Throughout the year, numerous remarkable animal rescues have taken place across the East of England, showcasing the dedication of charities, fire services, and volunteers. Highlights include Peanut, an emaciated lurcher found abandoned in January who was nursed back to health and rehomed; Buddy, a skunk who survived months on the run before being reunited with his owners; and Bilbo, a 900kg shire horse rescued from a ditch in Norfolk after a large-scale operation. Other notable rescues involved a fox cub stuck in tar, a cat trapped in a tree, a hawk attacking villagers, and a dog stuck down a well for 11 days.

These stories also feature extraordinary efforts such as Mirelle Radley’s international journey to bring home a stray dog from Peru, the capture of a Houdini-like escaped snake, and seabirds blown inland by strong winds being rehabilitated and released. The year ended with the rescue of a stray Shiba Inu and her five puppies found sheltering in a tree, now safe and cared for. These cases highlight the compassion and resourcefulness of those committed to animal welfare, often overcoming significant challenges to save and protect vulnerable creatures.