HAVE you got a dog that's feeling a bit rough, a sick parrot or a sheep with a woolly head?

Then an animal expert may be able to help you decide whether to take it to a vet or not.

Stuart Easby, 55, has set up a national advice phone line to help owners choose what to do if their pets or animals falls ill or has an accident.

The retired vet, who practised for more than 20 years in Stamford Bridge, described the innovative business as an "NHS Direct" for animals.

He said: "It can give people the assurance that they are not disturbing their busy vet unnecessarily, nor putting their animal at risk by leaving a potentially dangerous situation to develop to a critical and perhaps life-threatening stage.

"This could save them the cost of a call-out or consultation if the condition is non-critical.

"Primarily what I'm providing for people is peace of mind and personal advice. The number is 0906 11 11 999 and it will be answered 24 hours a day."

Already, Mr Easby has received up to 19 calls in one day.

They have included someone asking for help after their tortoise fell in a pond, a hen with 'scaly' legs, all kinds of injured wild animals, a goat with diarrhoea and a handful of dogs with heat exhaustion.

The line, named 1 Call Advice Direct Vet, costs £1.50 per minute to use. Because it is a premium rate number it should only be used by people aged 18 and over. Mr Easby founded the successful Battle Flatts Veterinary Practice in Stamford Bridge 23 years ago. It has since expanded to Strensall and Pocklington. The firm was brought into the national spotlight when it featured on TV's Vets In Practice, which stars Norwegian vet Trude Mostue.

Dr Freda Scott-Park, president elect of the British Veterinary Association, said animal owners must always do what is best for the animal's welfare. She said: "We're finding the profession is changing. Every time we look around the corner a new service has sprung up.

"It's true that some people feel more comfortable speaking to a third party. The whole point is that the animal is assessed properly and given the treatment that it needs."

Mr Easby said if the business proved successful he would move from home to a dedicated office.

Updated: 09:50 Monday, June 27, 2005