RSPCA reveals unusual requests

The RSPCA has revealed some of the more unusual requests for help in 2011 - including concern about radioactive gulls and advice on microchipping a guitar. The animal welfare charity said it had one of its busiest years to date, dealing with well over a million phone calls and more than 14,000 online inquiries.

Whilst the majority of calls are genuine there are a few that left staff puzzled. Some of the more unusual calls of 2011 include a caller ringing to complain that a neighbour's power shower caused their dog to go to the toilet.



Also, a concerned resident thought gulls were in their area were radioactive - it turned out that nearby garden lights were illuminating them and turning them green. And a lady phoned to complain that the blackbird in her garden didn't sing.

A spokesman said: "Although we may have a little laugh at these stories, the RSPCA does want to remind members of the public that the 24-hour advice and cruelty line is for reporting serious cases or emergencies concerning animal welfare. "The cruelty and advice line operates in a very similar way to the 999 emergency services number and non-urgent calls could prevent us from dealing with a serious incident.