Time for a review of RSPCA Animal Charity's Bullyboy Tactics ?

DOG OWNER CALLS RSPCA FOR HELP; THEY PROSECUTE HER!

2012-01-28T15:17:00.003Z

A PET owner who failed to take her dog to a vet despite the animal's weight dramatically plummeting has been fined £500.
BUT SHE CALLED THE RSPCA!
Mum Maxine Davenport, pictured, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her white whippet, Zero, after the dog developed intestine problems.

Maxine Davenport a victim of the RSPCA prosecution policy

North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court was told the dog, which has since been put to sleep, was just "days from death" when 37-year-old Ms Davenport called the RSPCA on August 1.
In an interview with RSPCA officers, Ms Davenport, of Arbourfield Drive, Bentilee, said she could not afford to take the animal to a vet.
Roger Price, prosecuting on behalf of the animal charity, said: "This was a very sick animal when it was presented to a vet on August 1.
"The dog was only a few days from death."
The court heard the animal suffered a congenital illness, which affected its digestive system.
Ms Price told the RSPCA the animal had been unwell since July 29.
WHAT A WHOLE 3 DAYS ????
"She has another whippet, Zeek, and that would have shown a comparison as that animal had normal muscle and fat compared to Zero.
"She told the RSPCA she was aware dogs from that same litter had intestine problems.
"A reasonable person would have paid particular attention to the animal because of this."
Mr Price told the court that Zero could have received free treatment from the Stoke-based PDSA hospital as Ms Davenport receives benefits.
But in her interview with RSPCA officers, Ms Davenport said she could not find a taxi firm willing to have a dog in one of its vehicles.
Mr Price added: "Within eight minutes' walk of her house there is Shires Veterinary Practice, but she didn't go.
PERHAPS BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T HAVE ANY MONEY, PERHAPS SHE SHOULD HAVE CALLED AN ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITY? OH YES SHE DID, AND THEY PROSECUTED HER!
"The inspector that went to see her noted she was smoking and told her if she smoked less she would save money and afford to go the vet."
Mr Corbett told the court Ms Davenport had tried to alter the dog's diet after noticing it was unwell.
It was also explained the animal's condition may well have been impossible to cure.
He added: "It was not a positive act of cruelty, it was an omission to act.
"She is entirely disgusted and mortified as to how the dog ended up."
Alongside the fine, Ms Davenport was handed an 18-month community order which includes 16 sessions at Chepstow House in Hanley, which aims to help women get their lives back on track,
She is also allowed to keep her whippet Zeek and rabbit and cat.
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Mum-fined-taking-dog-vets/story-15062601-detail/story.html

CHILDISH ARROGANCE OF RSPCA

2012-01-27T00:23:00.003Z

DONT YOU KNOW I AM AN INSPECTOR?

AN RSPCA inspector has said he will have to catch the bus to respond to emergency incidents in Southport after Sefton Council refused his appeal over a parking fine.
Iain Robertson was given the £70 penalty while attending a pigeon in distress in Chapel Street last month.

iain robertson, if I can't win, I'm not playing

Mr Robertson said: “I want people in Southport to know I will be delayed getting to jobs as I will have to park elsewhere and catch the bus to incidents. This may cause problems as I doubt the driver will let me on with injured animals, but I can’t afford to pay these fines.”
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2012/01/26/sefton-council-rejects-rspca-inspector-iain-robertson-s-appeal-over-parking-fine-101022-30199477/

26 POLICE OFFICERS & PCSO's HELP RSPCA RAID COMPETING CHARITY

2012-01-24T20:02:00.004Z

AND GUESS WHO PICKS UP THE BILL ? YES YOU!

A threat to the RSPCA? Not if they close them down!

THIS is the Oxfordshire house that was at the centre of a three-day RSPCA operation which saw 79 animals rescued.

The property between Longworth and Southmoor was the focus of the joint operation to remove dogs, horses, goats, cats, chickens and ducks which started on Friday.
Thames Valley Police said 26 police officers and Pcsos were deployed, alongside RSPCA officers who are now caring for the animals.

WHY YOU CAN NEVER GET HOLD OF A POLICEMAN

They did not force entry into the house, but provided support for Rspca officers leading the operation.
The animal charity refused to say where the animals are now being treated and would not confirm whether any had died since being removed from the rural property.
Chairman of the Southmoor and Kingston Bagpuize Parish Council Cllr Brian Forster said news of the operation had come as a surprise.
He said: “I’ve been on the council some eight to 10 years and never have I been appraised of any concerns about farms, animals or equestrian centres here.”
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/9488167.Nearly_80_animals_rescued_from_property/

http://opencharities.org/charities/1116105

https://www.cafonline.org/system/charity-profile.aspx?friendlyUrl=CRUNCHIES-RESCUE/CCRegNo1116105

RSPCA PROSECUTE OWNER AFTER DOGS 2 WEEK SKIN CONDITION

2012-01-18T08:31:00.001Z

RSPCA INVOLVED IN YET ANOTHER NEIGHBOUR DISPUTE

HOW LONG BEFORE THE RSPCA PROSECUTE?

A DOG was left with a serious serious skin infection after its owner failed to take it to the vets, a court heard.
Hayley Lancaster, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Pom, her seven-year-old tan Pomeranian dog, needed surgery after a neighbour found it covered in a skin disease caused by skin mites. The dog also had an infection.
Prosecutor Tony Stock said Lancaster caused the suffering by not taking the dog to the vet when it had a skin infection.
He added: “At 11.45am on August 28, RSPCA Insp Caroline Hall was asked to attend a destitute animal shelter in Bolton.

INSPECTOR CAROLINE HALL

The dog was handed in as a stray.
In fairness the defendant quickly came forward. The dog had been handed in by a neighbour.
“Vet Sean Taylor examined the dog during the afternoon. The dog was found to have chronic skin changes associated with long-term skin disease. It had extensive scabbiness and its skin was inflamed.”
Mr Stock said the infection was secondary to the mites, which were thought to have been on the dog for several weeks.
“The vet’s professional opinion was the dog had been caused to suffer unnecessarily by the owner’s failure to seek veterinary treatment for two weeks, possibly longer,” he added.
The court heard Lancaster, aged 23, claimed she was going to take Pom to the vets the day the animal was handed into the RSPCA after realising the treatment she was using for the condition was not working.
Lancaster was said to have researched the condition herself after treatment she had been given for the animal was not working.
Pom remains in the care of the RSPCA and is said to be making a good recovery
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/districtnews/districtatog/9474931.Dog_was_left_to_suffer_with_a_skin_infection__court_told/

IT'S OFFICIAL; RSPCA TO BE PRIMARILY A PROSECUTING CHARITY

2012-01-15T16:40:00.002Z

The RSPCA is to turn away unwanted and stray pets from its animal shelters to cut costs, it emerged yesterday.

The charity said it would focus more on caring for animals seized from owners after being cruelly treated
Yesterday the RSPCA defended its new rules, which will be introduced at 17 national animal centres in England and Wales, and said it wanted to make owners take more responsibility for their pets.
'Our highest priority is to look after the animals that most need help, the pets and other animals rescued by our inspectors from cruelty and neglect,' a spokesman said.
'That is the RSPCA's core aim and that has not changed.'
From next month, pets belonging to people taken to hospital, evicted from their homes or who are unable to cope with them will not be allowed to be left at the RSPCA centres.

The RSPCA is Britain's eighth largest charity, and has an income of £119million a year.

