Tributes have been paid to a much-loved RSPCA inspector who dedicated a large part of his life to rescuing animals and saving their lives.
Martyn Fletcher, 60, of Cockermouth, died unexpectedly last month. He had worked for the animal charity for 24 years.
Martyn, a former police officer in West Yorkshire and accountant, was well known in his community. He would often have local people – as well as the police and local vets – reaching out to him for help in dealing with animal welfare issues at all times of the day and night and he was always happy to assist.
Throughout his career with the RSPCA he helped save hundreds of animals and also helped many people who needed advice in caring for their pets.
He also brought to justice those who had committed serious animal cruelty offences and was trained in specialist rescues as part of the charity’s rope and water rescue teams.
Rob Melloy, the RSPCA’s Chief Inspector for Cumbria, said: “Martyn was really respected in the community for his work and passion for animal welfare.
“Lots of people would call on his expertise and I know local vets and the police would be in touch with him at all times and he would always have his phone turned on and offer to help when needed.
“It was the same with work colleagues – even if he was on a day off – he would say they could call him if needed and he would always make himself available for them – and the animals.
“He was a real outdoors man and loved being in nature and was a climber which made him a natural rescuer.
“During his career he spent time as an RSPCA water rescue technician involved in several rescues of people and animals during large scale flooding incidents. He also spent time on our rope rescue team and the casualty animal specialist team.
“He was also a true gentleman, always willing to go the extra mile to help people as well as animals.
“Once the water rescue team revisited a street in Morpeth in Northumberland in 2008 where they had rescued people and animals the day before. The devastation was obvious to all. When arriving at one house they had visited, they found Martyn with a broom in hand, helping the elderly homeowner clean up the mess.”
Martyn, who was also a keen photographer, won a number of commendations for his rescue work including saving a stag which had become entangled in a tree on a river – as well as the rescue of a sheep from a clifftop in Shap, Cumbria.
Rob added: “Martyn was proud to be an RSPCA inspector. He was – among many things – passionate about animal welfare, a diligent case officer with a particular interest in wildlife crime, and the go-to officer for help in the Cumbria area. He was a fiercely loyal colleague and will be missed by all those who knew him.”
Ally Chester, trustee at the RSPCA Cumbria West Branch, said: “We all really loved Martyn he was such a kind, calm and compassionate man. We are all still in shock and the news has hit us hard.
“I have known him for 10 years while working at the branch and during that time he has helped save countless animal lives – he was so passionate about animal welfare he has left a huge gap in our lives.”
In January 2023 an eight-month-old kitten’s curiosity landed him in trouble after he spent three days stranded on the roof of a derelict house in Barrow.
Kenai was spotted wandering along the rooftops and meowing for help after he climbed into the empty terraced property in Penrith Place via a broken board on a downstairs window.
He then made his way into the attic through an open hatch, before climbing onto the roof through a hole where slates had broken or fallen off.
The weather in the area was wet and windy at the time, which had made the roof slippery, and Kenai could be seen losing his grip as he moved perilously around.
His owner contacted the RSPCA after it became clear that her efforts to coax him down with food and treats were not working.
Martyn attended and although it was clear that the frightened feline was keen to come down from the roof, the officer was unable to reach him and called Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. Working together they managed to rescue the kitten and return the pet to her grateful owner.
In January 2022, Martyn was called to concerns about a severely underweight German Shepherd dog found in a yard in the Lake District with her ribs, spine and pelvic bones clearly visible.
He rushed the dog to a vets where an examination concluded she was emaciated and weighed only 15kg (33lb) when her expected weight would have been 27kgs (59lb).
Martyn took the dog into the care of the RSPCA Cumbria West Branch and she was returned to health and later adopted into a loving home.
In June 2021, Martyn was called to a more unusual job after a deadly King Cobra snake was reported to be on the loose at a garden in Workington.
A woman had spotted the snake in a neighbouring garden in Westfield Avenue and called her son. He then saw the snake sitting on a garden chair and phoned Cumbria police for advice.
The police called the RSPCA for assistance and Martyn was in the area so quickly arrived at the scene and was able to rescue the reptile, something all inspectors are trained to do.
He said: “As the woman thought the snake had moved, the police took it seriously and called us. It’s really important in these situations to confine the animal as safely as possible, particularly if it’s suspected that the snake may be venomous.
“However, it didn’t take me too long to realise that this King Cobra was the plastic kind – thankfully too as they are deadly venomous snakes. Obviously we are trained to be able to identify snakes but it is not so obvious to members of the public – so I understand they may have been spooked by the sighting.
“It appears that the toy had come from children in a neighbouring garden – so the snake has now been returned to its home!
“I knew King Cobra snakes were deadly snakes but afterwards I found out their venom is strong enough to kill 20 men – maybe it was a good job I didn’t know that fact before I went!”
Martyn’s funeral took place on Thursday at Distington Hall Crematorium and his fellow officers were pallbearers.
His family requested no flowers at the service and instead donations were made to the RSPCA’s Cumbria West Branch.
