Sick hedgehogs, kestrels, gulls and magpies - a Hartlepool group is helping them all

A pigeon shot with a crossbow bolt and a hedgehog family tied up in a carrier bag – they’re just two of the horrific cases of animal mistreatment in Hartlepool.
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But a new organisation is coming to the rescue.

Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue may only have been running since the start of 2021 but it already has taken in more than 250 animals.

They include:

Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue which has taken in animals including a pigeon which was shot with a crossbow.Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue which has taken in animals including a pigeon which was shot with a crossbow.
Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue which has taken in animals including a pigeon which was shot with a crossbow.

A family of hedgehogs (a mother and its babies) tied up in a carrier bag and left in an alley. Thankfully, they are making a good recovery; A pigeon with a crossbow through it, found on the Headland. The cost of saving the bird, including pain relief and antibiotics, was £590 A seagull with fishing hooks in it. Sadly it had to be put asleep; Ducks which were tangled up in fishing wire.

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Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue is headed up by two "seniors”, Antony Baker and Justine Glazebrook, who have support from a team which includes 29 transport drivers as well as others who come in and clean out each day.

It is so popular it is looking to expand although the group needs support.

Antony said: “The running costs can very hugely each week and at the moment we have 40 baby seagulls which need feeding.

Anthony Baker at Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue.Anthony Baker at Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue.
Anthony Baker at Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue.

"The biggest cost, though, is the vets bills for everything from general care to X-rays.”

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The bill for one recent week was £1,000 but Antony said the group does its work through a ‘passion for wildlife. Our motto is rescue, rehab and release.”

The group currently provides a home for kestrels, jackdaws, magpies and 100 pigeons. Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue is based at the homes of the two seniors as well as an allotment site.

It had previously been a part of other wildlife groups until Justine and Antony decided to branch out at the start of this year.

Justine Glazebrook feeding seagulls at Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue.Justine Glazebrook feeding seagulls at Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue.
Justine Glazebrook feeding seagulls at Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue.

Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue relies on funds from sources including football cards and bonus balls. It has its own Facebook page where people can find out more about its work .

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It is also looking to expand. "The next move,” said Antony, “is to acquire land so the group can keep up its work.”

Find out more about the group, including how to donate, go to its Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue Facebook page.

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Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue member Maria Rafferty is pictured cleaning a cage.Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue member Maria Rafferty is pictured cleaning a cage.
Hartlepool Wildlife Rescue member Maria Rafferty is pictured cleaning a cage.

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