East Sussex WRAS is appealing for public support to replace vital X-ray equipment used to treat injured wildlife, identify victims of catapult attacks, and guide life-saving veterinary care.

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service has launched its Future in Focus X-ray Appeal after its X-ray equipment failed, leaving the charity facing a major challenge in diagnosing and treating sick, injured and trapped wildlife.

The charity, based at Whitesmith near Hailsham, admits thousands of wildlife casualties every year, many of which require urgent veterinary assessment. X-ray facilities are vital for identifying fractures, internal injuries, lodged projectiles, trap damage and other hidden problems which cannot be assessed from the outside.

WRAS is now asking supporters, local businesses and animal lovers to help fund replacement X-ray equipment so its veterinary team can continue providing rapid, on-site care.

“Wild animals cannot tell us where it hurts. X-rays allow our vets to see what is happening beneath the surface and make the right decisions quickly. Without them, we are working in the dark.

“This equipment is not a luxury. It is essential for animal welfare, pain relief, treatment planning and, in some cases, identifying whether an animal has been the victim of deliberate cruelty.”

Trevor Weeks MBE Founding Director of East Sussex WRAS.

The appeal comes at a time when WRAS is increasingly dealing with complex and distressing cases.

X-ray equipment has played an important role in WRAS’s work connected to Operation Lakeshot, a national initiative highlighting wildlife being targeted with catapults. X-rays can help identify projectiles and injuries in birds and other animals suspected of being victims of catapult attacks, providing vital information for both treatment and reporting.

Recent patients have included a tiny nestling Blue Tit, which needed an X-ray so WRAS vet Amelia Cotter could assess its wing and apply a delicate splint. The bird was X-rayed before and after the splint was fitted to ensure it was positioned correctly — with a suitably blue bandage used for the tiny patient.

Another recent case involved a fox whose foot became caught in a mole trap. X-rays helped assess the extent of the injury, and the fox has since needed the tip of one toe amputated. The animal is now healing well under WRAS’s care.

Trevor added:

“People often see our ambulances out responding to rescues, but what happens afterwards is just as important. Our veterinary and care teams work incredibly hard behind the scenes to give every casualty the best chance of recovery and release.

“Whether it is a fox injured in a trap, a bird suspected of being shot by a catapult, or a tiny nestling with a damaged wing, X-rays help us make faster, better and kinder decisions.”

The charity is encouraging people to donate to the Future in Focus X-ray Appeal via JustGiving:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/futureinfocus

Supporters can also help WRAS by entering its Summer Raffle:

https://go.rallyup.com/mayraffle/Campaign/Details

Every donation, raffle ticket and share of the appeal will help WRAS continue providing emergency rescue and veterinary care for wildlife across East Sussex and surrounding areas.

How you can help?

We are asking our supporters to help us raise the funds needed through our Future in Focus X-ray Appeal. Further information is available on our website at www.wildlifeambulance.org.

Notes to editors
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service, also known as East Sussex WRAS, is a registered charity providing rescue, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and release for sick, injured, trapped and orphaned wildlife.

The charity now deals with up to 7000 casualties annually.

The charity operates from its Casualty Centre at Whitesmith, near Hailsham, and responds to wildlife emergencies across East Sussex.

Registered Charity: 1108880
Website: www.wildlifeambulance.org
Appeal: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/futureinfocus

Operation Lakeshot is a national initiative led by the League Against Cruel Sports, working with police forces and wildlife organisations like East Sussex WRAS to help tackle the growing problem of catapult attacks and deliberate harm to wildlife.

East Sussex WRAS has joined calls for people to remain vigilant and report incidents to Sussex Police, as well as sharing information with Operation Lakeshot through the League Against Cruel Sports.

The charity is particularly concerned that the Hailsham area and Cuckoo Trail could see incidents escalate unless the community helps by reporting suspicious activity quickly.

Trevor Weeks MBE, Founding Director of East Sussex WRAS, said:

“Catapult attacks on wildlife are cruel, deliberate and completely unacceptable. We have seen the devastating injuries these incidents can cause, and sadly many animals suffer terribly as a result.

“The Cuckoo Trail and the Hailsham area are places used and enjoyed by families, walkers, cyclists and wildlife lovers. We do not want to see this behaviour become normalised or escalate further.

