I love cats and dogs as much as the next person but it has to be said that, without them, wildlife rescues would have a far quieter life. Cat attacks alone probably account for around 80% of bird casualities brought into your average wildlife hospital. Even worse are the thousands of birds and animals who are attacked each year who never get the help they need.

It's all too easy to take the victim from your cat and simply release it again. But you've probably just condemned it to a slow death. Cats have a lot of bacteria on their teeth and these pass into the victims bloodstream when it's bitten. Without antibiotic therapy, ideally within 4 hours, the casualty is likely to die from septacaemia. It only takes one tiny scratch, which may not be immediately visible, to cause this. So any bird or animal which is caught by a cat should be rescued, contained and taken to a wildlife rescue for treatment.

Injuries from dog attacks are generally more obvious although, in the case of hedgehogs, it can be difficult to see them through the spines. Again it is best to assume that there are injuries and seek assistance for any animal which has been attacked by a dog.

Small birds and animals can just be placed in a suitable container such as a secure cardboard box or pet carrier and taken to your local wildlife rescue. Time really is of the essence so don't worry about food and water, just get the casualty help as soon as you can. Many wildlife rescues offer a 24 hour service for emergencies like this. For larger animals such as foxes, deer or swans for example, it is best to seek assistance from a wildlife rescue with capturing and moving the victim. Help should be sought urgently as a bird or animal which has been attacked may go into fatal shock.