RSPCA: From wheelie bin to really happy

Monday, 23 May 2011 12:00 AM

A lamb found dumped in a wheelie bin in Manchester now has a baaa-rilliant new home, with none other than TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady.

Paul heard about the lamb via the media when it was reported that he had been found abandoned in Manchester on 18 April. As he already has a small flock of sheep, along with several other animals, Paul offered to rehome the month-old lamb.

Winston, as the lamb was named by a reader of a national newspaper, was discovered in the bin by district nurses Gillian Powell and Georgina Holmes. He was uninjured and healthy apart from a slightly ulcerated eye and received veterinary treatment before the RSPCA transferred him to a fosterer who had to bottle feed Winston around the clock. After careful arrangements were made, Winston was transported to Paul's property in Kent on Tuesday 17 May by RSPCA inspector Caroline Hall, who dealt with the original investigation.

Upon arrival, Winston settled right in and got to know his new home.

Paul said: "The RSPCA has done a wonderful job. Winston is a big, strong, healthy boy now - nothing like the state he was in when they found him! He's skipping around and has got his own barn so he is very happy. He's very friendly and loves human company. He's in his element!"

The RSPCA is still appealing for information about those responsible for dumping Winston.
Inspector Hall said: "We still need to find out who was behind Winston being dumped, but it's so nice to see him gambolling around in his new home. We are very grateful to Paul and his animal care staff for helping to give Winston such a great new start in life after his unhappy beginnings.

"We'd also like to thank the lamb's fosterer who has done such a good job of caring for him until he moved to his permanent home."

Anyone with information about how Winston came to be abandoned in the bin can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

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Notes to editors

Photographs are available. If used, please credit the RSPCA and do not archive.
Footage is also available, please contact the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244/0288.
—Paul O'Grady is not available for interview at this time.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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