RICHARD MARTIN RSPCA FOUNDER TURNING IN HIS GRAVE

The words of RSPCA founder Richard Martin at its first meeting in 1842 should ring in the ears of every RSPCA Council member, Officer and supporter. "It would be ill judged for it to become known as a prosecuting society and the prime aim should be to alter the moral feelings of the country."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1267577/RSPCA-says-We-havent-got-cash-strays.html

NORFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE; MONEY TO BURN!

2012-01-05T13:37:00.000Z

FOI TO FIRE SERVICE RE RSPCA COSTS

FBU fight Norfolk fire cuts

Norfolk fire crews are warning that frontline cuts will put the public and firefighters at greater risk. The Fire Brigades Union say Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service propose to reduce emergency response fire cover in Norfolk to save £1.5 million between 2011and 2014.
http://www.fbur12.org.uk/2010/02/08/fbu-fight-norfolk-fire-cuts/

BUT AT THE SAME TIME SPEND ££££'S AT THE REQUEST OF RSPCA

Dear Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service,

Please advise me of the total cost of providing 3 Fire Crews to
rescue a seagull at the request of the RSPCA on 4th Jan 2012 near
Norwich Market in Gentleman’s Walk.
The local press have reported the following;

Stefan Rider, incident commander, said:“We share funding with the
RSPCA and have an agreement that they will only call us if they are
confident that an animal needs our assistance.”

Please provide a copy of the funding agreement that exists between
the RSPCA and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_seagull_rescue_cost_and_fu#outgoing-173595

HOW MUCH DO THE RSPCA COST THE FIRE SERVICE RESCUING SEAGULLS?

2012-01-04T20:32:00.000Z

FIRE SERVICES ALL OVER UK SQUANDER PRECIOUS RESOURCES AT THE REQUEST OF THE RSPCA RESCUING SEAGULLS AND PIGEONS.

LIFES IN DANGER, CUTS TO FIRE SERVICES, BUT THE RSPCA CONTINUE TO DRAIN EMERGENCY SERVICES FUNDS

Heavy cuts to fire-service funding will force up to 1,500 job losses – many of them firefighters – and the closure of stations around the country, shows a survey by
The Independent. Critics warned that lives could be at risk as fire brigades felt the impact of the savage squeeze on public spending.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/firefighters-say-savage-budget-cuts-could-put-lives-in-danger-2231788.html

The RSPCA alerted Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters used an aerial platform ladder to free the bird. The seagull was taken into the care of the RSPCA.
Stefan Rider, incident commander, said: “We sent one fire engine out then because of the location and for safety, we had to call out the aerial platform ladder. The third fire engine is for the remainder of the crew to support the aerial platform ladder.
“We share funding with the RSPCA and have an agreement that they will only call us if they are confident that an animal needs our assistance.”
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/three_fire_engines_sent_to_rescue_trapped_seagull_in_norwich_1_1168789

NORFOLK FIRE SERVICE, MONEY TO BURN? THANKS TO THE RSPCA

NORFOLK FIRE & RESCUE SEND 3 FIRE CREWS TO RESCUE SEAGULL AT THE REQUEST OF RSPCA

£1000 TO RESCUE 1 SEAGULL!

The fire service, which estimates that fire engines cost £300 an hour when on a call, said it only responds to animal rescues if the RSPCA has already carried out an assessment.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-16416437

SCOTS firefighters spent an astonishing £1m last year on hundreds of “absurdly wasteful” animal rescues, official figures have revealed

http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2011/09/11/whats-that-lassie-fire-chiefs-spend-1m-a-year-on-pet-rescues/

RSPCA cost Devon and Somerset Fire Brigade £23,000 rescuing seagulls
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Seagull-rescues-cost-service-23-000/story-11795689-Detail/story.html

Fire brigade defends £800 cost of seagull rescue. The RSPCA called Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/brigade-defends-800-cost-seagull-rescue/story-12692546-detail/story.html
FIREFIGHTERS assisted the RSPCA to rescue a seagull in Torquay
http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Seagull-freed-netting/story-11732205-detail/story.html
“A crew from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service was called to Pendennis Castle on Monday, October 4 at the request of the RSPCA
http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/8432016.Seagull_rescued_from_chimney_in_Falmouth/
THE RSPCA called the emergency services for assistance after a seagull was found trapped in an East Devon television aerial last night (Sunday).
http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/news/seagull_trapped_in_tv_aerial_1_951755

RSPCA DISREGARD PARKING LAWS AND EXPECT COUNCIL TO PICK UP THE BILL

2012-01-03T14:31:00.001Z

AN RSPCA inspector was slapped with a parking fine as he attempted to rescue a bird in distress.

So, if the RSPCA think they don't have to pay parking fines, do other charities think they are excempt too?

Ian Robertson had been called out to Southport town centre on Thursday afternoon after a pigeon became caught in netting above New Look on Chapel Street.

Ian Robertson, RSPCA thinks he can park anywhere, becuase he goes to work in fancy dress posing has someone with authority.

Parking on nearby London Street, Ian rushed to the scene and worked with firefighters to try and free the bird. (Why do professional Firefighters work with an ordinary member of the public?)
Returning to his van half an hour later he was shocked to find he had been issued with a £70 parking fine despite clearly displaying a note explaining the situation.

Ian, who has worked for the RSPCA for 27 years, said: “I parked as near as I could to the pigeon as I needed to be close to my equipment. I put a notice in my van window saying I had been called out to a rescue on Chapel Street. The vehicle also has clear RSPCA signs all over so it’s obvious who it belongs to.
“I don’t understand why they felt the need to fine me when it was obvious why I was parked there. (perhaps because you were parked illegaly)
I hadn’t just popped out to buy a butty, I was rescuing an animal. (NO YOU WEREN'T THE FIRE SERVICE WERE) I even stopped the warden who gave me the ticket and told her why I was parked there and she wouldn’t have any of it.
“If I get a call about a sick or injured animal I can not leave it in distress. It’s my job to get there immediately and rescue them.
“I am finding it more and more difficult to do my job now. Parking in Southport town centre is a nightmare and when your job depends on you reacting quickly it can seriously affect your ability to do the job properly.
“The RSPCA is a charity and can’t afford to pay out fines therefore it will have to come out of my pocket.” (The RSPCA is Britians richest charity !!!!)
This is the second time Ian has been handed a parking fine whilst in the line of duty. (LINE OF DUTY !!HE WORKS FOR A CHARITY!) In May last year he was issued a fixed penalty notice when trying to rescue a pigeon from behind Rawcliffes on Hoghton Street.
After a lengthy appeal process Ian and the RSPCA managed to overturn the decision and he is hoping to do the same this time. (Why did the Council overturn this ticket ????)
“I will file a report as soon as I can and try to make the council see sense.” (so the Council have no sense !!!, why should this be different from any other member of the Public?)
Fire crews were called out to the rescue at 12noon on Thursday. Unfortunately Ian and the firefighters were unable to free the pigeon before it died.
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2012/01/03/rspca-inspector-faces-70-parking-fine-while-rescuing-trapped-pigeon-in-southport-101022-30044955/

ANGER AS RSPCA TARGET ANGLERS

2012-01-01T16:22:00.001Z

Anglers anger at RSPCA claims that swan was poisoned by lead fishing weights

Dec 15 2011 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

ANGLERS have hit back at claims that a swan was poisoned by lead fishing weights.
The RSPCA is nursing a poisoned swan back to health after it was taken ill at the RSPB nature reserve in Llandudno Junction.
The sick bird was spotted by a member of the public last week and reported to a member of RSPB staff who then monitored it until the RSPCA arrived.
The Weekly News reported RSPCA inspector Rachael Davies as saying: “Elevated lead levels are regularly found in swans due to ingestion of lead fishing weights or lead shot.