“We are asking the public to be our eyes and ears. If you witness someone using a catapult against wildlife, find an injured animal you suspect has been attacked, or see suspicious behaviour, please report it to Sussex Police. Information can also be passed to Operation Lakeshot via the League Against Cruel Sports.

“Even small pieces of information may help build a bigger picture and allow action to be taken before more animals are harmed.”

East Sussex WRAS is also encouraging local residents, businesses, schools, community groups and users of the Cuckoo Trail to download and display an Operation Lakeshot poster from the charity’s website – (See below).

The poster helps raise awareness of the issue and explains how people can report concerns.

Members of the public should never confront anyone suspected of attacking wildlife. Instead, they should keep themselves safe, make a note of details such as location, time, descriptions, photographs or videos where safe to do so, and report the incident.

If an injured wild animal is found, East Sussex WRAS advises people not to attempt to treat or feed the casualty, but to keep it safe and contained where appropriate and call the charity’s rescue line for advice.

How to report concerns:

Report wildlife crime or suspicious activity to Sussex Police via 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk.

Information about catapult attacks can also be passed to Operation Lakeshot through the League Against Cruel Sports.

You can download a poster by clicking HERE.

For advice about injured wildlife, contact East Sussex WRAS on:
0300 102 6999

WRAS rescuers were called out to two fox cub emergencies in Brighton in the early hours of this morning.

At around 4am, our out-of-hours rescuers attended Islingword Place, where a young fox cub was found dragging itself along the road. Sadly, when examined, the cub had no reflexes in its rear legs or tail and was suspected to be paralysed. It was taken to an emergency vets at New Priory Veterinary Hospital, where the difficult decision had to be made to end its suffering.

Just an hour later, at around 5am, rescuers attended the Coombe Road area after reports of another fox cub dragging itself along using only its front legs. Despite being injured, this cub was very lively and managed to evade rescuers, disappearing through neighbouring gardens where our team could not safely follow.

We are asking residents in the Coombe Road and Kimberley Road area of Brighton, especially where the gardens back onto each other, to please keep an eye out for this cub.

Please do not attempt to catch the cub yourself, as this could cause further stress or injury and may make it harder for us to locate. Instead, please keep the cub in sight from a safe distance and call our emergency line on:

0300 102 6999

If you reach the answerphone, it means our team is already dealing with other emergency calls. Please leave a clear message with your name, number, exact location and when you last saw the cub, and we will return your call as soon as possible.

At this time of year, young wildlife are starting to explore the world but may not yet understand the dangers of roads and traffic. Please drive carefully, especially at night and in the early hours, and keep an eye out for young foxes, fledglings and other wildlife near roads.

Thank you to everyone helping us look out for this injured cub.

If you can support WRAS to keep out service on the road 24 hours a day and help prevent the suffering of our local wildlife please make a donation today. Please click here.

Our team is working hard to care for and rear these vulnerable youngsters, giving them the best possible chance of returning to the wild. However, we’ve now reached a critical stage — we urgently need safe and suitable release sites where these cubs can be returned once they’re ready.

Could you help by offering a safe space?
We’re looking for quiet property, land, or fields where cubs can be released and gradually adapt back to the wild.

Ideal locations:

• Away from busy or major roads
• Within around 1 hour of BN8 6JD
• No known current fox cub litters nearby
• Away from areas with active hunts

Even a small, peaceful space can make a life-changing difference. By offering a release site, you’re giving these cubs the opportunity to live wild and free — exactly as they should be.

If you can help, please email katie@eastsussexwras.org.uk or complete the form below

Please share — your support could help us find the perfect safe place for them to call home.

The couple saw a white object in the water, which transpired to be a gull unable to move from its location. WRAS dispatched one of their ambulance crews, which included rescue coordinators and one of our veterinary team.

As one of the first on the scene, WRAS rescuer Greg said: “At first, in the darkness, we feared the bird may already have passed away. But then it suddenly moved. It was clearly weak and struggling, and we knew it couldn’t be left until morning.”

Due to the complexity of the rescue, the WRAS team called in for additional support, with the second team attending being trained in water-rescues. With the help of their dry-suits, buoyancy aids and a safety line, the team were able to wade, and swim, out to the location of the gull, to find that they were heavily entwined in fishing wire, further entangled in low hanging branches.

