A WOMAN called up RSPCA to catch a poisonous salamander in her flat – but the unwelcome creature turned out to be a child’s cuddly toy.
Armed with gloves and a secure bag for capturing dangerous animals, trained exotic animal hunter inspector Paul Seddon arrived at the caller’s home in Bilston, West Mids., expecting to find a toxic amphibian on the balcony.
But when he opened the sliding door during the call out last Friday and approached the salamander, he discovered it was actually a toy.
It is thought the 12ins long green toy either got thrown onto the balcony by kids playing below or fell down from the apartment above.
Paul said: “I was quite intrigued having never come across this kind of amphibian before during my career.
“I went over to the balcony and when I looked through the window I could see the salamander – and could see it was a soft toy complete with label.”
Amused Seddon added: “The woman seemed shocked to find out it was only a toy but relieved at the same time and was very apologetic.
“She called us with good intentions and these things sometimes happen.”
It’s not the first time Paul has been called out to rescue animals which turned out to be completely different – on one occasion finding a supposed bat was in fact a moth.
I was quite intrigued having never come across this kind of amphibian before during my career… when I looked through the window I could see the salamander was a soft toy complete with label
RSPCA Inspector Paul Seddon
“I also got called to a trapped seagull in a hedge which turned out to be a carrier bag,” he added.
“Then on one occasion I was called out to a field to try and locate an injured Friesian cow but couldn’t find it.
“The following day the man who reported it said he had been for a second look and it was in fact an old white bath in a field and the black marks were where the enamel had fallen off.”
Assistant director of the RSPCA Inspectorate Dermot Murphy says: “When you’re working with animals, you expect the unexpected – but some of the calls we get are downright bizarre.
“And while it’s a bit of light relief in a generally tough and emotional job, there’s a serious message here too.
“The RSPCA is under increasing pressure and we’re facing more calls each year.
“We appreciate that most people mean well but we would urge callers to stop and think before asking us for help.”
Other barmy rescues include the RSCPA being called out to rescue a lizard in Coventry which turned out to be an old sock.
Rescuers were also called to help a horse which was tied to the back of a trailer by its legs but it was actually a fake plastic model.
In Alresford, Hants., inspectors scrambled to a family home after reports of a giant spider under the stairs which was a plastic toy.
And in Kidderminster, Worcs., inspectors were called out to help four sheep caught in brambles which turned out to be six white balloons.
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