“For decades, the swan population suffered a huge decline as a result of lead poisoning which led to a ban on some lead weights.
“However, some lead weights still persist in the environment and are often ingested by swans along with the grit they need to grind down their food in the gizzard.”
The story angered keen angler Keith Williams, from Llanddulas.
He said: “Lead fishing weights were banned in 1982, and I’m extremely angry that the RSPCA is blaming anglers for the poisoning of this swan.
“You can’t buy them anywhere, they are not used. It could well have been from lead shot, or fuel washed into the river from the roadside.
“Many anglers feel the RSPCA is trying to discredit our sport.”
Andrew Kelly, RSPCA head of wildlife, admits the poisoning could have come from lead dust shot, and not lead fishing weights.
He commented: “The swan was examined by a veterinary surgeon at the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre.
“Blood tests revealed elevated levels of lead and the bird received treatment for five days. The swan is now making good progress and is still in the care of the RSPCA.
“Although many lead weights used in fishing are now no longer permitted, lead dust shot are still legal and are toxic to birds if ingested.
“In 2010, of 326 swans tested for lead levels at Stapeley Grange, 59% were above the recommended level.
“Whilst recognising the majority of anglers act responsibly, the RSPCA urges all people who engage in fishing to carefully dispose of fishing litter safely at home.”
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2011/12/15/anglers-anger-at-rspca-claims-that-swan-was-poisoned-by-lead-fishing-weights-55243-29954267/

RSPCA SEIZE, SIGN OVER OR RESCUE 135,293 ANIMALS IN 2009

2011-12-22T20:02:00.000Z

It appears that the RSPCA have taken on themselves the right to seize animals - other people's property, in other words - as and when they please. They do not, in fact, have the right to do so. http://grumpyoldarchive.co.uk/rspca2.asp

135,293 animals were rescued, seized or signed over to the RSPCA in 2009.

http://www.politicalanimal.org.uk/faqs/faq-category-3/how-many-animals-do-the-rspca-rescue-or-seize-last-year

The RSPCA have no special powers for entry or search and seizure.

http://www.politicalanimal.org.uk/how-we-work

RSPCA BETH CLEMENTS

RSPCA chief inspector Beth Clements said The inspectors seized the sick and dead animals and questioned the family, but were unable to establish the cause of the animals’ condition.
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8799237.RSPCA_in_probe_at_Sheriff_Hutton_Hall/

It seems pretty clear that Inspector Jenkins had made his mind up [to seize the animal] and that

he was unlikely to have agreed that the horse could be treated as offered by Miss Mayers,

a course which would, in my opinion have avoided all of this

http://the-shg.org/28th%20January%202008.pdf

”

ATTEMPT AT PR BACKFIRES ON RSPCA

2011-12-21T17:39:00.000Z

RSPCA COMMUNICATIONS AND LIASON OFFICER FORCED TO REMOVE MULTIPLE NEGATIVE RSPCA COMMENTS FROM BLOG SITE

TONY WOODLEY, REMOVES NEGATIVE COMMENTS FROM BLOG

Well Tony..your "clowns" certainly entered my house ..actually forced their way in while on of your inspectors (Louise Meade) assaulted me..they did NOT have a warrant or a court order but stole my rescue rabbits...they were acting illegally but got away with it as they LIED again and again to save themselves..they falsified "evidence" to help them with their attempts at getting a prosecution..all to no avail as their vet saw that my pets were in good health and they were made to return them all...due to the stress of being chased about for at least six hours by your lunatic clowns they caused the death of many of my beloved bunnies...SO WHAT ANSWER DO YOU HAVE TO THIS!!!! When my neighbour called your clowns to help a stray pregnant cat she was told that they no longer deal with strays and to leave the cat outside in freezing weather to cope alone giving birth..so much for caring for unwanted/abanded animals...as to your "HOME FOR; LIFE" policy..they only promise to "try" to find a new home for your pet..the majority will be PTS certainly if they are old or ill and it's thought that no one will want to give a donation for it..so more LIES

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/tony-woodley/rscpa-at-christmas_b_1153145.html

ANOTHER DISABLED PERSON PROSECUTED BY RSPCA

2011-12-14T13:30:00.000Z

http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/living/features/hounded

We know personally how the rspca work? they took my disabled wife and myself to court because our shih tzus coat was matted (despite a third party asking them for help and acvice?)) total cost to them £9000 (an inspectoron £30 an hour ,vet to clip him boarding fees and greenwoods solicitors fees) . the fine we recieved from the magistrates court was £250 no ban , they certainly did not gain out of this, they entered our house illeagaly , siezed him illeagaly, they are powerless, overpaid, and break the law

ACPO HAVE AGREEMENT WITH CHARITY

2011-12-13T20:46:00.002Z

c/o PO BOX 481
Fareham
Hampshire
PO14 9FS
Tel: 02380 674255
Email: [ACPO request email]

14/12/2011

Dear Mr Martin

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NUMBER: 000093/11

Applicant Question:
Please specify how many PNC checks you have carried out on behalf of the RSPCA in the 12 months period
Jan – Dec 2010.

Also specify which specific legislation enables the RSPCA (a private charity) to be classified as NPA (Non
Police Agency).

ACPO Response:

ACPO have a Service Level Agreement with the RSPCA in respect of providing Police National Computer (PNC) services. This has been in effect since April 2010 and I provide you with the breakdown of figures for these dates and also for the period January 2010 to 25/11/2011.

Please note that the figures detail the entries placed upon the PNC for the creation of records and also for the amount of checks of the PNC carried out.

April 2010 – Dec 2010:

Arrest Summons Notifications (ASN): 852
PNC Checks: 15

January 2011 – 25/11/2011
Arrest Summons Notifications (ASN): 1459
PNC Checks: 39

While the Protection of Animals Act 1911 does provide a power of arrest for police, case law has defined very clearly that Parliament did not intend any other organisation such as the RSPCA to be empowered under the Act and therefore the RSPCA does not have any powers of arrest, or entry or of search.
Like any other person or organisation that the law deems to have a duty to investigate – e.g., HM Customs & Excise, Local Authority Trading Standards – the RSPCA is expected to conform to the rules in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 so far as they relate to matters of investigation. RSPCA Officers are trained to state, following giving the caution, that the person is ‘not under arrest and can leave at any time’.

For your convenience I have provided you with a link to Wikipedia website however ACPO cannot confirm or guarantee its accuracy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Society_for_the_Prevention_of_Cruelty_to_Animals
If I can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely

Sherry Traquair
Freedom of Information Officer & Decision Maker
www.acpo.police.uk

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_checks#incoming-235651

WHAT DO THE RSPCA MEDIA TRAINING SESSIONS TELL STAFF TO SAY?

2011-12-04T23:35:00.000Z

IT WOULDN'T BE TO SAY IT WAS ONE OF THE WORST CASES THEY'VE EVER SEEN WOULD IT!