The team managed to cut the gull free and recover them back to the pond edge, where the vet was able to assess the gull. Thankfully, despite being hypothermic and weak, they were in a relatively good condition and taken back to the casualty centre for treatment.

A calm night of medication and a warming pad later, and the gull was showing signs of improvement – standing independently and eating well. The individual still remains in WRAS’s care, however the team are optimistic for a release in the near future.

WRAS are seeing an increase in the number of casualties coming in from water rescues, victims of being entrapped in fishing line and tackle. They are reminding the public to please dispose of any fishing materials responsibly. Irresponsible discard can result in serious injury to a wide range of water foul, potentially leading to exhaustion and drowning.

If you find a trapped or injured animal in East Sussex or want to find out more, please visit our website at: www.wildlifeambulance.org/

On Thursday, WRAS rescuers were called to Heathfield after a badger was found curled up asleep in a narrow gap between two fences, exposed to the elements and unable to move on easily. Rescuers have also been to Hastings and Seaford for similar reports of badgers sleeping behind fence panels and a badger curled up in a log store at Newick – to name a few.

WRAS explains that at this time of year, some badgers can become temporarily displaced. This may happen when badgers are pushed away from their sett or social group by a dominant female while young are being raised. Displaced badgers may wander into neighbouring territories where they can be attacked and seriously injured, or they may bed down during daylight wherever they can find shelter — sometimes in gardens or other awkward places — before moving on again at dusk.

Badgers may also hide up after being frightened or chased by dogs, or following a glancing blow or near-miss with a vehicle. In some cases, these badgers can be injured and in need of urgent help.

Because of these risks, WRAS will often attend reports of badgers sleeping out in the open to check their condition. In this Heathfield incident, rescuers found the badger had fresh injuries  including to both ears — the kind of wounds that can occur during territorial disputes, but also sometimes through rough play.

The badger was carefully rescued and taken to WRAS’s Casualty Centre at Whitesmith, where on-site vets anaesthetised the animal and treated the wounds. The badger is recovering well and is expected to be released back to the wild later this week after a short stay.

WRAS is urging the public not to attempt to handle a badger found curled up in a garden or out in the open.

“Badgers are incredibly strong animals,” said Trevor Weeks MBE Founder Director at WRAS. “Even a frightened or injured badger can cause serious injury if someone tries to pick it up, and the badger itself may be further harmed in the process.”

Public advice:

• Do not approach or attempt to handle a badger found asleep or hiding.
• Keep dogs indoors or on a lead in the short term to prevent injury to the badger or your pet.
• If you believe a badger is sick or injured, contact your local wildlife rescue for advice, or the Badger Trust for support.

A cage trap had been in place for a week without success. Residents were understandably relieved when they suddenly discovered the fox inside their basement and were able to quickly shut the door, safely containing him.

In near darkness, WRAS rescuers had to carefully move stored items to gain access. The fox had wedged himself into the furthest, smallest gap he could find. Working from above and behind, the team were able to gently secure him using a dog grasper and lift the very thin, exhausted animal into a waiting cage.

Back at their Casualty Centre, the fox — later named “Dobby” (after the much-loved character from the Harry Potter films) — was triaged, given initial medication, and settled for the night. He was underweight, dehydrated, and suffering from extensive mange, with bald, crusted skin.

The following morning, the care team sedated Dobby for a full examination. During checks, damage to his tail was identified, and x-rays under general anaesthetic confirmed the need for surgery. WRAS’s specialist vets recommended amputation of the lower section of his tail.

When amputating a fox’s tail, it’s essential to ensure enough remains to protect the genital area and help with balance — something our experienced veterinary team carefully considered.

After just over a week of supportive care, mange treatment, and nutritional build-up, Dobby was strong enough for surgery. The procedure took less than 20 minutes, with continuous monitoring throughout. His tail was bandaged and he was closely observed during recovery before returning to his indoor pen.

He is now adjusting well to life without the damaged section of tail. His mange treatment is progressing positively, and he continues to gain strength.

The team will keep monitoring him closely, and once fully recovered, Dobby will be returned to his home range and released back into the wild — where he belongs.

