RSPCA All About Animals podcast

RSPCA inspectors are at the very front line of the RSPCA's work, investigating cruelty complaints and rescuing animals in dire need. Our unique, professional and dedicated inspectorate is at the core of everything we do and our inspectors have a unique and often misunderstood role within the charity. So it was on a dreary winter's day that RSPCA senior press officer, Calie Rydings, hopped into an RSPCA van with RSPCA Inspector Gemma Dummer and took to the road to see what it's really like. Calie not only recorded her experience for our podcast, but blogged about it too. You can read Calie's very insightful blog post - Inspector for a day - in our press officer blog.

Barren battery cages have now been banned, but did you know that hens are still kept in cages? RSPCA hen expert, Alice Clark, helps unscramble the facts about the legislation and how you can make sure you only buy cage-free eggs.

While Christmas is a special time for everyone, animal welfare remains our top priority, just as much as it does every other day of the year. When most people are opening presents or tucking into Christmas dinner, we will be on hand to help animals in need. From responding to emergency calls from the public, to caring for thousands of animals at our animal centres, animal hospitals and wildlife centres. It's business as usual for our dedicated staff and volunteers who ensure animals have a happy Christmas too!

Did you know once every two-and-a-half days we rescue a stricken animal from perilous cliff ledges and isolated mountainsides? RSPCA inspectors who join our rope rescue teams go through rigorous training to prepare themselves for recovering livestock, pets and wildlife safely from dangerous situations. But rope rescues are only part of their daily duties as RSPCA inspectors, which sees them investigate allegations of cruelty and help all types of animal in need. With the number of animal cliff rescues on the increase, we learn more about life as a member of an RSPCA rope rescue team.

The difficult economic climate and series of long, cold winters have made horse ownership harder and more expensive than ever. As a result, more mistreated horses, ponies and donkeys than ever need our specialist help. We tell the story of one such horse, miracle survivor Polly, and her amazing transformation into the healthy, happy animal she is today.

The difficult economic climate and series of long, cold winters have made horse ownership harder and more expensive than ever. As a result, more mistreated horses, ponies and donkeys than ever need our specialist help. We tell the story of one such horse, miracle survivor Polly, and her amazing transformation into the healthy, happy animal she is today.

We take you to the frontline as we join our Special Operations Unit in their battle against the most deliberate and extreme forms of animal cruelty in Britain today. The team works alongside police investigating organised animal crime, including illegal hunting wild animals with dogs. Those responsible for these crimes believe it is acceptable to inflict untold suffering on dogs and wildlife in the form of entertainment and it is the aim of our Special Operations Unit to bring them to justice.

Our East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk is internationally renowned for its care of orphaned, sick or injured seals. Through staff's expertise and experience of wildlife care, rehabilitation, release and post-release monitoring, the centre aims to give casualties the best chance possible at a successful life back in the wild. We go behind the scenes of the wildlife centre to see just what is involved in caring for seals and how their Sponsor a seal initiative is helping to fund their seal rehabilitation work.

In January 2008 more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were removed from horrific conditions at Spindle Farm near Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in one of our biggest ever rescue operations. The horses were lovingly cared for and rehabilitated by the RSPCA, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare and The Horse Trust. Following a phenomenal response to our rehoming appeal in June 2010, we matched the horses and ponies in our care with special new owners. And almost three years on to when they were first rescued, we caught up with some of the Amersham horses in their new homes.

On average, every 30 seconds a member of the public calls the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line to report concerns about animal welfare. At the other end of the phone is a dedicated team at our National Control Centre who prioritise the calls and pass on to our officers in the field. But what does it take to be a member of our National Control Centre team? And what is a typical day like? We visit the team to find out.

RSPCA figures released in September 2010 showed a shocking increase in the number of calls reporting crimes against badgers. This saddening rise indicates badger crime is still rife in the English and Welsh countrysides, despite badger digging being banned in 1973 and badger baiting – where dogs are pitted against a badger – being banned as long ago as 1835. The statistics are unveiled in this podcast episode, in which Chief Inspector Ian Briggs from our Special Operations Unit discusses badger crime and what is being done to bring those responsible to justice.