But some callers to a helpline evidently think so - and they are joined by others who have sought advice on what to do with a dead cat wearing a designer jumper, or have been concerned about landing a helicopter in their back garden.

The queries have been dealt with by staff from Warwickshire Direct, which handles enquiries about county, district and borough council services.

Some of the more bizarre questions they have received have been published this week before a number of activities are held next week to promote the service.

Customer service advisor Mel Rayall said: “I had one call from someone asking if it was ok for them to bury their dead horse in their back garden.

“Another was from a resident asking who could come and pick up 20 goldfish from their garden as they were getting rid of their pond.

“We have to take all the calls seriously because at the end of the day somebody is asking us for our advice.”

Mrs Rayall said even with more outlandish calls it was important to be able to point people in the right direction.

With the call about the horse she advised the resident to seek help from a number of equestrian organisations in the county and gave contact details of some pet shops to the goldfish owner.

Another request which tested Mrs Rayall’s initiative was from a caller seeking a map of “old Kenilworth pre-government boundary”.

She said: “It brightens up the day because you don’t realise you can get these sorts of calls.

“But most of the callers are deadly serious.

“Sometimes we take calls we are not sure about but we want the person to go away feeling that we are willing to help.”

National Customer Service Week takes place from Monday to Sunday.

To mark the annual event activities will take place across Warwick district to provide residents with help and advice.

Call Warwickshire Direct on 456238 or email info@thewdp.org.uk.