RSPCA blasts Virgin advert as terrorised terrapin is tied to lit firework

Friday, 9 November 2007 12:00 AM

A terrapin is lucky to be alive after she was tied to a lit firework and shot into the air. The shocking incident happened in the same week a Virgin Media Broadband advert appeared on the internet, depicting a similar act of cruelty in cartoon form.

The callous act came to light when a dog ran up to its owner with what at first sight looked a like a stick in its mouth. The owner, from Wrexham, was horrified to discover that it was in fact a spent firework with the terrapin stuck to it with masking tape.

The terrapin - believed to be female - had suffered a bash to the head, her mouth was bleeding and she has a cracked shell.

RSPCA animal collection officer Claire Davies, who collected the terrapin on Tuesday November 6, added: "For someone to have purposely taped this terrapin to a firework before lighting it is beyond belief. It's a miracle she survived. This is a deliberate, premeditated act of cruelty and we must find out who is responsible."

The RSPCA has asked Virgin Media to withdraw an online animation in which a lit firework is used to fire a cartoon tortoise into space, ripping off the animal's shell.

RSPCA head of external affairs David Bowles said: "We feel this advert is in extremely bad taste. Sadly, portraying animal abuse in this way affects how some members of the public behave towards animals. Every year the RSPCA deals with incidents where animals are tortured at the hands of those who may have been influenced by such advertising.

"We're not claiming this incident was a direct copycat, however the connection is obvious. We ask that any future advertising is thought through more carefully as it is a powerful medium and any kind of animal cruelty message could have far-reaching consequences."

Other reports of incidents involving animals and fireworks this week include:

Dog hit by train after fleeing firework noise

A Jack Russell severed her leg when she fled from firework noise and was hit by a train.

Nine-year-old Sparky bolted from fireworks set off near her Truro home on Saturday 3 November. It's believed she ran onto a railway line and was hit by a train on the Truro to Falmouth branch line. Her right hind leg was severed in the impact.

However, it wasn't until Tuesday 6 November when railway workers spotted Sparky and called the RSPCA who took her to a vet.

RSPCA animal collection officer Felicity Cross said: "Sparky is lucky to have been found in such an isolated spot and to have survived her ordeal.

"She was wearing a collar, so thankfully we were able to contact her owners and let them know we had her and she was safe. The RSPCA recommends that pet owners have their animals microchipped as it's a permanent link to you if the animal becomes lost or strays."

Frightened dog missing for 24 hours after bolting from fireworks

A terrified dog, which bolted as fireworks were let off near his home, was reunited with his owners 24 hours later thanks to his microchip.

Murphy, a one-year-old Rottweiler-cross, was in the garden of his home in Teversham, Cambridgeshire, on Sunday 28 October when a series of rockets were set off in the neighbouring recreation ground. His owner, Felicity Collins, ran out when she heard Murphy barking, but he had already managed to scale a five-foot high gate in a bid to escape the noise.

Mrs Collins searched for Murphy, put up posters and contacted the local radio station, but he was nowhere to be found.

The RSPCA received a call on Monday evening to say that an injured dog had been found shut in a stable in Stow-cum-Quy, about six miles from Teversham.

When RSPCA inspector Dave Podmore collected the dog, he discovered he was microchipped and Murphy's relieved owners were contacted. Murphy's injured paw was treated by a local vet.

Mrs Collins said: "I thought he had gone for good and was amazed to hear that he had been found. We are extremely grateful to the person who found him as well as to the RSPCA and are so pleased he was microchipped as otherwise we may have never seen him again."

Spooked foal in tragic accident

A six-month old foal had to be put to sleep after it was spooked by fireworks and dislocated its ankle.

The tragic incident happened at Fens Pool Nature Reserve, Pensnett, Brierley Hill, West Midlands on Sunday 4 November.

Pet rabbit killed by firework

Police in Ashford, Kent, are appealing for witnesses after a firework killed a pet rabbit.

Two dwarf lop-eared rabbits were taken from a cage in a garden in Bridge Street, Wye, on Friday, 2 November. A lit firework was attached to one of the rabbits. The firework exploded, killing the rabbit.

The other rabbit has since been found unharmed.

-ends-

Notes to editors:

• Between Sunday 4 November and Tuesday 6 November 2007, the RSPCA received 241 calls about animals and fireworks - a 16 per cent increase compared to the same period last year (207 calls).

• Fireworks can cause a great deal of pain and anxiety to animals because their hearing is very sensitive. The noise can result in them bolting, hiding, shaking becoming destructive, or whimpering.

• The RSPCA recommends that people attend public displays rather than holding their own at home. Organised displays are usually well publicised, which means animal owners in the vicinity can prepare in advance.

• Pet owners are being encouraged to help the RSPCA measure the number of animals affected by fireworks by taking part in the Society's online survey where people can also find advice and tips about how to help animals on Bonfire Night.

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