Jersey's lieutenant governor will be going to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton
Electrical maintenance works costing about £10m are taking place in St Helier.
Bars and pubs in Jersey could open late over the Royal Wedding weekend if the States of Jersey approve the law change.
Doctors in Jersey are prescribing books from an agreed list to people dealing with psychological conditions.
States members are being petitioned over their decision to reduce the number of senators in Jersey.
Jersey's chief officer of health has said the general hospital needs significant refurbishment.
How the Battle of Flowers has changed
Links to other local news internet sites in Jersey
How to contact BBC News Interactive's Jersey team
Aurigny hopes a decision not to open an air route to Southampton to competition will be made permanent.
Everyone will be affected if building costs rise, which is likely if freight charge increases are agreed, according to one building firm.
Blue Islands is refused a licence to operate a passenger and freight service between Alderney and Southampton.
Guernsey's Fire and Rescue Service launches a campaign to recruit more retained firefighters.
A Guernsey politician calls for an exploration of the right to vote in island-wide elections to the people of Alderney.
Time is running out to find a solution for the island's waste, admits the deputy minister of Public Services.
The first fact-finding mission to occupied Guernsey
How to contact BBC News Interactive's Guernsey team
Links to other local news internet sites in Guernsey
24.01.12
Gunner, a gorgeous eight-year-old bull mastiff, is currently charming staff at our Newport Animal Centre in South Wales as he patiently waits for a caring new owner to offer him a 'forever' home. Gunner was brought to the centre by an RSPCA inspector after he was found abandoned in a property in an emaciated condition without food or water.
Elaine Buchan, centre manager, said:
Gunner is such a nice boy and will make a fantastic companion dog who would adore being with someone all day, going on gentle strolls, taking a snooze, etc. We all know that quite often owners and their dogs will start to resemble each other, so if there are especially any retired men out there who fancy a gentle canine companion to accompany them to the pub, he would be ideal. He is a proper old man and all the staff here have agreed that we could just picture him propping up the bar and solving all the problems of the world!
Although he would prefer being with someone all day, Gunner would also suit a family and other types of owners. He is actually a gentle giant with very soft eyes and we have reduced the age of children we think he could live with to primary school age, though he could not live with cats.
Despite being elderly, Gunner has no special needs and is not on medication. In fact staff report him as quite a spritely old soul with a sparkle in the eye, who will enjoy a bit of a play or a run around too. Elaine added:
Considering his circumstances, he is now in remarkably good health and is very keen on his food, cleaning his bowl in three seconds flat!
If you think you're a perfect match for Gunner and can offer him a permanent, loving home, please contact: RSPCA Newport Animal Centre
Telephone: 0300 123 0744
Email: newport@rspca.org.uk
Our rehoming process aims to make sure pets and owners are perfectly matched. If Gunner isn't for you, there are many more animals in our care desperate to be given a second chance in life.
25.01.12
A bearded dragon lizard with appalling injuries was dumped and left to die in Leicester.
The lizard was discovered by concerned members of the public in Western Park on Monday 9 January, who then took it home.
We were contacted and an inspector attended the address.
The reptile was barely alive when it was found, and had severe wounds which included a missing front-left foot, a missing tail and rotting skin on its back.
Sadly the bearded dragon was in such poor health that it had to be put to sleep after being assessed by a vet. RSPCA Inspector Michelle Hare said:
This poor bearded dragon had obviously been suffering for some time, and was just left for dead by whoever dumped it. When the lizard was examined it was obvious that it was in a very poor physical state, and unfortunately it was in such a bad condition that there was no choice but to put it to sleep, to prevent it suffering further. It is extremely sad to see an animal left like this.
We’re appealing for anyone with information to come forward and contact our confidential cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
Michelle continued:
Whoever abandoned this reptile gave no thought to its wellbeing, and would have known that it stood no chance of survival. They just cruelly left it to suffer. Somebody must know something about this animal and who abandoned it, and I would urge them to come forward in confidence.
Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a maximum six month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.
Like many exotic animals bearded dragons are pets with complex needs, and we would encourage people to think carefully before getting one as a pet.
Bearded dragons require a home that closely represents their natural habitat, with specific heating, lighting and food. Research and preparation needs to be undertaken prior to buying.
For more information on keeping bearded dragons, and other exotic pets, visit our exotic pets page.
27.01.12
With over 50 seals currently being cared for by our wildlife centre in Norfolk we’re appealing for supporters to sponsor a seal’s rehabilitation.
