For 200 years, the RSPCA has been there for animals in need of a helping hand. Every day the country’s oldest animal welfare charity rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes hundreds of animals with very special backgrounds and stories of triumph over adversity - and in the last ten years, has found new homes for 111 pets every single day.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner from the animal charity’s frontline rescuers, said: “We know that many believe Blue Monday to be one of the days people find most difficult. But we hope showcase how animal lovers have helped us help so many animals over the last year and beyond will put a smile on people's faces this Blue Monday."
From an Iguana named Einstein getting stuck up a tree to Mowgli the cat falling 30 feet down a mine shaft, take a look at some of the heartwarming tales from 2023 to distract you from the gloom of Blue Monday.
The RSPCA are calling on members of the public to join the winter rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.
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5. Swan song
A world-famous recording studio where the likes of Oasis, Muse, The Stone Rose, Robert Plant and Jessie J have recorded music was the location of a swan rescue in July. RSPCA inspector Paul Kempson was called to The Sawmills in Golant to rescue an injured swan with a wound to his wing. Set in a picturesque Cornish creek, it is one of Cornwall's most iconic properties where some very famous bands have recorded chart-topping albums. There is no road access to the property, it is only accessible by boat, so Paul made a ten minute journey up river to rescue the swan and rushed him to a vet. Photo: RSPCA
6. Poor fox got head stuck in car wheel
A fox was 'wheely' lucky to be spotted after getting his head trapped in a car wheel in south west London. The poor fox was rescued after a member of the public spotted him struggling in October outside a storage yard in New Malden. RSPCA animal rescue officer Sam Matthews managed to free the fox who escaped major injury with just a swollen face. She said: “The poor fox had almost given up and was resigned to his fate. The tyre had only been put there the night before, but he was quite exhausted. “I think the young fox was just being inquisitive - he was possibly looking for some food hiding under there. But who knows why he went looking in there! “This was a brand new tyre that had only been put there the night before. It’s always worth thinking about storing equipment out of reach of wildlife.” Photo: RSPCA
7. Unbeaverlievable!
Two beavers arrived at a specialist RSPCA wildlife centre after being saved from drowning in an overflow drain. The beavers were brought into RSPCA West Hatch centre by Secret World Rescue who had responded to a phone call about an animal trapped in Frome, Somerset. The caller thought it might have been an otter. Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered not one but two beavers trapped in around a metre's worth of dirty water and at risk of drowning. The very unusual guests arrived at RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre near Taunton in October where they were given supportive care as they regained strength. After careful transportation from the wildlife centre, the beavers were released back into the wild. Photo: RSPCA
8. Deer trapped between fencing posts
A deer was rescued by the RSPCA after getting herself wedged between two fencing posts at Standen House and Gardens in West Sussex in November. The unlucky deer managed to get herself trapped in the small gap, but was thankfully spotted by National Trust staff when they came on shift in the morning. They called the animal welfare charity. RSPCA animal rescue officers Sam Matthews and Louis Horton found the poor animal stuck between two posts. With the help of a car jack they managed to widen the gap between the posts and lifted her up to the widest part and were able to release her. Photo: RSPCA