RSPCA inspector Garry Palmer said:"It is one of the worst cases I have seen in my ten-year career."
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/campaigns/animalwatch/8397121.Man_faces_prison_after_shocking_abuse_of_pet_dog/
RSPCA Inspector Ms Baker said: This is the worst case of animal cruelty I have ever seen in my career.
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Fox-was-tortured-and-fed-to-Staffie.htm
RSPCA inspector Caroline Hall said: "This is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have ever seen
http://menmedia.co.uk/middletonguardian/news/s/1316392_goat_attack_was_worst_case_of_animal_cruelty
"It was the worst case of neglect I have ever seen," said the chief inspector for the RSPCA Rob Skinner,
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8038249.stm
Inspector Dale Grant, of the RSPCA, said it was the worst example of a starved animal he had seen in his career.
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/whereilive/northlondon/tottenham/4795291.Starved_dog_dumped_in_Tottenham_park_is__worst_case__of_its_kind/
Becky Fox, acting manager at the shelter, said this was the worst case of cruelty she had seen in 10 years
http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/news/suffolk_cherub_the_dog_abandoned_as_number_of_pets_dumped_rises_in_the_eastern_region_1_882507?action=logout
RSPCA inspector Lynn Marshall says it was the "worst case" of animal cruelty she has ever seen.
http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/New-Addington-couple-prosecuted-cat-hole-s-face/story-11367260-detail/story.html
Kirsty Hampton, the RSPCA inspector in charge of the investigation said it was the worst case she has faced.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23431531-surviving-horses-fight-for-life-as-shocked-rspca-officers-say-farm-horror-is-britains-worst-case-of-animal-cruelty.do
Local inspector Sheona Morley described it as the worst case of cruelty she had encountered in almost 14 years working for the charity.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/01/01/help-find-sick-yobs-who-hanged-two-lurcher-puppies-from-canal-bridge-115875-22818528/#ixzz1fbeJKsKG
Mr Spamer said that in 25 years service with the RSPCA this was the worst case of animal cruelty he had ever seen.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-117215/Four-jailed-animal-torture-videos.html
Speaking after the case, RSPCA Inspector Mark Gent, said: “This is the worst case of wilful animal cruelty I have seen in my career.
http://www.petstreet.co.uk/Forum/349205.Drunken%20Teenage%20Girl%20Smashes%20baby%20Rabbit%20Against%20Wall
Lisa Smith, manager of the charity's Woodside Animal Care Centre, said it was the worst case of cruelty she has seen in the 11 years she has worked there.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1392168/Border-Collie-stabbed-13-times-left-bleed-death-gutter.html

HERE'S ONE THEY RAIDED EARLIER, SPOT THE CONNECTION?

2011-12-04T13:34:00.001Z

OH YES, THEY COMPETE WITH THE RSPCA DON'T THEY!

RSPCA TAKE OUT ANOTHER COMPETITOR
AND INTIMIDATE YET ANOTHER PENSIONER

RSPCA officers had to raid an ANIMAL SANCTUARY to rescue dogs, horses and cats.
Cops and RSPCA officers found more than 50 animals after swooping on the property following a tip off from a local bobby.
The co-ordinated raid took place at St Francis Animal Sanctuary near Hatfield, Herts.
Police and the RSPCA executed a warrant on Tuesday under the Animal Welfare Act.
They took vets along with them to check over and treat the emaciated horses, geese, sheep, goats and cats as well as dogs.
The four-acre site had been run for the past 30 years by Fred Brimley, who is in his 80s.
Mr Brimley protested: "I'm just here for the animals."
But outraged RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton said: "They shouldn't be allowed to live in their own faeces."

RSPCA INSPECTOR KIRSTY HAMPTON, NO STRANGER TO RAIDS

The animals were taken to nearby Southridge Animal Centre in South Mimms to be looked after while their futures are decided by RSPCA chiefs.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3053812/RSPCA-raid-filthy-sanctuary.html
http://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/rspca_officers_raid_welwyn_hatfield_animal_sanctuary_1_537692

RSPCA CLOSE DOWN ANOTHER RESCUE CENTRE

2011-12-03T19:08:00.001Z

John Warwick-Huckvale, Devastated

“I’VE SPENT 15 years of my life helping animals and people with animals. I just don’t know what I am going to do now.”
These were the words of John Warwick-Huckvale, the devastated owner of the Swindon and District Animal Haven, who will be forced to close his business after being found guilty of four animal welfare offences.
John, who suffers with severe MS, was given a 10-year ban on owning farm animals and a four-year ban on owning domestic animals by district judge Simon Cooper on Friday.
He will not be able to appeal against the sentences for seven years and two years respectively.
The sanctuary was visited by the RSPCA on five separate occasions between November 29 and December 21 last year, with a police accompaniment on the final occasion.

RSPCA prosecutor Gibney

Prosecuting, Malcolm Gibney said that as a result of the neglect, a Tamworth boar had to be put down last year.
But John, who pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failure to comply with duty in respect of farmed animals, said he was shocked at the severity of the sentences and said his future is currently unclear.
“It was totally unexpected,” he said.
“I expected, possibly, to get banned from having pigs because I did agree and I did plead guilty that I kept him alive too long, but it was only because I got too attached to him.
“We called him Matty, he had dodgy hips, but we gave him medication and he would be fine. But you can’t say I didn’t care for my pigs, they were well looked after.
“One of them called Betty came to me when she was just eight inches long and we had her for 12-and-a-half years.
“I’ve spent 15 years of my life helping animals, and people with animals, and to be done for animal cruelty is just madness. I would never intentionally hurt an animal, ever.”
The 40 to 50 chickens, seven geese, three turkeys, eight guinea fowl, six quail, four sheep, two goats, six dogs, 30 rabbits and 29 cats currently on the farm will now be rehomed, or seized and removed.
John was also sentenced to 60 hours of community service to be completed within a year, and ordered to pay costs of £2,000.
“I have had so many calls from people already who just can’t believe what has happened – everyone is very supportive,” he said.
“All the volunteers are so shocked. Nobody expected it because they all know what goes on here. We always let the public in to see what we are doing, we don’t hide anything.
“My family are so distraught. If the council had somewhere for all these animals I wouldn’t be so concerned but they don’t.
“I am worried because the RSPCA have just 49 spaces for cats. I rehome seventy cats in a month, I just don’t know where they are all going to go.”

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/9374672.Sanctuary_boss_shocked_at_ban/

RSPCA RAID 71 YEAR OLD PENSIONER, THEN PROSECUTE HER FOR NOT KILLING DOG

2011-11-24T23:17:00.000Z

The death of a pet is a terrible thing, one that all pet owners sadly have to face, unfortunately our boon companions are not granted as long as us on the earth. Yet while they are here they provide such comfort, joy and companionship far and above their brief time with us. Having been in a similar situation I would have given anything for just one more day, but it was not to be and it’s a terrible decision to have to make.

This is very sad story and one you might have thought could be handled by a bit of empathy and sitting down with a cup of tea and a good long chat. But not it seems for the RSPCA.

We’ve seen all to frequently how the RSPCA has no compunction in using donations to fight court cases against wills that they feel they have been bilked out of their share. But this sort of heavy handed approach is becoming far more common perhaps it’s a ploy ‘pour encourage les autres’.

But that’s not the jist of this post, no, the reason I’m writing this is a couple of things stood out in the story, now, it could just be lazy reporting (it is the Daily Mail after all)

The RSPCA broke into her home and, after finding the dog with numerous medical problems, charged 71-year-old Mrs Spoor with causing unnecessary suffering to her loyal companion.

‘The RSPCA broke into her home’ did you get that ? they ‘broke into her home’

I’m sorry I didn’t realise the RSPCA had been given Open Warrants to enter peoples property.

