Wildlife rescue charity launches urgent X-ray appeal after vital equipment breaksdown

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