Find out who to contact if you suspect any pet or wild animal is being mistreated or is injured. Find local vets and pet rescue and rehoming organisations.
Find information about wildlife protection and the law using our links to the Natural England and DEFRA websites, including how to report wildlife poisoning.
Pet owners have a legal duty of care under the Animal Welfare Act, and wild birds and other wild animals are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
RSPCA - Reporting Animal Cruelty
Complaints about animal cruelty and neglect are dealt with by the RSPCA. Find out more on the RSPCA website. If you are concerned about the welfare of an animal, to report a mistreated, neglected, injured or distressed animal contact the 24-hour RSPCA Cruelty line - telephone 0300 1234 999.
The RSPCA also have a general advice and information line - telephone 0300 1234 555, and a Rehoming centre at Patcham - telephone 01273 554218.
Injured Birds and Wildlife Rescue
If you find an injured bird or wild animal locally, you can contact:
Local Vets and Pet Training
Contact local vets for advice about your pet's health and help with sick or injured animals:
Pet Welfare, Rescue and Rehoming
- Sussex Pet Rescue - Telephone: 01273 551815
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Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare - Telephone: 01825 840252
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Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare - Telephone: General and Animal Re-Homing Enquiries: 01825 830444; 24-hour Wildlife Emergency number: 01825 830735
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Dogs Trust - Telephone: 01273 452576
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Noah's Ark - Telephone: 01323 760191 (small pets)
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RSPCA Rescue and Re-homing - Patcham - Telephone: 01273 554218 (dogs and cats)
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Seaford Dog Rescue - Telephone: 07970 824764 or 07707 738925, or email sue.phillips13@btinternet.com or lucydunk@gmail.com
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Labrador Rescue - Telephone: 01424 210846 or 0208 6750746
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Retired Greyhound Trust - Telephone: 020 8335 3016 or 01474 815273
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Doberman Rescue - Telephone: 01903 773463
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Boxer Rescue - Telephone: 01323 644395
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Border Collie Rescue - Telephone: 01903 263 522
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Bichon Frise Rescue - Telephone: 01323 521522 or 01908 618877
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Cats Protection - Telephone: 01323 440101
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Cat Rescue - Telephone: 01323 765641
- Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary - Telephone: 01424 219593 (cats)
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Mile Oak Guinea Pig Shelter - Telephone: 01273 412899
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Bobtails - Telephone: 01273 516536 (rabbits)
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Rabbit Re-Homing - Telephone: 01273 279405
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National Animal Welfare Trust - Telephone: 020 8950 0177
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Royal Pigeon Racing Association - Telephone: 01452 713529 (if you find a stray racing or homing pigeon)
Wildlife Protection Organisations
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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) - Telephone: 01273 775333 or 01767 680551. All wild birds are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. For more advice either contact the RSPB or a Sussex Police Wildlife Officer on 0845 6070 999 about bird offences.
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National Swan Sanctuary - Egham, Surrey - Telephone: 01784 431667
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Raptor Rescue - Telephone: 0870 241 0609 (birds of prey)
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National Federation of Badger Groups - Telephone: 020 7498 3220. Local contact - Southdown Badger Protection Group - Telephone: 01273 514942
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British Hedgehog Preservation Society - Telephone: 01584 890801
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National Fox Welfare Society - Telephone: 01933 411996
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Bat Conservation Trust - Telephone: 0845 1300 228. Never touch or handle bats without expert advice – there is a risk they are infected with the killer disease Rabies.
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Frogs, Toads, Newts and Snakes - Froglife Wildlife Information Service - Telephone: 01733 558844
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Advice about other mammals - The Mammal Society - Telephone: 020 7498 4358
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British Divers Marine Life Rescue - Telephone: 01825 765546
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DEFRA Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme - if you suspect poisoning of wildlife or pet animals, call Freephone 0800 321 600
