you.

Homes found

Webmaster is away on holiday. The good news is that Suki,Molly,Kittaa,Juliette,Kenzo and Treacle have all found new homes.
Website and cat chat will be amended on my return, middle of next week.

We do our best

Last week we took a call from someone wanting to rehome their 9 month old male border collie, they were desperate as due to a divorce the young dog was being left for long periods of time while the lady was out at work. She was very upset as she loved the dog but couldn't stand the thought of leaving him all day long; he was always so pleased to see her and she felt so guilty about him being on his own. We asked if the lady would be willing to make a donation of £50 towards getting the dog rehomed. She agreed readily. We checked with the kennels and found we had room for him, and as young dogs of this type always go pretty quickly plus it was already vaccinated, we rang back the lady and said we would take it in.

 

Late on Sunday afternoon, the lady turned up at the kennels with the dog and said  she had  I found him a new home on a farm. She said, "I just wanted to give a £50 donation to the RSPCA, as the young lady at the office was so kind and helpful, whereas all the other rehoming places I tried were so rude and unhelpful!"

Dog Walk

We had a lovely day for the dog walk even though the forecast was not promising. We got all the way round without getting wet and had interesting stops along the way when various bits of history were narrated by our Guide, Ray. Numbers were not as great as we had hoped and we raised just over £50.
At the end we enjoyed the delicacies from the little cafe. A wonderful place.
Next time we will try the walk on a summer Sunday so that more people will be able to enjoy the walk.

Dog Walk

Less than 24 hours to go before our Dog Walk round Rudyard Lake. Weather forecast looks promising. Bring yourself and your dog (if you like) for this 5 mile walk guided walk round the lake. We ask for a donation to raise funds to help local animals. Its also an opportunity to come and talk to us about what we do. Registration open from 10.30am at the Visitor Centre (short walk from the station car park). Walk starts at 11.00am.

New Cats and Dogs

Our animals are finding new homes very quickly and we have a whole new batch for viewing on our website. Please come and look on http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/rehoming.html

Rabbits wanting homes

We have 21 rabbits desperately needing homes. Some of them have been with us for some time. Our rabbits are fostered so cannot be seen at the kennels but anyone interested should please contact our office to arrange a viewing or more details on 01538 388604 or E mail   admin@rspca-staffsnorth.org

Some of them are on our website at  http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/rabbits.html

Our next event

Don't forget, this coming Saturday (15th March) its our Springwatch Walk, a 5 mile amble round Rudyard Lake. Meet at the Visitor Centre from 10.30. Start 11.00am. Donation requested to raise funds. Full details on our website (http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/springwatchwalk.pdf) 
This is also a good opportunity for anyone thinking of volunteering to help  us in our work with the Branch to come along and meet us and learn more of what we do and how you can help.
Or come simply to enjoy the walk. The weather forecast suggests it will be warm.

Easter Competition

We have just launched  our on line competition, the Rabbit-less Rabbit Show. E mail your pictures of your rabbit to see if you can win. Visit http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/competition.html

If you haven't got a rabbit, or even if you have but would like another, we have several that desperately need a home . Please visit us for more details

Injured Sparrowhawk saved by RSPCA

Although the Branch as such was not involved this story on Thursday 1 March 2012 demonstrates the work that the National Society does.
Thanks to a good Samaritan and specialist treatment at an RSPCA wildlife centre an injured sparrowhawk is well on the road to recovery after being rescued from a road.

The bird of prey was found sitting close to a footpath at Wallbridge Close in Leek, Staffordshire on Sunday 12 February.  A compassionate member of the public could see something wasn’t right as the bird’s wing was at a strange angle and it was unable to fly.  He went towards the bird to pick it up but it ran half-heartedly down the road.  After a short chase the bird was picked up, taken home and placed in a cardboard box before a call was made to the charity.

RSPCA officer Daniel Cole collected the bird taking her to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire where the lethargic sparrowhawk was x-rayed.  Suffering from a displaced coracoid (fractured shoulder) she was put on cage rest and Metacam for pain relief.  Fast forward nearly three weeks and the adult bird has been growing stronger by the day. After being successfully flight tested indoors this week, she is now on the final stages of recovery at Stapeley in an outside aviary.

“It is great news that the sparrowhawk is now flying well and will soon be fit and strong enough to be released back to the wild” said Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange. “We admitted 111 sparrowhawks during 2010 and 2011.  Although it is sadly not possible to return all to the wild, those that we can just need some veterinary support and time to recoup.  It is always fantastic to see such magnificent birds of prey returned to the wild, where they belong.

“As is so often the case the member of public who took the time to rescue this wild animal in distress is the hero of the day as without their helping hand this bird would have suffered and died in the wild. We are so grateful to the people who do stop and help injured wild animals as their actions mean the difference between life and death.”

If you spot an injured or trapped wild animal in distress you can call the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

A note about Sparrowhawks

Sparrowhawks are small birds of prey. They're adapted for hunting birds in confined spaces like dense woodland, so gardens are ideal hunting grounds for them. Adult male sparrowhawks have bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on their chest and belly. Females and young birds have brown back and wings, and brown bars underneath. Sparrowhawks have bright yellow or orangey eyes, long, yellow legs and long talons. Females are larger than males, as with most birds of prey.

