Wildlife near misty woodland with the Tyne Bridge in the distance
Emergency & Welfare Guide

Animal Welfare & Emergencies

Immediate guidance for wildlife rescue and incident reporting in Newcastle & Gateshead.

Legal Requirements

Mandatory Reporting (24 Hours)

By law, you MUST report collisions involving these animals to the police immediately or within 24 hours.

  • Dogs, Horses, Cattle
  • Pigs, Goats, Sheep
  • Donkeys, Mules

Recommended

Voluntary Reporting

Legal reporting is not required, but informing local councils or rescues helps track wildlife health and safety.

  • Cats & Deer
  • Foxes & Badgers

Safety First

Never Handle

BadgersBirds of PreySwansFoxesDeer

How to Contain Small Animals

1

Secure box with air holes

2

Cover with a towel/blanket

3

Warm, quiet, and dark place

4

No food or water (until advised)

24-Hour Helpline

RSPCA Wildlife Emergency

Number coming soon

Call Now

Specialized Rescues

Foxes

The Fox Project
National Fox Welfare

Birds

London Wildlife Protection
Wildlife Aid Foundation

Bats

Surrey Bat Rescue

Newcastle / Gateshead Specific

Contact local vet for immediate emergency stabilization.

I Found a Baby Bird: What should I do?

A feathered fledgling bird on a garden lawn

Fledgling

Feathered & Active

  • Hopping around on the ground
  • Covered in feathers
  • Parents likely nearby feeding

LEAVE ALONE

Keep cats and dogs away from the area.

A vulnerable nestling bird with little to no feathers

Nestling

Pink Skin & Vulnerable

  • No feathers or very few
  • Pink skin clearly visible
  • Cannot move or hop

NEEDS HELP

Warm up immediately and call rescue.