[demicav]

Originally Posted by werdnal

Just heard a chap on our local radio (Cornwall) telling how he rescued an injured deer from a river early this morning. He works at place overlooking the river in Truro. Arrived at work around 5.30am today, to find some employees concerned someone was stuck in the river. When he investgated he found it was a deer, trapped in deep mud in the rising tide. He waded out tied to a rope, into knee deep mud and waist deep water. Managed to free the deer and was dragged back to shore by his colleagues. The deer was obviously distressed and looked as if both back legs were broken, possibly been hit by a car. He put it in his van and phoned RSPCA for advice. They advised they would send an emergency response vehicle out to collect it.

3 hours later, no-one had turned up, so he rang them again, only to be told they couldn't attend and he was asked to take the deer to a local vet for destruction. Obviously, 2 broken legs mean it could never be put right, but at least it could have been saved 3 hours more suffering before its merciful release. The chap was obviously still very distressed several hours after the incident, and you could hear the emotion in his voice during the interview. Yet one more triumph for wildlife from the RSPCA - just confirms everything I always thought about them (which I cannot possibly put into words here as I'd be banned as a member!)

That sounds awful. I have heard some bad things about the RSPCA concerning wildlife. Like you say the deer could have been saved from all the extra suffering.