The Branch has received notification of a further
legacy of £24,112 from the late Margaret Lillian
Nolan, who resided on the Wirral. She unfortunately died
in October 2003 and her estate has now been finalized. We are
of course extremely grateful for her kind thought,
which will help to maintain our facilities both in the Wirral
and Chester areas.
A Regional Board meeting was held on Saturday
2nd October in Preston, where members considered proposals for
Regional Fundraising activities to help boost the Regional Fund,
which stands at about £60,000. This fund has been ear-marked
mainly to try to provide a common neutering scheme across the
region. Currently, due to funding availability, some Branches
are able to provide neutering schemes, whereas others are not,
due to lack of funds. Clearly, it would be beneficial to have
a standard scheme across the Region and those Branches who are
unable to provide such schemes will be able to draw against the
Regional Fund to help provide welfare neutering schemes in their
areas.
Discussions are also underway with the Dogs Trust (formerly
NCDL) to see if a joint scheme can be developed. Initially, this
is only being looked at on a Regional basis, but clearly will
have significant advantages for Branches, if it can be rolled
out. The scheme with Dogs Trust means that they pay the full costs
of neutering bar the first £25.00. Currently the majority
of Branches are paying more than the £25.00 within this
scheme, which would mean that either existing monies will go further
or savings on current neutering schemes can be made.
Figures for Inspectorate/ACO work undertaken in August, were
as follows:
| Description |
Number |
Complaints completed |
482 |
Rescues |
192 |
Collections |
666 |
Total Actions |
1340 |
Rescues included a cow from a canal in Nantwich,
plus the usual cats up trees and swans hooked up on fishing line.
Complaints included a kitten abandoned in a
house without food or water. A forced entry resulted in the recovery
of the kitten, which is making good progress. The investigation
is ongoing.
A similar issue related to a dog abandoned for 3 days, left
without food and water. The dog is now recovering.
Two cases were concluded. The first involved
the neglect of a dog, kitten, hamsters and guinea pigs. The owner
pleaded guilty and was given a life-ban and a 12-month community
order. The second case involved a dog thrown from a third floor
window. They issued a guilty plea and although costs were awarded,
there was no ban imposed, which is very disappointing.
The Branch is sadly saying farewell to the services
of Inspector Fred Armstrong, who is staying within
the RSPCA, but moving area to cover North Wales. We welcome Inspector
Leanne Hardy who has replaced Fred.
Inspector Roly Parkes was involved in the life-saving
of a lurcher dog which had been involved in a road traffic accident
in which its back leg was severely damaged. His quick thinking
by using his tie as a tourniquet helped reduce the dogs blood
loss. Although the dog lost his back leg, he has made a full recovery
thanks to the efforts of Roly. (Those who know Roly, know that
he is far too modest to mention this rescue himself, so we thought
that we would do it for him).
Historically, things tend to quieten down a little over the Autumn/Winter
period, which I am sure, the Inspectors and Animal Collection
Officers (ACO's) will appreciate. It should also help the NCC
to review its operations and hopefully gear itself up to better
meet the demands that will be placed on it, when things pick up
again in the Spring/Summer of next year.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Inspectors/ACO's
for their work and the Trustees, and volunteers who help out at
the Centre. Without their help, we would not be able to provide
the level of care and welfare that we currently enjoy.
As this is the last newsletter this year,
may we take this early opportunity to wish everyone a
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