Staff at East Winch Wildlife Centre in King's Lynn, Norfolk are working hard, and sometimes late into the night, to cope with the unusually high number of seals currently in their care.
During the stormy weather at the beginning of the year 24 seal pups were admitted to our East Winch Wildlife Centre.
Even as the weather has become milder, seals are continuing to arrive at the already busy wildlife centre. Wildlife centre manager, Alison Charles said:
We’re seeing an unusually high number of quite sick common seals. In previous years we wouldn’t see many of them at this time of year at all. Now it seems like we’re taking in common seal pups all year round! Mostly the common seal pups arriving are around six-months old, emaciated and suffering with lung-worm. This is in addition to the grey seal pups that we expect to come in during the winter months. When the pups are really small and delicate, staff will often stay until 11 or 12 o’clock at night to give them a late feed.
It takes approximately four to five months of continuous care for a seal pup to reach a healthy release weight.
With 52 seals already in the centre’s care and another two due to arrive later today the centre is fast reaching capacity. And, the high number of seals in the centre’s care is putting a very real strain on resources.
Alison continued:
The public have been fantastic at bringing in towels and blankets. But what we really need now is for sponsors to help us pay for veterinary treatment and to feed all the hungry mouths.
Sponsor a seal for just £20 a year and help get a seal back to the wild.
To sponsor a seal, or for more information, please contact:
RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre
Telephone: 0300 123 0709
Email: eastwinch@rspca.org.uk
East Winch Wildlife Centre is well known for its work with seals, but did you know the centre also cares for a wide range of other animals too?
Find out more about the centre’s work with orphaned and injured wild animals.
Catch up on the centre’s progress and achievements or watch some of the wildlife in their care caught on camera.
Visit: www.rspca.org.uk/eastwinch
30.01.12
Staff at Putney Animal Hospital in London are looking for potential adopters to consider giving an older cat a home.
Veterinary nurse Marianne Segev said:
The older animals unfortunately seem to get overlooked. Anyone wanting to rehome a cat usually just looks at the kittens that we have and rarely stop to think about an older cat.
Putney Pensioners was set up by Putney Animal Hospital to quickly find homes for pensioner cats. The scheme also supports adopters by paying for any age-related treatment required throughout their pet’s lifetime.
All our hospital asks for in return is that you provide a loving home and routine treatment including vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and any special dietary requirements.
Two years ago 10-year-old Maverick was found with his leg caught in a sash window. He wasn’t microchipped and despite efforts to track down his owners, no-one came forward to claim him. Thanks to the Putney Pensioner scheme, Maverick was rehomed within weeks.
Take a look at what his new owner, Jude Peppis posted on Putney Animal Hospital’s Facebook page recently:
I rehomed my gorgeous tabby Maverick through the Putney Pensioner scheme - it's brill!! Putney are a wonderful support making sure Maverick has any medical care he needs throughout his twilight years. I've had him for nearly two years now - rehoming that little ball of fluff is one of the best things I've ever done!
Claudia Gough is an experienced cat owner who has also adopted a pensioner cat from us before. And from the look of her recent post on Facebook, she’s ready to do it again!
I rehomed a pensioner cat in 2001. His name was Caesar. He was the most amazing cat, ever! He was 10 when I rescued him and 20 when he died. I had 10 beautiful years with him. Miss him every day. I still have two cats and would be interested in rehoming another 'pensioner' cat who will enjoy life with two other cats.
If you live in London and think you could give a Putney Pensioner a rested retirement please call:
RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital Tel: 0300 123 0716 Or contact them on the Putney Animal Hospital Facebook page.
Many of our centres and branches operate a similar service. Find out more about our Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme (EARS). Alternatively search for older animals using our pet search. Thank you from the pensioners!
31.01.12
Thank you to the many people in Worcester who have reported their concerns about a female mallard duck who has a plastic can holder stuck in her mouth and around the back of her neck. Despite attempts by RSPCA officers and local swan rescue to capture the distressed bird, she has so far evaded capture as she is still mobile and able to fly. We are continuing our attempts to try to catch the duck and are planning a boat rescue this week, but there is no guarantee of success.