As far as I know, the only people in the UK with ‘Open Warrants’ i.e not needed to be authorised by a Judge are HM Customs & Excise and the utility companies, the latter only being authorised to enter to disconnect the supply.

I hope I’m wrong, but I am assuming that the RSPCA approached the Police, the Police approached a Judge and the Judge based on the ‘evidence’ issued a warrant to enter this ladies home. Then the breaking in was carried out by a duly authorised & Warranted Police Officer accompanied by the RSPCA.

What’s worrying is that at no point did anybody say “Hang on a bit, this is an old lady here, looking to lose a friend, couldn’t this be handled a bit more sensitively?’

Which brings me to the second point ‘ and, after finding the dog with numerous medical problems, charged 71-year-old Mrs Spoor ‘

TAGGED BY THE RSPCA FOR NOT KILLING PET

The RSPCA charged her did they, funny I thought that was the job of the Crown Prosecution Service or have the RSPCA become Judge Judy and Executioner* these days.

If however the CPS did bring the charge after pressure from the RSPCA whoever did it should be sacked as they are quite plainly useless, but I suppose on the stat’s sheet a conviction is a conviction in our don’t look at the quality, look at the numbers Judicial system.

Somewhere along the line the RSPCA seems to have lost sight of what it was actually founded for, It seems to have become ‘The Royal Society for the Policing of Cruelty to Animals’

I do know they will be getting no more money from me again and stories like this will only ensure that others will follow suit.

http://pavlovscat2.blogspot.com/2011/07/freeze-punk-rspca.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2019685/Grandmother-Pauline-Spoor-convicted-animal-cruelty-wear-electronic-tag.html

RSPCA; LACK OF STATUTORY POWERS AND POLICE IMPERSONATION AND LIES

2011-11-23T00:08:00.000Z

Lack of statutory powers and allegations of police impersonation

The RSPCA rank names and rank insignia share similarity with British police ranks, which has led some critics (such as Chris Newman, chairman of the Federation of Companion Animal Societies)^[15] to suggest an attempt to "adopt" police powers in the public imagination. When Richard Girling of The Times asked about their lack of powers, a spokesman for the RSPCA said "We would prefer you didn’t publish that, but of course its up to you".^[15] Chris Newman claimed that the RSPCA "impersonate police officers and commit trespass. People do believe they have powers of entry";^[15] however, he did not produce any evidence of such impersonation of police officers,^{[citation needed]} and the Society strongly deny the charge. However, RSPCA personnel do issue members of the public with a caution which is identical to that used by UK Police Officers, "You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court" and the use of this may be interpreted by members of the public that the RSPCA does have statutory powers. [ Sally Case, head of prosecutions, insists that RSPCA inspectors are trained specifically to make clear to pet-owners that they have no such right.

PIGS FLY, AND RSPCA OFFICERS ARE TRAINED TO TELL PEOPLE THEY HAVE NO STATUTORY POWERS
SALLY CASE.

They act without an owner’s permission, she says, “only if an animal is suffering in a dire emergency. If the court feels evidence has been wrongly obtained, it can refuse to admit it”.^[15] The RSPCA logo is clearly visible on the uniform worn by RSPCA officers, all carry RSPCA ID cards, and their vans are clearly liveried with the RSPCA logo.
While the Protection of Animals Act 1911 does provide a power of arrest for police, case law has defined very clearly that Parliament did not intend any other organisation such as the RSPCA to be empowered under the Act and therefore the RSPCA does not have any powers of arrest, or entry or of search (Line v RSPCA 1902). Like any other person or organisation that the law deems to have a duty to investigate – e.g., HM Customs & Excise, Local Authority Trading Standards – the RSPCA is expected to conform to the rules in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 so far as they relate to matters of investigation. RSPCA officers are trained to state, following giving the caution, that the person is "not under arrest and can leave at any time".

And yet Inspector Julie Lyons says the opposite,

"the Animal Welfare Act, which came into force last year, has made it possible for action to be taken as soon as animal welfare concerns are flagged up. RSPCA officers can now seize pets immediately if they are not being looked after properly, or are being treated badly"

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Britain-s-shame-pet-cruelty-grows/story-12509649-detail/story.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Society_for_the_Prevention_of_Cruelty_to_Animals

CLEVELAND POLICE ADMIT THEY GIVE PNC INFORMATION TO THE RSPCA's LOWEST RANK

2011-11-22T23:08:00.000Z

How many Employees of the RSPCA or individuals working on behalf of the RSPCA are authorised by your Police Force to make PNC, STORM or other information/data enquiries on all or any systems you operate.

Please specify if these individuals have direct or indirect access to such information and systems.

Please also specify which information systems they have access to.
As the RSPCA are a non police-prosecuting agency, where an offence has taken place a designated officer of the RSPCA will be able to make or request the appropriate checks from police systems. The designated officer will be of inspector level and the force will hold details of designated officers who are authorised to contact Cleveland Police for checks.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_5

WHICH VERY SENIOR (MALE) RSPCA OFFICER IS CURRENTLY HAVING AN AFFAIR?

2011-11-19T17:14:00.000Z

THIS BLOG HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION ABOUT A VERY SENIOR (MALE) RSPCA OFFICER HAVING A "SECRET" AFFAIR, WELL A SECRET FROM HIS WIFE AND FAMILY, ALLEGEDLY THE RSPCA ELITE ARE ALREADY AWARE OF THE AFFAIR INVOLVING A FEMALE RSPCA OFFICER. ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD TO RSPCA HEADQUATERS, OR POST A COMMENT!

EXTRACTS FROM DAWN TO DUSK THE WORK OF THE RSPCA

2011-11-14T09:58:00.000Z

So obscene has been the RSPCA’s accumulation of wealth, that by the end of the 1990s it stood at over £100 million and the Charity Commission was forced to step in and tell them to reduce the available booty by over half to £45 million. No wonder animal abusers want control of this—in the right hands, animal welfare would indeed be advanced! The Animal Liberation Movement has missed the boat here. The RSPCA duly complied with its obligations, but rather than spending it directly on animal welfare initiatives like solving the country’s stray animal problem, or for example by promoting the benefits to all of the vegan diet, the Council set about pouring money into wages and office ‘improvements’, including splashing out a staggering £21 million on new office headquarters.
http://www.fromdusktildawn.org.uk/Extracts/rspca_extracts.htm

POLICE SHARE CRIMINAL RECORDS AND RESTRICTED DATA WITH RSPCA

2011-11-10T10:29:00.003Z

ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (IF THEY WORK FOR THE RSPCA) CAN ACCESS PNC AND CRIMINAL RECORDS, CARRY OUT VEHICLE CHECKS AND OBTAIN ANY INFORMATION HELD BY THE POLICE.

Below are extracts from FOI's submitted to all English and Welsh Police Forces, they all share RESTRICTED information with the RSPCA, many Forces even let the RSPCA Employee have direct access!

The RSPCA has a local information sharing agreement with Norfolk Constabulary. The RSPCA undertakes prosecutions in relation to persons who have committed offences involving animals. Within Norfolk these prosecution details are updated onto the Police National Computer (PNC) by Norfolk Constabulary and PNC information is provided in support of these. In addition to this, the Constabulary will undertake vehicle checks in support of an ongoing investigation.

As detailed in our previous response there are 9 members of the RSPCA who are authorised to undertake these enquiries with Norfolk Constabulary.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/89903/response/223549/attach/3/Response%20Letter.pdf

There is no central recording of these PNC checks but it is possible to carry out transaction

enquiries on the PNC database using relevant search criteria. There are 9 members of the RSPCA who are authorised to undertake these enquiries with Norfolk Constabulary.

