The cub which was separated from his mother is now in RSPCA care

A fox cub which was found separated from his mother at a building site on Merseyside.  It was then was taken home by a worker who thought it was an abandoned puppy. But it wasn't long after the animal was taken to the home in Speake that it was realised he was in fact not a puppy; but a fox cub! The building site worker then contacted the RSPCA and Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) Matt Brown went to collect the cub on Monday, 30 March 2020 and he is now recovering well.

Matt said:- "The worker was on a building site in Speake when he came across what he initially thought was an abandoned puppy and as he could see no mother around he took him home. But when someone told him it was not a pup, but actually a fox cub he rightly called the RSPCA. In most cases females will return and collect their cubs if given the opportunity, and it's not unusual to see older cubs above ground on their own during the day learning survival skills and the parents are usually nearby. Therefore we would normally ask members of the public who come across lone cubs to initially monitor them from a safe distance as often the mother will return. If after a couple of hours mum hasn't returned and there is a concern about leaving the cubs any longer then they should call the RSPCA."

The cub, which had his eyes open but is thought to be less than a month old, was taken to a local vets where he is fed on puppy milk and will be transferred to the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich in a few days. Once he is independent and strong enough he will be released back into the wild.

Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said:- "We are so grateful to any member of the public that takes the time to contact us about animals they fear need help. However, it is important to remember that not all young animals need rescuing and many would be better off being left where they are and monitored for as long as possible as the parents are usually nearby. Our advice is that if you see a lone baby wild animal, unless they are obviously injured or in immediate danger from predators or traffic, monitor the situation from afar as they may not need rescuing. Young animals have a much greater chance of survival if they remain with their mothers. If you find a fox cub on their own and their eyes are open, the cub is probably fine; the parents will usually be nearby. Leave a supply of dog food and water nearby and check again after 24 hours. If the cub is in immediate danger; on a road or somewhere very exposed; safely move the cub to a sheltered, safe spot nearby, handling the cub as little as possible. Foxes that become used to humans do not survive in the wild and cubs should only be taken into captivity as a last resort. If you find a fox cub that's injured, sick, in immediate danger or has their eyes closed then please call the RSPCA for advice on their 24 hour cruelty and advice line on:- 0300 1234 999. More information on fox cubs can be found on the RSPCA website."

During this difficult time, our priority is to help animals in need. They know this is a difficult time for animal lovers, but sadly the RSPCA are already experiencing strain on its centres and frontline due to Covid-19 and this will worsen in the weeks ahead. To help the RSPCA though this challenging time, please visit:- RSPCA.Org.UK or call the donation line on:- 03001238181.

Coronavirus response in Merseyside to get helping hand from Cadent staff

CHARITIES and community groups in Merseyside, battling to help the most vulnerable during the Coronavirus crisis, are set to get a helping hand from local gas distributor, Cadent. The company, which manages the area's gas mains network, is rallying its staff to support local organisations that are helping the most needy during the pandemic. It will pay employees who volunteer during their working hours. Cadent staff are being offered 2 days of paid volunteer leave each month to support local charities during their working hours; whether that's helping out at a food bank or joining a local group to deliver medicines and food supplies to vulnerable people who are self isolating.

Chief Executive Steve Fraser said:- "We are a community based company with a strong track record in supporting vulnerable people. In a time of national crisis we felt it was right to step up that support for those who most need our help. Our staff are doing a fantastic job, keeping people warm and safe during this difficult time. We know that many want to support efforts to help the most vulnerable, but because of childcare or other obligations, are not able to do it in their own time. This is why we are offering staff 2 days of paid volunteer leave per month if they want to help out during their working hours. If every member of staff took up this offer that would be 8,000 volunteering days each month."

Initially, the scheme will run during April and May 2020. The company will review the scheme in May, based on the latest Government advice, operational factors and the success of the first 2 months. The scheme is in addition to the new statutory Employee Volunteering Leave brought in by the Coronavirus Act 2020, which is targeted at workers who have suitable medical or social care skills and experience and can support health and social care organisations. Cadent delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses in North West England, the Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and the North London area. The company manages 80,000 miles of gas mains in those areas, as well as providing a 24/7, year round gas emergency service. Many of Cadent's staff are on the frontline, continuing to keep gas supplies flowing and attending gas emergencies, such as gas escapes and carbon monoxide leaks, during the pandemic. Public safety is the company's top priority and extra precautions are being taken during the Coronavirus pandemic to ensure both customers and employees remain safe. Further information can be found on the company's website.