RSPCA seeks recruits for animal rescue team
VOLUNTEERS COLLECT SICK AND INJURED WILDLIFE
THE RSPCA is looking to recruit a specialist team of “volunteer superheroes” to help wildlife.
A drive to expand its team of wildlife casualty volunteers (WCVs) in Leicestershire was launched by the charity to mark World Wildlife Day.
WCVs collect sick, injured or orphaned birds and small mammals, and transport them to RSPCA centres, other rehabilitators or vets, acting as first responders for the charity.
The volunteers also help release rehabilitated wildlife back into the environment from which they were rescued.
RSPCA chief inspector Kelly Lake said: “Our wildlife casualty volunteers offer crucial support and help to wildlife by transporting them for life-saving rehabilitation.
“Across England and Wales, our WCVs have helped us collect over 1,200 wild animals since the start of 2021.
“But we’re looking to recruit even more to support our animal rescue teams to help even more animals in need.
“It’s an incredibly rewarding role –providing a lifeline to animals and even helping release them back to the wild after periods of rehabilitation and care.
“In Leicestershire, we urgently need more of these superhero first responders to volunteer with us, so we’re really hoping anyone interested in getting up close to our beautiful wildlife, and transporting them to centres for urgent rehabilitation and care, will apply to join this amazing team.”
Some WCVs have gone on to work for the RSPCA’s inspectorate, including Richard Carr.
He said: “I’ve always been interested in wildlife and was keen to get involved with the RSPCA – so volunteering as a WCV was a unique opportunity.
“I learned so much, and it really confirmed my passion and interest in animal welfare.
“Whenever I was volunteering, I was always so struck by the passion the public had for wildlife and it was great to be able to do my bit to help – from collecting injured birds, to releasing hedgehogs, and so much more.
“I had a little bit of spare time on the weekends – and learned so much in the role.
“It also proved really useful when I went on to work for the RSPCA permanently, first as an animal collection officer and now as an inspector.”
Sally Kearns retired in December from the RSPCA after serving more than 30 years as an inspector covering Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
Sally, who signed up as a WCV in January, said: “I loved my job in the RSPCA and when I decided to take retirement there was still a large part of me that didn’t want to let it go.
“Now I do feel I have the best of both worlds as I can enjoy retirement but also still get to play an active role in helping save animals.”
WCVs need to be able to drive and have their own vehicle and a smartphone. All other kit and training will be provided and relevant expenses will be reimbursed.