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Family find fox asleep on top of microwave
 
The fox had crawled in through the cat flap to get to the kitchen.
RSPCA tend to fox in family kitchen

A family in Mitcham called the RSPCA after finding a fox asleep on top of their microwave.

Kim Fryer explains how, while at home on 15 December, her daughter found the fox at approximately 7 a.m. and called to her mother for help:

“I came down and spotted this little fox curled up on top of the microwave!

“I have five cats and a dog so obviously I have a cat flap. He must have crawled under the gate and through the cat flap.

“A couple of my plants were smashed and there was mud everywhere.

“She put the light on and one eye opened but he didn’t move. We could tell there was something wrong with him.”

Having called the RSPCA, inspector Phil Norman transported the fox to the RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital in London.

Upon initial presentation, the fox appeared lethargic and very weak, but soon brightened up and no abnormalities were found.  

A hospital spokesperson stated: “He had got in through the cat flap and found a nice warm spot to sleep in. He was quite happy to be brought into the hospital for a health check but was understandably not keen on being in a cage.

“Fortunately, he was quite healthy with a beautiful fluffy coat, so after a thorough check over, he was released back to the area he was found in by one of the hospital staff. Good luck Mr. Fox!”

Image © RSPCA

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.