Animal charity seeks homes for rescued ducks

RSPCA Cornwall said it was working to find the ducks safe, suitable homes

An animal welfare charity is looking for homes for several ducks which were rescued from a neglectful home.

The RSPCA said two women from Cornwall had been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after being found guilty of neglecting more than 60 animals, including 18 goats, 28 chickens and 16 ducks.

Dave Rich, head of operations at RSPCA Cornwall, said: "The ducks were kept in small conditions in cramped spaces with limited access to food and water."

RSPCA Cornwall said it wanted to find safe, suitable homes where the ducks could live the life they deserved. It said the birds were bonded in small groups and pairs and would need to be rehomed in their chosen "quack pack".

Mr Rich said after more than a year in the care of staff at the RSPCA centre in St Columb, the ducks could now be rehomed.

He added: "What we've done is provide them with a small space and gradually build on that space to provide what they'd be more used to in a suitable environment."

He said it would have been damaging to the health of the ducks to rush their rehabilitation.

"It's worth it when you get this opportunity to put these animals into an environment where they're going to be able to be their best selves," said Mr Rich.

"They need a lot of space so we're looking for the environment which allows them to relax, to adventure and to really enjoy what remains of their life."

Dave Rich said the ducks needed space to adventure and enjoy their life

Leanne Bawden from the RSPCA's rehoming centre said the ducks had been kept there while the court case against the two women was in process.

"Technically the animals are evidence so they have to stay with us until a court case is over," she said.

But now the case had been completed, the ducks could start their new lives, she said.

"The good news is that six of them have been re-homed already," she said.