Staffs North Branch RSPCA

Do you have just a few hours to spare

2012-02-29T02:01:00.000-08:00

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?

2012-02-24T08:34:00.002-08:00

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

2012-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-29T03:10:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-29T03:03:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-01-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

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

_______________________

Cats and dogs

2012-01-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Our website pictures of animals needing homes is out of date as most, if not all, of those shown have now gone but there sadly have been plenty to replace them. New pictures should be with us soon. Its the end of the financial year hence the delay in getting the new ones.

Fancy dressing up as a cat?

2012-01-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

On 11 February the Branch is getting together with Cats Protection to promote a cat neutering programme. Volunteers are need to dress up in a cat costume to promote the project in Hanley. No collecting, just walking about and possibly handing out some literature. The event is all day but volunteers can spend as long or little as they like. If you are interested please contact the Branch through its webpage http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/page6.html or by email to peter@rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk.

2012 urgently

2012-01-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

It is easy to forget when you see the name RSPCA that we are a LOCAL charity.

Yes we are part of the RSPCA branch network but each local area is a Charity in it's own right.

We have to raise our own funds. This page on the main RSPCA site explains in more detail
http://www.rspca.org.uk/in-action/aboutus/branches

The North Staffs branch website can be found here.
http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/

The current economic situation is hard for many people. This time of year can feel particularly hard and our animals are sadly not immune to the effects.

In some ways 2012 will be no different to any other year. We will be seeking ways to continue to raise money to comfort, treat, rescue animals and where ever possible rehome them..

Locally

Over the next few weeks we will be posting more regularly about the activities and needs for the local branch and relevant national initiatives to rescue and improve the lot of our animals.

Please come back here regularly, to find out about regular and specific Volunteering opportunities

Follow us on twitter too: @rspcans

Lets make this a Happy New Year for as many animals as possible.

Abandoned animals

2011-12-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

On our site I mentioned that sadly some people throw out their animal at Xmas for a new one. This has already happened. One kind soul left a cat enclosed in a box outside our Shop. Perhaps they thought it would be OK for the cat - but it isn't. The cat was extremely distressed and frighted out of its mind. Not only that, the cat couldn't just be taken to a cattery, its full, so several people spent many hours in looking after the cat and arranging a place of safety for it. It is not only cowardly but also cruel to abandon your pet in that way.
Imagine your distress if you were suddenly left in an enclosed space amongst strangers. You would wonder what you had done wrong and what was going to happen to you. I hope the cats owner has an enjoyable Xmas - his/her cat certainly will not.

Care with Christmas treats for your dog

2011-12-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

Dogs are not noted for their restraint in eating everything in sight but some foods, whilst good or enjoyable for humans are bad for your pet.
DO NOT FEED YOUR DOG SCRAPS FROM THE TABLE rich and fatty foods can give stomach upsets and even can be toxic.
There could be bones in the scraps that can choke your pet.
Onions can cause anaemia
Alcohol might seem fun to give to your pet but you may kill him/her
GRAPES, RAISINS AND CHOCOLATE ARE POISON TO YOUR PET. Eat enough of them and you will poison your pet. Only give them purpose made, dog/cat treats.
Do not let your pet drink the water from the Christmas tree bowl. That could make them sick.
But its not all be careful. Giving your dog cooked turkey or chicken without the skin (and of course bones), raw carrots or apples represent a treat for them and do them no harm in moderation

Rabbits

2011-12-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

We all think that rabbits make wonderful pets. But they are social animals and like space, exercise and company. Please check out http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/christmas_email/content.html

Badger culling

2011-12-18T04:26:00.000-08:00

If you care about badgers (or even if you don't) please look at the following link
http://www.rspca.org.uk/media/news/story/-/article/EM_On_the_14th_day_of_Christmas_a_badger_cull_is_confirmed_Dec11?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=badgervideo&utm_campaign=campaign

Please do not give a Puppy as a present

2011-12-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

Sounds lovely doesn’t it? Buy some one a puppy. But its not a good idea. Here’s why.

