The RSPCA has revealed some of the more unusual requests for help in 2011 - including concern about radioactive gulls and advice on microchipping a guitar.
The animal welfare charity said it had one of its busiest years to date, dealing with well over a million phone calls and more than 14,000 online inquiries.
Whilst the majority of calls are genuine there are a few that left staff puzzled.
Some of the more unusual calls of 2011 include a caller ringing to complain that a neighbour's power shower caused their dog to go to the toilet.
Also, a concerned resident thought gulls were in their area were radioactive - it turned out that nearby garden lights were illuminating them and turning them green. And a lady phoned to complain that the blackbird in her garden didn't sing.
A spokesman said: "Although we may have a little laugh at these stories, the RSPCA does want to remind members of the public that the 24-hour advice and cruelty line is for reporting serious cases or emergencies concerning animal welfare.
"Many requests are for animals to be rescued or to report animals involved in accidents.
"The cruelty and advice line operates in a very similar way to the 999 emergency services number and non-urgent calls could prevent us from dealing with a serious incident.
"People with general enquiries about the RSPCA should call our non-emergency enquiries line on 0300 123 4555."