Upset animal lover takes 'dead cat' to animal shelter before realising it's a hand puppet

Other mistaken reports of injured animals include a 'hedgehog' that turned out to be a pine cone, a 'bird' that was a blonde wig and a 'seal' that was a duvet

'Dead cat' and fluffy dog (Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Dismay soon turned into good cheer at a Guernsey animal shelter after a member of the public who brought in a ‘dead cat’ was told what it really was.

On closer inspection by the Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) they found the casualty was actually a rather bedraggled fluffy toy.

“On Monday evening when a member of public arrived with what was said to be a dead cat,” GSPCA's manager, Steve Byrne, wrote on its website.

“Your heart sinks as it is never an easy moment when we aren't able to help an animal. Sadly, we have to help around 300 cats killed on the roads each year."

"What was supposed to be a dead cat was very kindly brought wrapped and placed in a box but when I went to check the animal over not only did I find it wasn't a cat I also found it wasn't dead at all.

"The deceased cat was in fact a very wet and muddy dog – not any normal dog – but a hand puppet.

"Both the finder and I were extremely relieved and where an air of sadness had been at the GSPCA, it soon turned to laughter.

"There are many rescues and calls that the GSPCA are involved with every week and sometimes they aren't what we expect and this has certainly turned out to be one of the most unusual we have ever seen."

"The dog does have a missing nose, a green collar, made by the Puppet Co and is black and white in colour."

It is not the first case of mistaken identity the charity has dealt with. Geoff George, Animal Collection Officer, said: "Every day we are called out from the GSPCA to rescue all sorts and we help hundreds of animals every month.

"Not all of the animals are what we expect. Once, I was called out to rescue a hedgehog and it was in fact a pine cone. Earlier this year, I was called to Vazon for a turtle. I wasn't sure at first but it was genuine and Olivia is now doing very well.

"We are fund raising for her flight and awaiting paperwork from Spain to move her to a rescue in Gran Canaria."

Other calls included a report of a sick seal that was a duvet, a dead dog that was another duvet, and an injured bird that was a blonde wig.