Holiday pups/kittens can soon be forgotten, like toys and games.

They are living beings and as such need attention, feeding, taking for walks (puppies), medical treatment at times and so on.

They grow and grow and grow

If someone really thinks they want a pet buy them a book about dog,cat, rabbit etc ownership. Let them learn what care they need and if after Christmas it is certain that a pet is the right thing, choose one then

New homes found

2011-12-18T03:56:00.000-08:00

Four of the Lurcher puppies have now found homes. Charlie the cat has a new home in Somerset and Fuzz Ball the puppy who had been tormented by youths has made a lot of friends and soon will be on his way to a new home.

Christmas and your pet

2011-12-09T01:01:00.000-08:00

Dogs and cats are curious. They will want to examine anything new - that means the Christmas decorations.

They may chew and swallow foreign objects, i.e the decorations

They may chew electric wires so keep them tucked away

Plants and dangling objects may attract their attention resulting in them being pulled down and perhaps injuring your pet.

DO NOT LEAVE PETS UNATTENDED WITH LIT CANDLES

If you are having a large party or gathering then give your pet a refuge, a spare room, a crate or their bed, away from all the noise. Lots of people could cause injury to your pet if a guest accidentally steps on him.

Dogs and cats are curious. They will want to examine anything new - that means the Christmas decorations.

They may chew and swallow foreign objects, i.e the decorations

They may chew electric wires so keep them tucked away

Plants and dangling objects may attract their attention resulting in them being pulled down and perhaps injuring your pet.

DO NOT LEAVE PETS UNATTENDED WITH LIT CANDLES

Dogs and cats are curious. They will want to examine anything new - that means the Christmas decorations.

They may chew and swallow foreign objects, i.e the decorations

They may chew electric wires so keep them tucked away

Plants and dangling objects may attract their attention resulting in them being pulled down and perhaps injuring your pet.

DO NOT LEAVE PETS UNATTENDED WITH LIT CANDLES

Cats wanting homes

2011-11-17T03:59:00.000-08:00

Charlie is a very sweet but nervous 6 year old girl, she hasn’t had the best start in life, but she is still more than willing to trust in someone to give her a good life. She needs a patient owner with time to give her the TLC she needs and bring her out of her shell. Give her a chance and she’ll warm your heart, she really is a very sweet girl. All animals re-homed are Vaccinated, Microchipped and neutered

Dudley, a 2 year old, was brought to us through the inspectors, so we don't really know what happened to him in the past, only that it has left him very timid and untrusting of strangers. As a result we would like to see him go to a quiet home with experience of cats and plenty of patience to bring back his confidence in people. All animals re-homed are Vaccinated, Microchipped and neutered.

Monty, at 3 years old, is medium to short haired ginger and white 2 year old cat; he came into us through the inspectors with his friends Jack and Treacle after being taken away from his abusive owner. Despite the abuse he suffered with his previous owner, he is still a very friendly and playful cat whose more than willing to trust anyone, especially if they have a toy in hand. We would love to see Monty find a loving home either together with his friends or on his own. All animals re-homed are Vaccinated, Microchipped and neutered.

We have many kittens in the kennels at the moment in varying colour and all with their own cheeky little characters (like the beauty in the picture called, guess what, Felix!) and all looking for loving homes for life.

Whiskey is a brilliant character, he loves all manner of toys, and even things that technically aren’t supposed to be toys, but he finds them fun anyway. Otherwise he adores any fuss and attention availabl. Other cats are also not a problem. We love him to bits and would love nothing more than to see someone else get the same pleasure as we do. Can you give a home to this quirky chap? All animals re-homed are Vaccinated, Microchipped and neutered.

Fortunately Dodgey and Puka have found new homes.