The duck is often seen on the river near Worcester City Football Club, St George's Lane. The first reported call came in over a week ago on Thursday, 19 January.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Lee Hopgood who has been involved with the rescue attempts so far said:
We are concerned for the welfare of this duck, but from experience we know how difficult she is going to be to catch. She is very wary of humans and the more attempts are made to catch her, the more wary she becomes. It looks like she can still drink, but it is likely she will be having great difficulty in feeding. Sadly it may not be until she starts to deteriorate in condition and strength before we have any real chance of catching her.
We are extremely frustrated that an act of sheer laziness has resulted in this mallard duck’s unnecessary suffering. Lee continued:
The most frustrating thing about this whole situation and other similar incidents we have dealt with in the past is that this bird's suffering was entirely preventable. This poor duck is in this distressing position because someone couldn't be bothered to put their litter in a bin. A casually dropped piece of litter can have devastating consequences for our wildlife. We are so fortunate in this country to have so many fascinating species of birds and other wild animals that live in our parks and countryside. It is a well known pastime for families to take children to feed the ducks and birds in parks, and yet people are so thoughtless and careless about dropping litter which can injure, kill and maim wildlife. I hope people will learn from this incident and dispose of their rubbish properly.
Little things such as cutting the loops of plastic can holders before putting into a rubbish or recycling bin can help to prevent incidents like this and save an animal's life. Find out more ways you can help in our advice page - litter costs lives.
01.02.12
We came to the rescue of an exhausted fallow deer that was fighting for his life after becoming tangled in electric fence tape in Worcestershire. The stunning animal was found thrashing about in a field last week in Dunley, Stourport-on-Severn.
The buck's will to survive was so strong that he had used all his physical strength in a bid for freedom.
But instead the deer became further entangled and faced dying from exhaustion or being strangled by the tape.
Our animal welfare officer, Steve Davies, attended but the situation was too dangerous to attempt a rescue single-handedly.
Vital back up came in the form of Bob Lawrence, director of wildlife at West Midlands Safari Park. Once the deer was sedated the pair worked fast to cut the tape which was attached to a fence post.
It was a wonderful moment to discover the buck wasn't injured. Had he not been found he would have suffered a very slow and agonising death.
Animal welfare officer, Steve said:
There couldn't have been a better outcome to this rescue. But on arrival I thought it really could have gone either way. The deer was huffing and puffing due to physical exhaustion but the tape was so tightly wrapped around his antlers and more worryingly his neck.
Believed to be around six years old, the deer was later released to a secure location with other wild deer.
Every year we receive hundreds of thousands of calls about animals in need of rescue. Take a look at some of the predicaments we've rescued animals from recently.
If you witness an animal in distress call our national cruelty line on: 0300 1234 999.
02.02.11
With temperatures set to remain low this weekend, we're urging people to help care for pets and wildlife.
With snow predicted for some parts of the country we're urging the public to do their bit to help keep animals of all kinds happy and healthy. RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley said:
Winter weather can spell trouble for some animals as they struggle to cope with the conditions as much as we do. We can all take simple steps to help animals at this time however our inspectors are on-call around the clock so they can help if the worst should happen.
RSPCA wildlife scientist Sophie Adwick said:
Winter can be hard for animals, particuarly wildlife, and every year the RSPCA rescues lots of animals which are dehydrated, hungry and cold. Food and water can be scarce at this time of year anyhow and ground frosts make finding food even more difficult. There may be many animals out there in need of our help and the more we can do to help them through this chilly period the better. The small things can make all the difference.
If you see an animal in distress, call our 24-hour cruelty line on: 0300 1234 999.
For more information on the small things you can do to help visit our seasonal winter advice page.
03.02.12
Our Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire is caring for nine birds of prey which have been bred and raised as pets and then thought to have been dumped. The birds were each taken to the wildlife centre near Nantwich after being found individually in an injured, sick or lethargic condition.
The nine birds include:
They have all been bred as domestic pets and either been abandoned by their owners or escaped. This means they cannot be released back into the wild. Had they not been rescued, it's very likely they would have died. The birds have very specialist needs which makes finding suitable new homes very difficult.
Lee Stewart, centre manager, said:
All the birds were struggling to survive. One of the buzzards had lost all balance and kept falling on its face. One of the barn owls had flown straight into a car. And the eagle owl was discovered in the middle of a path with its wing hanging down.
We are urging people to do their research before taking on these types of birds as pets. All too often animals end up abandoned when people realise the care required is more than they can manage. Animals that have been bred in captivity can struggle to adapt if they suddenly find themselves having to fend for themselves in the wild. Birds of prey can have a large wing span and flying is a fundamental natural behaviour. So aviaries should be built with enough space for the bird in its adult size to fly.
