Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital having its 'busiest ever year'
An animal sanctuary in Leicestershire says it is having its busiest year since opening more than four decades ago.Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital has been caring for creatures in need since 1984 and moved to its current site in Kibworth Beauchamp in 2010.Hospital bosses said they had admitted 650 animals since the start of this year - nearly a 50% increase on the number reached at the same point in 2024.They are appealing for more donations to help them deal with the demand.
Amy Blower, animal care leader at the hospital, said it had been "pretty crazy" this year with the warm weather in recent weeks causing problems for wildlife like baby birds and hedgehogs."Because we have not had much rain, some of the animals are struggling to get the insects out of the ground," she said.The hospital is run by about 80 volunteers but the volume of admissions is still putting pressure on their time.
Ms Blower said: "We need to make sure we have got the funds to care for these animals as we may get to a point where we limit the amount of animals we take in."We're getting a lot of baby birds coming in and hedgehogs that are very thin. One hedgehog was tangled in a football net in someone's garden."Our running costs are between £10,000 and £15,000 every month. Now we are admitting a lot more animals, the costs are only going to increase."They all need veterinary attention, the right food and we need electricity to keep the animals warm."Our running costs are between £10,000 and £15,000 every month. Now we are admitting a lot more animals, the costs are only going to increase."They all need veterinary attention, the right food and we need electricity to keep the animals warm."
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Shocking reality of kids mobile use revealed as teens bombarded with 100s of messages & spend 5 hours a day on phones
TEENS are bombarded with up to 360 phone messages a day – and could spend a total of 25 YEARS glued to their mobiles, a Sun on Sunday probe reveals. Concerned experts are warning that the shock usage poses a threat to kids' mental health. 4 We tracked four youngsters' phone use over seven days and the results surprised even their parents. One 16-year-old got almost 2,500 alerts — that is nearly 360 messages a day and one text every two-and-a-half minutes. Another was sent more than 1,600 messages, and one 15-year-old admitted she had messaged a friend back and forth for 967 consecutive days. Our shock findings come as a new report lays bare the amount of time kids spend on their devices — and experts fear youngsters' mental health is being hit by extreme usage. Labour MP Joani Reid, who is leading the call for a ban on smartphones in schools, said: 'Hundreds of messages a day isn't just about distractions in school — it's about safety. 'Every notification could expose our kids to serious dangers — grooming by predators, cyberbullying and graphic, harmful content. Apps like Snapchat and TikTok often shield these interactions from parents, leaving teenagers vulnerable and isolated. 'We need tougher regulations forcing tech companies to prioritise child safety over profit. Parents alone can't monitor every message or app — Government and schools must step up.' Addictive apps A new study has found that the average secondary school pupil is on their mobile for five-and-a-half hours each day. If they keep that up, they could spend up to 25 years of their lives staring at a phone screen. And 68 per cent of youngsters polled by Fluid Focus said their academic performance was affected by their smartphone use, with 40 per cent admitting to constantly checking their mobile while studying. Popular teenager Art McGrath, 16, from Leyton, East London, had the most smartphone traffic of all the youngsters we tracked — receiving a staggering 2,493 messages in seven days. His notifications comprised 2,320 Snapchat messages, 112 WhatsApp chats and 61 Instagram alerts. This averages out to 356 messages a day. Art said: 'Snapchat is the main messaging app. I've been on it since I was around 12. Everyone is on it. 'I have groups with different friendship groups. I don't give myself phone breaks. If I get a message, I can end up stuck in a loop.' Snapchat is the biggest player in the world of youngsters' messaging apps and is used by 74 per cent of teens in the UK, according to Ofcom. It has been accused of exposing youngsters to bullying and grooming, and slated for its addictive qualities. 'Zero tolerance' Snapchat insists it has a 'zero tolerance' approach to sexual exploitation and says it removes harmful content immediately. Its Streaks function, which tracks the consecutive days two users have messaged each other, has been criticised for being addictive. But bosses at the tech firm say it is just a 'fun thing'. Grace Dainty, 15, from Witney, Oxfordshire, maintains a Streak of 967 days with one pal. Over seven days, she received 1,620 messages, with the vast majority — 1,594 — on Snapchat. She said: 'All of my friends, bar one, are on Snapchat. I have a Streak with my best friend of 967. I don't want to let this go. When I get an alert, I look at my phone and respond straight away if it's good. 'If a close friend didn't reply straight away, I would be concerned.' Mum Caroline, a 46-year-old social worker, said: 'I was surprised at the number of messages. This has opened my eyes to how Snapchat works.' While Grace may feel as if constant messaging is key to her friendships, psychologist Dr Charlotte Armitage insists: 'As much as people feel like they're connected through phones, they're not — it's a pseudo-connection. 