Six dogs wanting homes

2011-11-17T03:54:00.000-08:00

Six Lurcher cross puppies at 16 weeks old, have come to us through an inspector after the owner could no longer cope with (at the time) 11 dogs. They are somewhat timid at the moment due to not having enough individual attention, but they are slowly coming out of there shells to behave like true pups. All animals re-homed are Vaccinated, microchipped and neutered.

Fortunately 6 other dogs, Sid, Angel, Steffi, Bella, Buster, Murphy have all found new, loving homes..

Firework night

2011-11-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Worried about your pet and wildlife on bonfire night? Have a look at http://www.marcthevet.com/2011/11/fireworks-night-keeping-your-pets-and-wildlife-safe/ It may help.

Our dog and Bonfire Night

2011-10-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

A few years ago our dog, Sally, was found wandering the streets on November 6th. She was extremely distressed and as a result found her way to our kennels and we adopted her a few days afterwards. It was not long before we discovered that a bang of any kind caused her to cower and shiver violently, it was clear that she was petrified. Most of the time she would soon come round by attracting her attention elsewhere but come bonfire night it was different. We closed all windows, shut the curtains and put the telly on loud. That certainly helped but she could still hear some of the bangs. At one stage we even put an old fleece round her ears to act as ear plugs though that didn't help much.
Over the years we were able to calm her but sadly firework night often extended over a week and at other times of the year fireworks could be unleashed, causing poor Sally to become a shivering wreck.
So please spare a thought for animals when you let off fireworks.
Incidentally Sally was not microchipped so somewhere there might also have been a distressed owner. So please, microchip your pet.

Donate for Free

2011-10-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Yes you can make a donation to the Branch for free. All you need do is use Easyfundraing http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/rspcastaffordshirenth/
or use a search engine, Easysearch
http://rspcastaffordshirenth.easysearch.org.uk.
For more details please visit our site on
http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/easyfund.html
and help our Branch.
It costs the Branch £4 for every £1 received for each of our animals.

Bonfire Night

2011-10-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Worried about your pet on bonfire night.?
Here are 6 top tips
1 Make sure that your pet has somewhere safe to hide
2 Walk your dog during the day and keep your pet inside at night-time
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.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/general/fireworks

New dogs

2011-10-13T02:26:00.000-07:00

We have three new dogs, Bella, Buster and Murphy. They are smallish dogs. They will be on our web page next week but in the meantime please contact our kennels.

Sams walk

2011-10-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, there is still time to join Sam on her walk. See earlier blog or our website. Its a real challenge, are you up to it?

Dogs found new homes

2011-10-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Please note that whilst webmaster is away our Blogs and Facebook will keep you up to date. Five dogs, Dijon, Lotte, Smokey, Chubbs and Rory have all found new homes. Sadly their places will soon be taken.

Cats found homes

2011-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Webmaster is away so cannot update site. However three cats, Fluff, Geoffrey and Tammy have all found new homes. Sadly there spaces will be taken with new arrivals.

RSPCA Fashion Show

2011-10-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

In November we are intending to put on a Fashion Show - venue and date being arranged. However we need your help for donated goods. As an individual if you have any surplus clothes that you wish to donate please help by donating them to the Fashion Show for sale. Better still, if you work for a large employer could you persuade them to hold a special day when everyone at the firm can donate an item of clothing if they wish. We would then collect. Alternatively if you could arrange to do the same thing with a group of friends or colleagues, that would help immensley.
Although items could be donated directly to the shop it would help us if you could let Sam, the Organiser know. She can be contacted by phone on 01782 788292 or er mail her on samrspcans@hotmail.co.uk or through our Office.

Donate your scrap car

2011-09-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

Got an old car that you want to scrap? You can help raise funds for the Branch by contacting giveacar.co.uk who will collect your car and dispose of it and at the same time give us a donation. Sounds good. Please help us by following the link below
http://giveacar.co.uk/

Nat West Community Grant

2011-09-28T03:20:00.001-07:00

We have applied for a Nat West Community Grant to help our animals. Please read about it and vote for us on http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/2360

Clothing Bank

2011-09-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Does anyone out there know where we can obtain a clothing bank to put on a site so that we can empty it ourselves to help stock our shop. If you do please e mail us on admin@rspca-staffsnorth.org

Animal Tales

2011-09-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Would you like to see your animal story written as a childrens story? Then Pound Tales is for you. A series of books shortly to be released is based on tales suitable for children but also getting a message across. If you have such a story please let Kate know. She can be contacted on 01782 818483
Or just e mail her justdandycreative@gmail.com
Nothing will be published without your approval. Anonymity is also guaranteed.