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/84775/response/213411/attach/3/Response%20Letter.pdf

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/89908/response/222923/attach/2/03384.pdf

How many Employees of the RSPCA, or individuals working on behalf of the RSPCA are authorised by your Police Force to make PNC, STORM or other information/data enquiries on all or any systems you operate.

Two RSPCA officers have been given the facility to request PNC vehicle registration keeper details in relation to urgent request for information.

Please specify if these individuals have direct or indirect access to such information and systems.

This is indirect access. The RSPCA Officer contacts Devon & Cornwall Police and provides detailed security responses to questions to enable a request for information from the Police National Computer.

Any request the RSPCA make to the Police are covered by the Data Protection Act Section 29(3) and risk assessed by the Police before any response is made.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_8

The RSPCA have an agreement with the ACPO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) in order to request conviction histories from the PNC when the RSPCA have impending prosecutions against an individual. The RSPCA do not have direct access to the PNC systems, and these requests are all processed centrally by ACRO staff in Hampshire.

Within Lancashire, one RSPCA employee has been authorised to request additional information from the PNC via the force’s PNC Bureau. This is usually vehicle data, and must be in respect of an investigation which the RSPCA have the power to conduct. Again, this individual does not have any direct access to the PNC.
Lancashire Constabulary does not currently have a formal Information Sharing Agreement in place with the RSPCA, although work is understood to be underway to create a nationally standardised agreement for all police forces. At present, the RSPCA and its employees can submit requests for the disclosure of relevant information held on the force’s local information systems, providing it can be evidenced that these checks are required in order to investigate a suspected criminal offence, and subject to the assessment of the requested information by the force.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_18

Should the RSPCA require Kent Police to share specific information with them in order to support a ‘policing purpose’, defined as, “protecting life and property, preserving order, preventing the commission of offences, bringing offenders to justice and any duty or responsibility of the police arising from common or statute law” then there is policy and legislation which supports this.
Information relating to this can be found within Kent Police Policy D14, Appendix B which is
available to view at: http://www.kent.police.uk/about_us/policies/d/d14.html.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/89897/response/221928/attach/3/11%2010%20172%20Response%20Letter.pdf

The RSPCA may approach the Police for assistance, for example in obtaining a warrant to enter property, etc but they do not have access to any systems.

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_10#incoming-222720

The RSPCA often have local agreements with Police Forces where they can
ask for checks (mainly PNC) to be done and if this is the case there would
also be an agreement in place such as a Memorandum of Understanding or
Information Sharing Protocol and it would be a designated Police SPOC to
RSPCA SPOC via the Data Protection Act (DPA) sec 29(3). Any official
request the RSPCA make to the Police would be covered by DPA Sec 29(3) and
risk assessed by the Police before any response is made.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_22#incoming-221561

No RSPCA staff have access to Police systems.

However, the Control Room staff have a file that contains 7 names and specific details of staff from the RSPCA who can, if they provide all the details relative to their names which we hold on file, and a specific password for their name, we will then conduct certain PNC checks on their behalf.
PNC (Police National Computer) is the only system they are allowed access to under this system of identification.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_2

I have been advised that the RSPCA often have local
agreements with Police Forces where they can ask for checks (mainly PNC)
to be done and if this is the case there would be an agreement in place
such as a Memorandum of Understanding or Information Sharing Protocol and
it would be a designated Police SPOC to RSPCA SPOC via the DPA sec 29(3).
Any official request the RSPCA make to the Police would be covered by DPA
Sec 29(3) and risk assessed by the Police before any response is made.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_33

On a case by case base, where lawful authority is demonstrated, R.S.P.C.A. staff may seek access to relevant information on police systems, e.g. under the provisions of section 29(3), Data Protection Act, 1998. Each application would be individually considered.

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_pnc_storm_data_access_21

Your Police Force not listed? You can find a full list of replies to FOI's regarding Police CRB, PNC information etc being shared with the RSPCA here;

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/richard_martin

RSPCA ACT DISGRACEFULLY (WHATS NEW?)

2011-11-10T09:48:00.000Z

RSPCA PROTESTS OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT

In light of recent publicity about horses being dumped, I would not advise anyone to ring the RSPCA for help or advice.
Recently a horse was dumped on waste land very close to where I live.
My family and I, and others, have been feeding it.
A girl at my grandson's college was so concerned about it that she rang the RSPCA. They weren't interested!
Their actual advice was: "Don't give it any food or water, so that it gets worse, because if it looks healthy no one will take it."
I am appalled at their response. I always thought the letters stood for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, but what they were advising is cruel.
How would that person like to be tethered with a chain around their neck, with no shelter, food or water, and people being told to starve them. It is a total disgrace.
I will never donate anything to them, ever.
Name and address supplied.
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/RSPCA-acted-disgracefully/story-13763435-detail/story.html

RSPCA TO SPEND MORE ON SPIN AS DONATORS DESERT THEM

2011-11-06T14:14:00.000Z

JUSTINE PANNET; RSPCA PROPOGANDA

Animal welfare charity will undertake more research in advance of campaigns after finding that its current messages are not getting through

The RSPCA will carry out more pre-campaign research with members of the public because its behaviour-change messages are increasingly "falling on deaf ears".
Justine Pannett, senior campaigns manager at the RSPCA, said the charity had decided to carry out more research into why people behave in certain ways before launching a campaign.
FENRIS WOLF COMMENTS;
The real problem is that the RSPCA's messages are increasingly extreme and unconnected with normal life.
Who wants to support the boltgunning to death of dogs by an organisation that prosecuted a policeman for putting a dying cat out of its misery?
Who wants so support an organisation that is continually criticised for intimidating and prosecuting vulnerable people, the elderly, the disabled, children instead of helping?
Who wants to support an organisation that prosecutes local rescues doing the job the RSPCA should be doing (did you know that the RSPCA no longer takes stray or owner surrendered animals?) when they start to damage RSPCA fund collection? You only have to look at what happened to Pat Seager.
Who wants to support an organisation that has been ( and despite their claims of opposing the Dangerous Dogs Act are still) running round identifying dogs as 'pit bull type' resulting in dogs, even pure bred staffies, being slung in stark kennels, sometimes for years and even dying before their owners (who don't get any legal aid to fight the case) manage to get a court hearing that releases the dogs?
And who wants to support an organisation that wants to ban virtually every kind of human-animal interaction?
If the RSPCA wants people to support its message then it needs to give a message that is supportable.
http://thirdsector.co.uk/News/MostDiscussed/1102537/RSPCA-plans-change-its-approach-campaigning/

RSPCA TO PROSECUTE 81 YEAR OLD?