'We need a connection in real life to feel the benefits. Our relationships are crucial for health and life longevity, so we become more disconnected. 'It's snowballed in the last five years and it's getting worse with AI, because not only are people not talking to other people, in apps they are now talking to bots instead.' Dr Armitage, the author of Generation Zombie, also warned of the addictive nature of messaging apps. She said: 'The brain becomes used to frequent stimulation and struggles to focus without it, as it starts to search for the next hit of dopamine. 'This has consequences for a child's attentiveness, interpersonal skills such as listening in conversation, ability to engage in academia or any other activity that doesn't provide a dopamine release at regular intervals.' A study from King's College London found that one in four children has 'problematic smartphone usage', meaning they use their devices in a way that is consistent with addiction. Banned in lessons But none of the teens we polled considered their phone use to be unusual or over the top. They all went to bed with their devices and checked them as soon as they woke. Every one of them was allowed to take their handset to school, though the vast majority were banned from using devices in lessons. Some continued to text anyway, while others said teachers didn't enforce the rules. Lottie Taylor, 14, from Farsley, Leeds, received 1,243 messages over a week — 75 per cent of them via Snapchat. She said: 'I like Streaks and have 39 people I send to on a daily basis. 'I wake up and the first thing I'll do is get on my phone. The longest streak I've got is 574 with my best friend. I like to keep them up. It's a symbol of friendship. I check my Streaks last thing at night as well.' I wake up and the first thing I'll do is get on my phone. The longest streak I've got is 574 with my best friend. I like to keep them up. It's a symbol of friendship. I check my Streaks last thing at night as well Lottie Taylor Lottie's mum Lydia, 43, a primary school teacher, said: 'It's hard to get Lottie moving on a morning because she won't get out of bed until she's done her Streaks.' In Snapchat messages shared with The Sun on Sunday, Lottie and her friend discuss meeting up in the park. Lottie says: 'Ikk [I know] we need to hang out… Bruh I just washed my hair.' Her pal replies: 'Aw bless. Anyway meet you at mine then we'll out.' Meanwhile, Logan Hook, 15, from Pudsey, West Yorkshire, received 528 messages in a week on Snapchat and WhatsApp. He said: 'I'm in a couple of WhatsApp groups for football mates, and one with school mates. 'I don't think I get a crazy amount of messages, but I will chat to arrange stuff or talk football.' In messages on a football team WhatsApp group, sneakily sent during class time, one friend laments his poor performance on the pitch, saying: 'I was awful.' Another pal adds: 'I didn't play bad but didn't play good either', before Logan replies: 'What do you think ur doing texting in class'. ART McGRATH, 16 - Leyton, East London 4 Messages per week: 2,493 Average per day: 356 Platforms: Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram Parent: Dad Nick, 54, a writer, gets around 160 messages in a day, mostly on WhatsApp. LOGAN HOOK, 15 - Pudsey, West Yorks 4 Messages per week: 528 Average per day: 75 Platforms: Snapchat and WhatsApp Parent's use: Mum Kirsty, 44, a doctor's receptionist, gets around 55 messages a day, mainly on WhatsApp. LOTTIE TAYLOR, 14 - Farsley, Leeds Messages per week: 1,234 Average per day: 178 Parent's use: Mum Lydia, 43, has around 186 messages a day on WhatsApp, texts and Instagram. 'Getting more addictive' By Daisy Greenwell, Founder of the campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood THE amount of messages these kids receive is staggering. I was also struck by how long teens are maintaining their Snapchat Streaks for. These findings make me particularly angry because it's a design seemingly aimed at keeping kids on their phones for as long as possible. Children are being manipulated into staring at a rectangular screen when they could be out discovering the real world with real friends. The amount of time kids spend with friends has plummeted since 2010, when they started getting smartphones, while cases of teenage anxiety, depression and self-harm have skyrocketed. Seven in ten students believe phone use has harmed their academic performance. It's not surprising! Studies show it takes 20 minutes to refocus after your attention has been broken. If that's happening hundreds of times a day, that's a large portion of your day you're not focused on what you're doing or what's happening around you. Phones will not stop getting more addictive unless change happens. We are working with politicians to pressure the Government into stopping profit-driven companies from infiltrating our kids' minds.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Killer cop Wayne Couzens secretly whisked to NHS hospital for £17k back op sparking fury over ‘appalling waste of money'