Do you have just a few hours to spare

30th April - 6th May

We need a team of volunteers to collect money for us at Tescos during this week. Ideally working in pairs a couple of hours at a time.  This is a fantastic way to help out, take part in the local community, meet a few new people and most importantly :

The money raised will be used to rescue, treat and rehome local animals.

As a local charity we rely on the money we raise locally to make  a difference to these animals in need.

If you could help and would like to volunteer please can you contact  Peter by email initially on peter@rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk 

If you know someone in the North Staffs area who you think would like to help or, if you are part of a group of people who like to make a difference together, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

 

Did you know?

Did you Know that in 2011 the Inspectors in our area

• Received 4324 calls of which about 1000 concerned wild animals
• Collected 1892 Animals of which over half were wild animals and nearly 8 times as many cats as dogs                   
• Gave advice to 851 people, twice as many for dogs as cats and nearly as many wild birds as cats
• And found 472 animals that had been lost

Mutt Strutt

Don't forget that our Spring Watch Walk will be taking place on 17 March. An interesting 5 mile walk round Rudyard Reservoir. Parking at the start (visitor centre small charge) or from the Lakeside railway station. Short walk to Visitor Centre. Dogs are welcome on this walk. All we ask is for a donation or sponsorship. Register from 10.30am onwards. Walk starts at 11.00am.
Visit us on http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/calender.html

One Happy Dog

This is a story from someone who took home one of our dogs

'When we first met I had my doubts about him calming down. but you must have seen something good in him.He is a joy to have with us and what makes us laugh is everyone who meet him say what a hansom boy he is.

When in the kennels he was very excitable and generally put people off because of his energy. But now he has calmed down and lives happily with other dogs in the family.

Mannequins Wanted

To help with our shop display and sales we are looking for some mannequins. If anyone has one they do not need, or perhaps knows of a shop that is closing down that has them could they please let the shop know by ringing on 01782 207779 or e mail peter@rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk
Thank you.

Thieves Make off with Charity Bags

Hard to believe isn't it? Our collection van is red with RSPCA logo. It collects donation sacks from  households. Sadly there are others who see it as a way of making money and get on site first, making off with our bags.
This means that we do not get the benefit and sales are lost
The donor  is in effect supplying the thief with money.
If anyone sees this happening please take down the reg number together with location, time, date and descriptions and then phone the Police or our Shop on 01782 207779.
I am prepared to offer a reward to anyone who provides us with sufficient information to get these people caught and successfully prosecuted.

How we did in 2011

Last year we found homes for 220 cats and dogs. This was fewer than 2010 but as we had changed kennels and lost almost 6 months the figure has kept fairly constant but is accelerating.
Fortunately none of our cats and dogs have had to stay with us for longer than three months.
Some of our rabbits though have been with us longer

New cats and dogs

We have some new cats and dogs with us. One elderly dog called Reg particularly needs a home and three cats have been involved in separate road traffic accidents but they will all make excellent additions to the family.

Case Study

If anyone wonders why we have a Branch, the following link http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/why.html - click on the link to see a pdf of a case from 2010. Fortunately Bella was operated on and now lives quiety and happily with her owner.
The pictures are not pleasant and fortunately whilst not typical,they do represent some of our more horrific cases.
Fortunately we normally have happy endings.

Liasing Co ordinator and data Managment Volunteer

Our earlier blog of asking for a liasing coordinator for the one off opportunity has had a response so hopefully that position has now been taken. But we have another opportunity, especially for someone who wants something to do but is stuck at home for one reason or another. It is a database management.
We need a database setting up and maintaining. Once set up it will be a matter of adding entries either once weekly or on fortnightly basis.
Please e mail peter@rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk for more information.

Rabbits

We have 21 rabbits that desperately need new homes. Seven of them are youngsters and some are old hands. Their personalities vary from 'leave me alone' to curiosity and 'can we play'. Check out our site at http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/rabbits.html for photos and information.
Rabbits are not kept at the kennels but at a private address so it is necessary to ring our Office first  on 01538 388604 to arrange viewing. The Office is only part time so there could be a delay in replying but we will get back to you.

A One Off Opportunity

During March, April and May we require a liaising Coordinator for a cat neutering programme taking place during those months..

This requires around half an hour a day (or one and a half every three days or other days pro rata).

The work is coordinating volunteers

Compiling and maintaining a master list

Being a link to the Manager of the scheme

Checking expenses

Logging vouchers that are issued and returned

Monitoring vouchers

Basically members of the public will be offered free neutering vouchers (provided they meet certain criteria) and these vouchers are then presented to the Vet. Records of both recipients of the vouchers and the volunteers issuing them will need to be kept.

If you are interested in volunteering for this please e mail peter@rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk

Training will be given in late February. Ideal for working from home and/or  adding to CV

A way to help the Branch without spending a penny!

Do you work in a large Company? 

If so would you like to organise a

‘Bring your old clothing day’?

We are looking for employees of large firms who will, on  a specific day, bring items of discarded clothing that they no longer need so that we can sell them in our shop.

We would collect on that day

This is a good way to raise funds without spending a penny.

If you can help in this way please contact

peter@rspcanorthstaffs

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