Care of sick and injured animals – who to contact for help
The Trust is frequently asked to assist with the care and rehabilitation of sick or injured birds and animals. Although some of our members undertake such work, the Trust does not provide a general service of this kind, as it is not a welfare charity. However, these notes are designed to assist our volunteers and others to deal with enquiries in the most effective way.
The primary aim of caring for injured animals is to return them to the wild. It is important to make a note of the exact location that injured animals are found. Many of the people listed below are skilled in care and rehabilitation. The people listed cannot usually provide transport. Animals must be delivered to them.
When an enquiry about an injured animal is received it is best to contact the nearest person listed or the person listed as having the most appropriate specialist skills. If you have a problem contact the RSPCA national number (listed under miscellaneous) who should be able to advise you. In case of emergency, many vets in the area treat wildlife for free, so contact your nearest vet via the telephone directory.
Certain birds, listed in the Schedule 4 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, may only be kept by a Licensed Rehabilitation Keeper. These are indicated below by the letters "LRK".
( Information last updated: 14th November 2007 )
Bats
- Colin and Annette Faulkner
65 London Road, Spalding, PE11 2TN
Telephone: 01775 766286
Hedgehogs
- Elaine Drewery
Hedgehog Care
Post Office, Authorpe, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 8PF
Telephone: 01507 450221
Elaine specialises in hedgehogs and will take any that are injured provided that they are delivered.
Website: www.hedgehogcare.org.uk
Seals
- Natureland Seal Sanctuary
North Parade, The Promenade, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 1DB
Telephone: 01754 764345
Natureland is especially concerned with orphaned and injured seal pups.
They can also help with oiled or injured sea birds.
Mammals other than seals cannot be accepted.
- Mr Paul King - Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary
North End, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, LN12 1QG
Telephone: 01507 473346
Concerned with seals and sea birds but will accept almost any other wildlife in an emergency.
Other useful contacts
- RSCPA
24-hour cruelty and advice line
Telephone: 0300 1234 999
Website: www.rspca.org.uk
- RSPCA (National)
Telephone: 08705 555 999
- RSPCA, Norfolk Wildlife Hospital
Station Road, East Winch, Kings Lynn, PE32 1NR
Telephone: 01553 840045
- Lincolnshire Wildlife Hospital – John Gunner
Hoop Lane Farm, Hoop Lane, Langton by Wragby, LN8 5QB
Telephone: 01673 858288
Mobile: 07850 630307
Will take sick/injured/orphaned British wildlife (preferably delivered to them) on the understanding that it is to be returned to the wild. Will also offer assistance and advice where possible.
- Weirfield Wildlife Hospital – David and Ally Townsend
27 Rookery Lane, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7PX
Telephone: 01522 530428
Website: www.weirfield.co.uk
E-Mail: info@weirfield.co.uk
This is the main Hospital for the RSPCA in Lincolnshire.
Dave and Ally take in all forms of sick and injured wildlife – taking in and caring for over 1500 casualties per year. They achieve a success rate of returning 50% of these birds and animals to the wild. Adult volunteers are always needed and welcome, particularly during the busy spring/summer season. If you would like to volunteer please contact via the above telephone or email address.
- Mrs J Merrikin (LRK)
North Somercotes, Louth
Telephone: 01507 358513
Can only accept injured wildlife if it is delivered.
- Molly and John Burkett (LRK) – Animal Rehabilitation Centre
Hough-on-the-Hill, Grantham, NG32 2BB
Telephone: 01400 250246
Mr & Mrs Burkett are willing to accept injured wildlife on the understanding that it is to be returned to the wild.
Environment Agency
- Incident Hotline — Freephone 0800 807060
- - Damage or danger to the natural environment
- - Pollution
- - Poaching
- - Risks to wildlife
- - Fish in distress
- - Illegal dumping
- - Flooding incidents (for reporting flooding only)
