In the past year, the RSPCA in Somerset has aided numerous animals in distress, including an owl trapped in a slurry pit and a hedgehog suffering from a severe spinal injury.
In October, a member of the public discovered an owl that had fallen into a slurry pit. Although the bird was unharmed, it was cold and exhausted. A local vet was called to assess the owl before it was taken to the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton. There, the owl was warmed and fed, and the next day, staff carefully cleaned its contaminated feathers. After drying, it was moved to an outdoor aviary and, eight days later, released back into the wild by RSPCA Inspector Dean Wilkins.
Earlier in the summer, a hedgehog with extensive injuries from a strimmer was brought to the same wildlife centre. The hedgehog had lost many spines and was covered in ticks. Thanks to the expert care from RSPCA veterinarians and staff, she was successfully rehabilitated and prepared for release back into her natural habitat.
READ MORE: Mary Berry’s Juicy Salmon Gets Luscious with One Simple Topping
READ MORE: Restoration of Brunel’s Vision: Portishead Railway Reopens in 2028
The RSPCA reported that in 2025, more than 634,000 people used its website to report animal welfare concerns, including 7,279 reports made during the Christmas period from December 24 to 29. Anticipating an increase in calls during the winter months, the charity has launched the Big Give Back to Animals appeal to raise essential funds for its frontline officers and animal care teams.
RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne emphasizes the ongoing commitment of the charity: “Every day, our teams rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome hundreds of animals, often overcoming incredible challenges. For over 200 years, the RSPCA has worked relentlessly to provide animals with safety, expert treatment, and compassion. We cannot continue this vital mission without the support of animal lovers. If you care about animals, join The Big Give Back to Animals to help protect and heal those in need.”