2011-11-02T10:11:00.000Z

My 81 year old father inlaw who has 2 labradors was in his local pub with a group of friends, his lady friend had a 6 week old puppy long haired Dachund, A woman came into the pub with a dog ( labrador ) she sat away at the end of the pub she informed them that the dog was there to socialise with people and other animals ( we have learnt since the dog was usually muzzled ) the lady with the small dachund took her dog over as it loved other dogs to socialise with the Lab. The labrador suddenly grabbed the 6 week old puppy in its mouth and proceeded to shake it like a rag doll the dachund owner was covered in blood as was the pub floor ( thankfully the puppy died straight away ) on seeing this my father inlaw who was obviously distressed and emotionally upset he kicked the Labrador 3 times. The police were called by my father inlaw, the PC had a word with both sets of owners the lady with the dachund did not want to prosecute. The RSPCA called to see my father inlaw and he thought they were there to discuss the attack on the puppy ?
My father inlaw 81 has now recieved a summons to appear in court for animal cruelty ( kicking the dog ) He knows he should not have done this but was emotionall distraught at the blood and bundle of fur that was the dachund he once loved, he is now worrying that if convicted he will lose his dogs ( this is a man that drove 200 miles per week to take his last dog to see a speacilist that cost over 8k )

my question is should he be prosecuted !! following the RSPCA Criteria for prosecutions
http://www.policespecials.com/forum/index.php?/topic/123997-rspca/

YET ANOTHER RSPCA FREEDOM FOOD SALMON FARM INFESTED WITH LICE

2011-10-31T13:17:00.000Z

RSPCA FREEDOM FOOD SALMON FARM INFESTED WITH LICE

A HIGHLAND salmon farm that was granted £630,000 of taxpayers’ money, given an environmental prize and labelled as a “Freedom Food” producer has been accused of lice infestation and pollution that breach official guidelines.

Wester Ross Fisheries near Ullapool is under investigation by Government and voluntary agencies following complaints from a local landowner, Jenny Scobie. She says sea lice from caged salmon are contaminating wild fish on the River Ullapool, which flows through her land on the Rhidorroch Estate.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/award-winning-fish-farm-in-pollution-row-1.1132021

AND ITS A REGULAR OCCURANCE, RSPCA ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN £'s NOT ANIMAL WELFARE

http://rspcainjustice.blogspot.com/2010/09/6000-salmon-killed-at-rspca-approved.html

RSPCA PROSECUTE WOMAN FOR PROVIDING BETTER STANDARDS THAN THEIR OWN FREEDOM FOODS

2011-10-30T12:40:00.002Z

'Freedom Farm cruelty' exposed
THE RSPCA THINK THAT THIS IS OK

RSPCA FREEDOM FOODS
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1328275.ece

BUT THIS ISN'T

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? THE RSPCA RECEIVE ££££'s FROM ONE AND NOT THE OTHER (UNLESS THEY PROSECUTE)

A woman has been banned from keeping geese, ducks, hens and chickens after admitting not feeding her pets properly.

Fiona Christine Standring, admitted one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to animals at Hyndburn Magistrates Court.

Standring, who was prosecuted by the RSPCA, had been keeping the animals. She was given a two-year ban on keeping geese, ducks, hens and chickens and ordered to pay £600 to be paid at the rate of £50 per month.

The RSPCA said ducks, geese and chickens need plenty of fresh clean drinking water and there containers should be cleaned at least once a day.

They also need plenty of grass but require a balanced diet of protein, vitamins and minerals.

http://menmedia.co.uk/accringtonobserver/news/s/1463277_womans-bird-ban-after-rspca-case?ss=yes

POLICE INCORRECTLY CLASS RSPCA AS PROSECUTING AGENCY

2011-10-21T10:56:00.003+01:00

POLICE WRONGLY CLAIM THAT RSPCA ARE STATUTORY AGENCY.

THEY ARE JUST A PRIVATE PROSECUTOR, WITH ONLY THE SAME RIGHTS UNDER LAW AS ANY ORDINARY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC.

Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Minutes of Evidence

MICHAEL FLOWER RSPCA

"I will respond to that, if I may, Chairman. The present situation is that the RSPCA prosecutes as a private prosecutor. We do not claim and we do not have any authority from local or central government to act as a prosecutor. We act now as a private prosecutor; if the Bill becomes law we will continue to act as a private prosecutor"

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmenvfru/52/4101402.htm

Reply from FOI Request from Derbyshire Constabulary.

Where an agency is undertaking a prosecution they are permitted under the Data Protection Act 1998 to make a request under Section 29 of the Act for personal information relating to an alleged offender in terms of specific evidence required to further that investigation / prosecution. Where this is a legal request we have a duty to provide relevant information for the judicial process. The information is disclosed purely for the purpose of that investigation / prosecution.
We do receive requests purely for criminal record checks from statutory agencies e.g. Local Authorities, Social Services, Social Security / Pensions, Department of Transport etc (this may include the RSPCA on occasions in relation to an impending prosecution in gathering specific evidence of antecedents for a court hearing as required by national legislation) in connection with alleged offenders.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_6#incoming-219358

Link to section 29 Data Protection Act 1998
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/section/29

Reply from FOI Request from Kent Police
This appendix details the circumstances under which Kent Police would share information with organisations including the RSPCA and the type of information which would be shared.
http://www.kent.police.uk/about_us/policies/d/documents/D14_Appendix_B_April_09.pdf

LETTER FROM MP JIM PAICE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

http://rspcainjustice.blogspot.com/2011/03/its-official-rspca-have-no-special.html

"There is no definitive list of organisations that institute prosecutions in England and Wales. The common law power to instigate private prosecutions is preserved under section 6(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 and it is used by a number of organisations who otherwise do not have the statutory power to prosecute".[259]

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmjust/186/18608.htm

THE RSPCA THEMSELVES ONLY CLAIM PRIVATE PROSECUTION POWERS

(WHEN IT SUITS THEM)

The power to prosecute

Everyone in England and Wales has the right to bring a private prosecution against someone who they believe has committed an offence.
Section 6(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.
http://www.rspca.org.uk/in-action/whatwedo/prosecution

RSPCA SPLASH DONORS CASH ON BEER FOR POLITICIANS

2011-10-19T20:38:00.000+01:00

RSPCA BRIBE POLITICIANS WITH FREE BEER!

WHAT ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE?

The RSPCA's beer and curry receptions are some of the largest events of the conference week, each attended by around 200 people. They are unique in the breadth of people that they attract including MPs, Councillors.!!!!

http://www.politicalanimal.org.uk/area/westminster/conference2011
http://my.fringelist.com/event/99b2ee9f1911e1c1af6555000e2b88f8
http://labour.fringelist.com/event/32ca6b745263e39526d8915e95eb6f6e
http://libdem.fringelist.com/event/e98957c9170e38efff5a6bdceb42edb0

REVEALED; POLICE SHARE CLASSIFIED DATA WITH RSPCA

2011-10-15T13:01:00.012+01:00

POLICE SHARE RESTRICTED DATA WITH CHARITY

FOI REQUEST
I am very concerned about the extent to which private information and data held by the police is being provided to private organisations, such as the RSPCA.The RSPCA is a private organisation. Its employees are ordinary members of the public. Yet, I believe that there are constabularies which have private arrangements with the RSPCA for the provision of
information to that organisation of private and sensitive information about individuals, which information might be of use to the RSPCA and its ruling Councillors in their political and other objectives.
As you may know, the RSPCA is run by a ruling Council of 26 persons. At least 18 of these people are either members of, or actively support, an extreme animal rights organisation called Animal Aid. I am concerned that data concerning individuals who do not support the extreme animal rights agenda of the RSPCA and Animal Aid may be falling into the hands of those organisations, and their "partners".
I understand that the RSPCA are able to use the police radio network, called Airwave, but that requests for such things as PNC checks are sometimes handled directly by the RSPCA's Political Headquarters in Horsham. As you may be aware, the RSPCA has a close relationship with many journalists - I am concerned that any channel for information to be obtained unlawfully from the police and/or provided by the police in an unregulated manner should be closed off.
Would you therefore please provide me with data, detailing how many requests for information from the police have been received by the Constabulary from the RSPCA annually during the last five years
broken down annually.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/richard_martin

