Heart-warming 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 throughout Cumbria.
Inspector Martyn Fletcher, aged 60, of Cockermouth, passed away unexpectedly after working 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, 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.”
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 cliff top near Shap.
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.”
Some heart-warming rescues involving Martyn include him helping a kitten stuck on a rooftop at Barrow.
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.
Martyn’s funeral took place last Thursday at Distington Hall Crematorium, Workington, and his fellow officers were pallbearers.