KILLER cop Wayne Couzens was secretly whisked to an NHS hospital for a back op — costing taxpayers an estimated £17,000. The fiend, 52, who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, required intensive security during his several days away from HMP Frankland, Durham. 7 7 He underwent a lumbar procedure — also known as a spinal tap — which usually has an 18-week waiting time on the NHS. The cost of getting him in and out of HMP Frankland in Durham was estimated to be £10,000 alone - while the procedure can cost up to £7,000. The revelation was slammed as a waste of public money last night, amid concerns Couzens was allowed to jump the waiting list. Labour's North Durham MP Luke Akehurst said: 'I would be disgusted if it turns out that this vile rapist and murderer was able to jump the queue in front of decent law-abiding people to get his treatment. He should not be given any special treatment in jail. He's in prison as punishment for his terrible crimes - nobody should forget that Robert Jenrick on Couzens 'The cost of the security surrounding his time in hospital is an appalling waste of public money.' Tory shadow Justice Minister Robert Jenrick added: 'Wayne Couzens is one of the most despicable criminals in our jails and a traitor to the police uniform he wore. 'He should not be given any special treatment in jail. He's in prison as punishment for his terrible crimes — nobody should forget that.' Couzens, who abused police powers to abduct Sarah, 33, in a fake Covid arrest before killing her in 2021, had the procedure this month. The nearest unit offering his op is the University Hospital of North Durham. A typical lumbar procedure sees medics sterilise the patient's back before delivering a local anaesthetic. They then drain fluid with a syringe. Couzens is believed to have spent several days in hospital before being driven the three miles back to the Category A prison's healthcare unit. A source told how the operation was not an emergency and was carried out 'to make him comfortable'. They said: 'People are angry at how he was treated — and how much effort the authorities went to, as well as how much it cost. 'Couzens is constantly moaning in jail and had been complaining about back pain so was assessed in healthcare at the prison. 'The security operation to get him to and from the hospital would have easily run to more than £10,000. 'He was taken straight from his cell into a Category A van, which is bullet-proof with a custody manager and at least four prison officers. 'While he was at the hospital, armed police would have been on guard. Couzens was classed as a 'high-risk escort' — not because he poses a danger but because of the danger to him from the public. 'He is recognisable and reviled so they do not take chances. 'He would have been treated on a ward — but in his own room — to keep him away from people. The prison and NHS have a duty of care to him, like they do with everyone. 'But this was apparently not even an emergency procedure and was basically done to relieve pressure on him and make him comfortable.' Ex-prison governor Vanessa Frake, who ran London's notorious Wormwood Scrubs, said: 'Getting prisoners to operations like this is all down to risk. It would have taken a while to plan with the police and the hospital, assessing not only his safety, but the safety of prison staff, healthcare staff, other patients and the public. 'It's not an unusual thing for prisoners to go out to hospital. This is more unusual because he is who he is, and that makes it much more difficult not only for the prison staff but the hospital staff as well. 'I understand people's concerns about it. But more than that, I think about Sarah Everard's family and how they must be feeling.' Sources said Couzens was 'reluctant' to move from the jail's hospital as he fears being attacked. 7 We told in March 2022 how the former Met firearms officer had been allowed to buy an Xbox 360 as a reward for good behaviour. But he then moaned after being barred from playing violent games like Call of Duty and Gears of War. Couzens — handed a whole-life tariff because of his heinous crimes — is housed with other fiends including double child murderer Ian Huntley and morgue monster David Fuller. He has previously been on suicide watch and is regularly placed on ACCT — Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork — programmes which involve close monitoring of vulnerable lags. Former Met detective Peter Bleksley said: 'Couzens should be at the very bottom of the pecking order when it comes to NHS treatment. 'It sticks in the craw when any killer like him is effectively whisked to the front of the queue. If anybody has had their procedures cancelled or even delayed so he can be treated, it is a scandal and an insult to the memory of Sarah.' The Prison Service would not comment on healthcare issues. 7 7 CHANCES TO STOP KILLER By Sarah Ridley KILLER cop Wayne Couzens committed a catalogue of sex offences before murdering Sarah Everard in one of the most shocking crimes of the century. He should have been arrested as far back as 2015 — six years before killing Sarah in March 2021 — but Kent Police failed to investigate an indecent exposure incident, a watchdog ruled. It meant Couzens was able to join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and then the Met in 2018. The rapist was then linked to two indecent exposures in November 2020 and February 2021, which police allegedly failed to investigate. He pleaded guilty to these charges in 2023. On the first occasion, he appeared naked in a rural lane in Deal, Kent, and exposed his genitals while on duty as a woman cycled past. The victim reported the incident to Kent Police. Couzens also exposed himself to staff at a McDonald's in Swanley, Kent, on February 14 and 27, 2021. He paid by card and was driving his own car, but it was not properly investigated. Just four days later, Couzens abducted Sarah before raping and strangling her. He was jailed for life at the Old Bailey in September 2021. In February last year, the Angiolini Inquiry ruled there were multiple missed chances to stop Couzens due to his history of offending.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
