Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
WITH all this Covid news around, you might think there’s not much for anyone to crow about, at the moment, but cockerels can usually find something to say.
And, it’s often, early in the morning. At present, the Hillingdon RSPCA are looking after this handsome cockerel, Napoleon, who was found abandoned by an Inspector.
Although Napoleon’s looking for a new home, it’s important his new owners realise, before they get him, that however much they love him, not everyone likes living next to a cockerel.
The RSPCA want to make sure that when Napoleon goes to a forever home, if he gets noisy, he isn’t moved on. Before you offer him a home, think carefully about his crowing.
Although hens don’t need a cockerel to lay eggs, if you keep hens, they might benefit from having one around. A cockerel can act as their guardian and point out tasty morsels on the ground. Chickens, including cockerels, are social, intelligent animals and need to be cared for well. If you think you have the right sort of home for Napoleon, see his details at rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk.
It hasn’t taken long since the closure of the RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital and Southall Clinic and Cattery for the effect to be felt by Hillingdon RSPCA. They are already picking up extra work.
In case you didn’t realise, not all RSPCA work is organised directly by RSPCA headquarters. Much of their animal welfare work is carried out through their branches.
These are separately registered, self-funding RSPCA charities run by volunteers. In our area, we are fortunate to have the Hillingdon Branch of the RSPCA. They cover a large area and run a busy clinic. However, at present, particularly since the closures, they are overrun with work and desperately need our support.
One of the best ways we can help is to shop in their charity shops. Many people have used lockdown to do clearing out and their shops at the moment are full of treasures.
Hillingdon RSPCA have shops at 13, Crescent Parade, Hillingdon UB10 0LG and 2, Station Parade, Denham UB9 5ET.
If you can volunteer to help at a shop, that would also be welcome, contact rspca@rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk.
Finally, Humane Society International who do fantastic work against the dog meat trade and rescuing distressed animals during a natural disaster, are currently organising their annual comedy fundraiser, Stand Up For Animals. This year it is virtual and will be available t from Friday, October 16. You can get tickets from hsi.org