Over 4,000 casualties dealt with by Sussex rescue this year

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) said it has had a  surge in the number of animal casualties with record-breaking numbers each month from February to June.

The charity, which relies entirely on donations, said it needs £34,000 extra funding to continue being able to help animals in need.

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Founder of WRAS Trevor Weeks has now dealt with over 72,300 casualties since he started wildlife rescue and conservation work in 1985.

A spokesman for WRAS said: "East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service plays a vital role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals throughout the county.

"The charity's ambulance and hospital are constantly busy, as are the dedicated staff and volunteers.

"The majority of casualties handled by WRAS result directly or indirectly from human activity.

"Wildlife is harmed by cats and dogs, shootings, poisoning, pollution, road incidents, disturbances, persecution, traps and various other factors.

"Our costs have increased across the board the last couple of years and the rising costs along with the cost of living crisis mean we may have to make cutbacks if we can't find £34,000 extra funding."

More information, including how to donate, can be found at https://wildlifeambulance.org/.

The charity in Whitesmith, near Lewes, was set up in 1996 to provide a front-line rescue service for wildlife.

It has enough facilities to handle up to 300 casualties at any one time and supports all kinds of animals including hedgehogs, deer, badgers, foxes and birds.

At its hospital site, the centre has a treatment room, an orphan rearing area, an education room, pens and aviaries. 

The charity also has ambulances that carry a variety of equipment to help wildlife in danger.

This includes ladders, nets, stretchers, first aid kits, dog graspers and swan hooks.

The charity is expecting this summer to be one of the busiest yet.