From a cat losing its meow to a dog with hayfever – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 4 Q) MY cat Pickles has lost her meow. She is happy and eating, but she has gone hoarse. She's 16 years old and otherwise seems fit. Does she need a check-up? BOB CASTLE, Doncaster A) This isn't necessarily cause for alarm as it can happen for no obvious reason in many older cats. However, there are a few health issues that need to be ruled out. I wonder if Pickles has any other symptoms such as increased hunger or thirst, or any sudden or severe weight loss? Some hormonal disorders can lead to these symptoms, as well as affecting a cat's voice. Is she still eating well, or perhaps eating from one side of her mouth, avoiding hard foods in favour of wet food, gravies or jellies? You may guess I'm looking at dental disease or pain as potential causes, which would not surprise me at her age. In any case, I think the best course of action is to get her a vet check. If they find nothing wrong, great news. If they find something, you can discuss if it's best treated now, managed lightly or just monitored. Q) CAN dogs get hayfever? And if so, what might ease it? F1 stars' pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc's yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton's dog Roscoe with own car Luna, our labrador, gets a runny nose and sneezes. She's three and otherwise in good health. She also gets hotspots on her coat in summer. Please advise. EM BLAKELY, Barnstaple, Devon A) They do get hayfever, but usually not with the same symptoms as us humans. In dogs, we use the term atopy or atopic dermatitis to describe 'hayfever', or allergies to pollen, as well as many other environmental allergens. This is because it usually manifests with itchy skin, leading to scratching, inflammation, hotspots, skin and ear infections. A small number of dogs will also get a runny nose or eye irritation and discharge but not many. So Luna is either quite unusual or it could be a coincidence. It's worth a vet visit to find out and to keep her more comfortable. Q) OUR rabbit Lopsy is all alone now his brother Teddy has died. I'm planning to get a companion, but how should they be introduced? JULIE COLEMAN, Brighton A) There's definitely some science to it but often it's more of a dark art. A good rescue charity or organisation will usually help you find a new bunny pal, giving great advice on the bonding process. It takes time and gradual introductions. But, generally, there is always a match out there for every bun. I'm sure Lopsy would love a girlfriend, which might be easier than trying to introduce him to a boy he has not grown up with. I definitely encourage you to explore these options as rabbits really do need the company of their own kind. But also make sure both are spayed/neutered, or you may end up with more rabbits than you expected. Q) I AM thinking of fostering an elderly dog to get me out walking more now I'm retired. I'd like it to be an older pet. Do I need to make considerations like raised food bowls and rugs for an OAP pooch as I have wood floors? KELLY BLACK, Orpington, Kent A) Yes Kelly, those are certainly things to consider for older dogs with reduced mobility, perhaps. Slippery floors can be very difficult to navigate and can exacerbate pain and discomfort. If the dog has neck issues, raised bowls can be of benefit. The rescue you foster from should be able to advise on good adjustments to help your companion settle and live out their days with you. Well done for considering an older dog, as many struggle to find homes. Star of the week 4 THE HUNGARIAN Mudi dog will become an official breed in the UK next week. The breed, which has existed for 300 years, will be the 225th to be recognised by The Kennel Club. Janos, a nine-year-old Mudi, came to the UK from Hungary in 2016 and takes part in obedience competitions. Owner Dorit Powell, 54, from Ipswich, said: 'He has been our loyal companion on many adventures since he joined us as a puppy. 'Janos is always happy and puts a smile on our faces.' Kennel Club spokesperson Charlotte McNamara said: 'We're pleased to officially recognise this versatile Hungarian herding dog as a pedigree breed in the UK.' WIN: Chew Mees toys worth £39.96 DO you want a chance to try the brand new Chew Mees toys by Original Squishmallows? The four loveable character duo sets crinkle and squeak. We have six bundles to give away, each worth £39.96. For a chance to win, send an email headed Squishmallows to sundaypets@ by July 13. T&Cs apply. Search Squishmallows Pets on Amazon UK. TOP TEN POOCH-FRIENDLY STAYCATIONS 4 NEARLY a third of stay- cationers want to bring a dog, reports a holiday rentals firm. 'Pet-friendly' is the most frequently searched term on It also named the Cornish village of Crantock as the UK's No1 pet-friendly destination. A spokesman for Sykes Cottages said: 'Known for its dog-friendly beach and eateries that welcome four-legged friends, Crantock had the highest proportion of bookings with dogs. 'The village also boasts several pubs and cafes which welcomes dogs and offer them free treats.' Wales scored highly, too. New Quay in Ceredigion, with its coastal paths and dog-friendly pubs and cafes, placed second. Next was Rhosneigr in Anglesey where treats include beaches, the Oyster Catcher restaurant and Beaumaris Castle. The study's Top 10 staycations for dogs: Crantock, Cornwall; New Quay, Ceredigion; Rhosneigr, Isle of Anglesey; Carnforth, Lancs; Newborough, Isle of Anglesey; Beadnell, Northumberland; Filey, North Yorks; Cardigan, Ceredigion; Nefyn, Gwynedd; Amble, Northumberland.