Cats and dogs

2011-09-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of new arrivals and departures from our kennels over the last two weeks. An updated list is being prepared. Happily two of our special animals, Arthur and Gucci have both found new homes and several other cats and dogs have also found new homes.

Sams walk

2011-09-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

Our Volunteer Co Ordinator, Sam, has had to postpone her 25 mile walk and it will now be held on Saturday 15th August. This is a real challenge, 25 miles in our wonderful cpountryside. Full details can be found on http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/walk.html
Please come and join her or text a donation through just text giving, our new way to raise funds.

Pet Food cavalcade

2011-09-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

On 18 September Sid Rogers held his 23rd Pet Food Cavalcade on a 20 mile round trip of the city. Over a thousand motorcyclists took part and collected food for cats and dogs as well as contributing £3 each for local animal charities. The RSPCA received £400 as a result - many thanks to Sid for his hard work.

Sucessful Bank Holiday weekend

2011-09-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

It may have been wet over the Bank Holiday but it didn't stop 3 of our volunteers from going to a car boot sale! They managed to make £70.75 which is excellent.
Not only that, our kennels did well by rehoming 4 cats and two dogs.

Some of our oldest residents

2011-08-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

Two of our Dogs, Bob & Gucci have been with us for some time and desperately need a new home.

Please give them a chance to have a new home. Full details can be found at
http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/appeal.html
They may look the same in the pictures but Bob is a big dog and Gucci is much smaller, Bob is the lower picture and Gucci the upper.

Staffs North Branch RSPCA: 25 Mile Walk in aid of Branch

2011-08-24T00:43:00.000-07:00

Staffs North Branch RSPCA: 25 Mile Walk in aid of Branch: On the 24th September we are looking to do the Newcastle Way; a 25 mile walk from Goldenhill to Market Drayton where we get the bus back to ...

Car Boot Sale

2011-08-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

We are doing a carboot sale on the Bank Holiday Monday if anyone has a large car and fancies joining us.Please ring our Volunteer Co Ordinator Sam on 01782 788292 Or email her on samrspcans@hotmail.co.uk if you are able to help.

25 Mile Walk in aid of Branch

2011-08-23T02:37:00.000-07:00

On the 24th September we are looking to do the Newcastle Way; a 25 mile walk from Goldenhill to Market Drayton where we get the bus back to Newcastle. The walk takes roughly 9 hours so if you know anyone who likes a challenge please mention it to them. We are asking for a £10 donation from each person who comes.
If you are interested in joining us please contact Sam on samrspcans@hotmail.co.uk or ring Tel 01782 788292 or if you are unable to do the walk but would still like to support us please text EPHV01 to 70070 to support her.

Further details can be found on our website at http://www.rspcanorthstaffs.co.uk/walk.html

Pet run

2011-08-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Its the annual pet food cavalcade on Sunday18th September. Starting at noon the riders leave for their tour of the city. Please come and help us on the day from 10.00am onwards by collecting the entrance fee from the riders. See our websits for details or come on the day and ask for Sam.
It starts from Port Vale fotball club.

A Mesage From the Branch Chairman.

2011-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Our Branch of the RSPCA rescues animals in North Staffordshire through the RSPCA Inspectorate. Last year we found homes for 462 animals. All this was done through self funding as we rely on our fundraising skills to meet the costs of this.
If you would like to help us please get in touch. Our website can be found at www.rspca-staffsnorth.org.uk
This is our first blog and soon we hope to make full use of it.