They also need:
Legally, they can only be kept as pets if they are captive-bred. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to take any wild bird and put it into captivity. Some birds of prey also need to be registered if kept in captivity. And we recommend that anyone owning a bird of prey get their bird ringed so that should the bird escape, it can be traced back to the owner.
Sophie Adwick, RSPCA exotics and trade officer, said:
It is vital that anyone taking on an animal thinks very carefully about whether they will be able to care for the animal properly for all of its life. Too many people buy on a whim without really doing any research into what the animal eats, how big it will grow, and how difficult it might be to keep it in a home. This can lead to a raft of welfare problems, as well as abandonments.
When unusual animals, like birds of prey, are kept as pets they are known as exotics or non-domestic animals. Get more advice about meeting the needs of exotic pets.
23.01.12
We’re appealing for witnesses after a pet cat escaped by a whisker when he was shot with an air gun for the third time.
Sandy, a 12-year-old cat from North Shields, Tyne and Wear had already used up two of his nine lives when he survived being shot in his stomach and rump a few years ago.
But the much-loved pet now faces having his leg amputated after he was hit in the shoulder by a pellet fired from an air rifle.
Sandy was shot in the left shoulder between 2.30pm and 3pm on 31 December 2011, New Year’s Eve. He was rushed to the vets where he was kept in overnight.
Sandy has been on painkillers since the attack two weeks ago and his vets bill has reached £500.
Sandy’s owner Joan Mason from Prestwick Avenue, said:
It’s a horrible feeling thinking that someone is targeting your pet deliberately. Poor Sandy was caused severe pain and the vet said his leg might have to be amputated. It’s terrible to think that someone thinks it is acceptable to shoot a defenceless animal, causing such agony to a living creature is so cruel.
Distraught Joan and her husband Vince have posted leaflets through their neighbour’s doors asking for information.
RSPCA Inspector Helen Bestwick said:
Having your pet shot is every owner’s worst nightmare but for it to happen three times is simply horrific. Poor Sandy is incredibly lucky to have survived. These pellets may be tiny but can do so much internal damage and perhaps people who shoot animals do not realise the suffering they are causing.
If you have information about Sandy’s shooting please contact our 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Helen Bestwick.
Anyone found guilty of cruelty to an animal faces up to six months in prison and or a maximum fine of £20,000.
On average every 30 seconds someone in England and Wales dials our 24-hour crulety line for help.
In 2010 we received more than 1.1 million phone calls and secured 2,441 convictions by private prosecution to protect animals against those who break the law.
Help us to continue to be there for animals in need, get involved.
An RSPCA rescue dog who is learning agility to relieve the boredom of an eight-month spell in kennels is hoping his new found skills will help him weave his way into someone's heart. Kai is a two-year-old American bulldog cross-breed and has taken to agility like a duck to water. He is completing the weaves and jumps with ease at our Gonsal Farm Animal Centre in Dorrington, Shropshire. And despite only having a few lessons, Kai is said to have great potential.
Anthony Turner works at Gonsal Farm, as well as being a dog trainer with School For Paws - a Victoria Stilwell Positively approved dog training establishment based in Shropshire. He said:
Kai has a lovely, friendly nature and loves nothing more than to play. He really enjoys human company and has such a desire to please and learn, so I thought I would give him some agility training. He has taken to it so well that we hope any new owner might continue taking him to classes as he really is a natural.
And Kai definitely impressed TV dog trainer Victoria Stilwell who visited our Gonsal Farm Animal Centre just before Christmas. Following her visit, Victoria spoke very highly about the staff at Gonsal Farm and the fantastic work they do in rehabilitating animals so that they're ready for rehoming.
Anthony continued:
"Kai has been in kennels since June 2011 and we have no idea why he is still with us. "He is only young and obviously is a lively lad, but he gets on with other dogs and can be rehomed to a family with older children. "We are hoping someone will see Kai basking in the limelight at his agility classes and offer him a 'forever' home."
If you think you're a perfect match for Kai and can offer him a loving new home and continue the agility training that he loves so much, please contact: RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre
Telephone: 0300 123 0753
Email: gonsalfarm@rspca.org.uk You can find out more about adopting an RSPCA rescue animal in our rehoming and adoption pages.
Victoria Stilwell sings the praises of Gonsal Farm - 02.01.12