WRAS would like to extend their thanks to the residents who acted quickly and called for help, and to our supporters who make this level of specialist wildlife veterinary care possible.

The first session of 2026 saw the team from Pet Doctors Seaford spend a hands-on morning at the WRAS Casualty Centre, working alongside WRAS Lead Veterinary Surgeon Jasmin to gain specialist training in wildlife assessment and treatment.

Each year, thousands of injured wild animals are presented to veterinary practices across East Sussex before being transferred to WRAS for ongoing care. By offering practical CPD sessions, WRAS aims to give vets and nurses greater confidence in handling, examining and stabilising wildlife cases at first presentation.

The session covered safe wildlife handling, clinical examination of birds and mammals, interpreting radiographs including avian wing fractures, and understanding species-specific diseases and welfare considerations. Species discussed included foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and native birds.

Student Veterinary Nurse Emma Lee from Pet Doctors Seaford said:

“Thank you so much for allowing Sadie-Mae and I to visit. We both had a really great time — it was very insightful and we learnt a lot.”

WRAS Operations Director Harriet Leppard said:

“Wildlife casualties arrive at veterinary practices across the county every day. By sharing our specialist experience, we can support local vets to feel confident when these cases present. Ultimately, this collaboration improves outcomes for wildlife throughout East Sussex.”

WRAS handles almost 7,000 wildlife casualties each year, making it one of the busiest wildlife rescue organisations in the South East. The charity works closely with veterinary practices to ensure injured animals receive prompt treatment and appropriate rehabilitation.

For further information, contact: admin@eastsussexwras.org.uk www.wildlifeambulance.org

The campaign raised over £6,000, enabling WRAS to purchase a second anaesthetic machine for its veterinary centre — an investment that will directly improve clinical standards, increase treatment capacity, and enhance animal welfare outcomes.

As WRAS enters its 31st year of operation, the charity continues to experience sustained growth in demand, now caring for thousands of casualties each year. With this increasing workload comes a clear responsibility to ensure facilities and equipment continue to evolve in line with modern veterinary standards and best practice.

Founder Trevor Weeks MBE reflected on how far wildlife care has progressed:

“When I first started rescuing wildlife in the late 1980s, care was very basic. Professional treatment for wildlife was difficult to access, facilities were limited, and our understanding of rehabilitation was nowhere near what it is today. Many animals undoubtedly experienced stressful or traumatic recoveries, and some may not have survived post-release due to the lack of appropriate facilities and specialist veterinary support.

Forty years on, the situation is completely different. Advances in veterinary science, welfare knowledge and ethical standards mean wildlife casualties today receive professional, carefully managed treatment with far greater consideration of both their physical and psychological wellbeing. This new equipment is part of that ongoing commitment to doing things properly.”

Anaesthesia is central to modern ethical wildlife rehabilitation. Whether enabling life-saving surgery, facilitating fracture repair, treating wounds, or reducing stress during diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, safe and carefully monitored anaesthesia is essential. Wildlife patients are often highly stressed and physiologically fragile; high-quality anaesthetic equipment significantly reduces risk and improves recovery outcomes.

The new machine, supplied by Burtons Veterinary Equipment, has now been installed at the WRAS veterinary centre and is ready for use ahead of the busy spring and summer season.

Jasmin, Lead Vet at WRAS, commented:

“Thanks to everyone’s donations, we can now provide smoother, safer anaesthetics and increase our ability to treat wildlife during peak season. This will have a direct impact on patient welfare and clinical success.”

Trevor Weeks MBE added:

“Our supporters should feel incredibly proud. This isn’t just new equipment — it represents how far wildlife care has progressed and our commitment to continually raising standards. We want wildlife in East Sussex to receive professional, ethical, evidence-based veterinary treatment comparable to the standards expected in domestic animal medicine.”

This investment demonstrates WRAS’s continued commitment to being a leading provider of ethical, evidence-based wildlife veterinary care in the South East. The charity remains entirely dependent on public donations to fund its rescue and treatment services.

WRAS extends its sincere thanks to every supporter who contributed to the Christmas Appeal. Their generosity is not only funding equipment — it is helping raise the standard of care for wildlife across the region.

To support WRAS or learn more, visit: www.wildlifeambulance.org