A MEMBER of staff from the RSPCA North Somerset Branch is tackling the Weston Half Marathon to raise funds to help care for injured and abandoned animals.

Andy will be taking on the gruelling run on May 14.

One of the animals who Andy and his colleagues care for is Bunny, the German Shepherd that was found abandoned outside the centre on Easter Sunday.

Andy said: “I decided to take up this challenge after Bunny arrived in our care to raise funds for the continuing animal welfare work we do within the North Somerset region. 

"This is a true challenge for me as I was the boy at school who used to skip any of the physical education sessions, so my friends will be really shocked at this. 

"I would be very grateful for any sponsorship opportunities and if you would like to sponsor me, please visit: Andrew Cook is fundraising for RSPCA North Somerset Branch (justgiving.com)."

Speaking at the time when Bunny was abandoned, Katy Darelli, animal centre manager at RSPCA Brent Knoll, said: “Very sadly Bunny was left tied to our gates on Easter Sunday just before 10am.

“She was left with an open fracture and dislocation."

Despite her difficulties, it seems that Bunny is recovering well. Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from the centre said: "Our beautiful Bunny had her surgery at the end of last week and returned to our Brent Knoll Animal Centre on Saturday where she has been convalescing ever since.

"Once sedated and x-rayed the planned surgery had to change as further investigation showed that she also had significant hip dysplasia which is common in German Shepherds.

"Hip dysplasia is a condition that occurs during the growth stage in dogs. It results in the loosening of the hip joint, which causes dysfunction and pain. As the dog grows, the cartilage and bone of the hip begin to wear down. Over time, this causes arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.

"The hip of her broken leg was more affected by this and so the decision was made to amputate the broken leg, as that hip wouldn't have been able to cope with the limited mobility of the leg once the repair was complete.

"Bunny is now receiving antibiotics and pain relief post op as well as supplements to support that remaining hip."