Metropolitan Police Service
Previous case files will need to be looked in order to determine those cases which were joint with the RSPCA and then look for records where PNC information had been shared.
All of this would provide only a simple "Yes, we have shared PNC information with the RSPCA"
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_21#incoming-213693

Norfolk Constabulary
The RSPCA undertakes prosecutions in relation to persons who have committed offences involving animals. Within Norfolk these prosecution details are updated onto the Police National Computer (PNC) by Norfolk Constabulary and PNC information is provided in support of these. In addition to this, the Constabulary will undertake vehicle checks in support of an ongoing investigation.
There are 9 members of the RSPCA who are authorised to undertake these enquiries with Norfolk Constabulary.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_22#incoming-213411

Warwickshire Police
Currently and historically the Police in England and Wales and the RSPCA have mounted joint Operations where the responsibility or ownership for the reporting of a case by either
the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or by the RSPCA is decided in advance.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/84786/response/213629/attach/3/Martin%20Response%2000389.pdf

Hertfordshire Constabulary
I am able to confirm that your request has been processed under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and following enquiries within the Hertfordshire Constabulary Information Services Office and have been advised that 2 requests for disclosure from the RSPCA were received in 2008, 1 request from a solicitor representing the RSPCA was received in 2008, 1 request from a solicitor representing the RSPCA was received in 2007 and 1 request for disclosure from the RSPCA was received in 2006.

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/84767/response/213671/attach/3/Response%20415.pdf

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
There is a full audit trail of all PNC transactions and this includes any RSPCA users that are permitted to request PNC checks to performed.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_7#incoming-214387

Bedfordshire Police
For example, control room operators will have dealings with the RSPCA and we may have received requests for help with powers of entry and powers of animal seizure or animal destruction in cruelty case,
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/re_freedom_of_information_reques_2#incoming-213191

West Yorkshire Police
West Yorkshire Police occasionally assist the RSPCA with enquiries.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/84790/response/214810/attach/2/Martin%202%20256398.pdf

Avon and Somerset Constabulary
The RSPCA can apply for previous convictions of persons they have summonsed regarding criminal offences, e.g. cruelty to animals. The disclosure is made under the rules of the Data Protection Act. All outside agencies sign an indemnity to safeguard the information, disclosure is only made to authorised persons within the agency. Statistics for individual outside agencies are not kept, and we have no electronic system which could facilitate such a search. The only way we could possibly retrieve any information would be to manually review all offence categories which the RSPCA (along with other agencies) would fall under, then review each to establish if the RSPCA had requested information. For example there have been 136 such offences so far this year
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/re_freedom_of_information_reques#incoming-215071

Staffordshire Police
I have also caused a search of force information systems for the last 5 years to be carried out for any reference to RSPCA. This has revealed that there are a total of 4738 records which carry such a reference as well as 225 intelligence records
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_28#incoming-216166

Cumbria Constabulary
Cumbria Constabulary does not hold a central database of records in relation to requests for information received from the RSPCA. Such requests could be received via the Force Wildlife Officer, through the Force Intelligence Bureau, or in a variety of other departments.

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_5#incoming-215193

South Yorkshire Police
There have been 2 instances where the RSPCA have approached the Police for information.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_27#incoming-218568

Kent Police

We note your concern regarding the disclosure of information to organisations and I have
therefore included below a link to an appendix contained within Kent Police Policy ‘D14
Information Sharing and Disclosure’. This appendix details the circumstances under which Kent
Police would share information with organisations including the RSPCA and the type of information which would be shared.
http://www.kent.police.uk/about_us/policies/d/documents/D14_Appendix_B_April_09.pdf
Private arrangements to provide personal information (the premise on which your request appears to be based) would breach data protection legislation and the Standards of Professional Behaviour contained in the Schedule to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008. For the avoidance of doubt, no such arrangements exist in Kent Police nor would any such arrangements be tolerated.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/84769/response/212313/attach/3/11.08.72%20Response%20Letter.doc.pdf

[BUT - RSPCA is then bizarrely listed in Kent Police's linked document as within the category of "PROSECUTING & REGULATORY AUTHORITIES" along with the Benefits Agency, HMRC and other agencies of national and local government, despite the fact that they are an entirely private organisation, employing ordinary members of the public with no special powers or duties - and the RSPCA is not an 'authority', whether public or otherwise]

RSPCA SPEND £6 MILLION ON SPIN, AND HOW MUCH ON WELFARE?

2011-10-15T11:15:00.002+01:00

ANIMALS LIVE IN FILTH AS RSPCA RAKE IN THE ££££'S

Freedom Food, the RSPCA's farm assurance and food labelling scheme, has appointed Total Media to handle the planning and buying for its first media push.The Freedom Food scheme is backed by retailers including Sainsbury's, specialist online retailers, independent stores and National Trust farm shops.http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/1097940/RSPCAs-Freedom-Food-appoints-Total-Media/

The RSPCA is reviewing its £6 million media business, which has been held by Mike Colling & Company since 2003.

The review is being handled by the AAR and led at the RSPCA by the former Rajar chief executive Sally de la Bedoyere, who joined the charity in June last year as the director of income generation.

Agencies were approached this week with details of the review, which will focus on fundraising and legacy marketing activity, as the charity is almost solely reliant on donations and legacies.
The review, which is expected to be completed by November, does not affect the RSCPA’s relationship with its creative agency, Whitewater, or Rocket, which provides media support on a project basis.
http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/1091972/agencies-line-6m-rspca-media-task/

RSPCA WANT BLOG SHUT !!!

2011-10-13T13:22:00.001+01:00

I didn't believe anything on this site when I first logged on out of curiosity. I was told about it my a friend who works for the RSPCA. They want it shut - but I have to say that the links are impeccable. I'm disgusted by Freedom Food - the RSPCA spends £1m a year promoting a shit system which is no better than any of the others.

By Adrian Ring on RSPCA ENDORSED PIGS LIVE IN MAGGOT INFESTED FILTH on 30/09/11

RSPCA TARGET VET IN RACIST RAID

2011-10-13T08:07:00.000+01:00

BLACK VET TARGETED IN SPEAR CAMPAIGN RAIDED BY POLICE & RSPCA

A veterinary practice was raided by police and RSPCA staff last week.

Animals and computers were removed from Woosehill Vets in Emmview Close on Sunday, October 2. A dog was found dead on the premises. RSPCA officers seized three other animals from the building.
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA confirmed one of the animals found had died.
She added a man had been arrested and questioned following the raid, but has since been released.
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/s/2101321_police_and_rspca_in_raid_on_woosehill_vet

SMEAR CAMPAIGN
A dog removed from the care of a Woosehill vets by RSPCA and police had to be put to sleep last week.

RSPCA and police attended Woosehill Vets in Emmview Close last Thursday evening where they found bull mastiff Millie.
After becoming concerned about the dog’s condition, they called owner Alison Slade from Woosehill, who arrived to collect the dog and take it to Castle Vets surgery in Reading, where it was put to sleep later that evening.
Earlier on Thursday, a High Court injunction preventing protesters from picketing outside the surgery was overturned by a judge.
Woosehill Vets owner Dr Awuah Ohene-Gyan had won an injunction preventing a group of five people from protesting outside the surgery and his other practice, Ashlyn House Vets in Binfield, last month.
However, His Honour Judge Seymour QC described the application for an injunction as “totally without merit” at a hearing at the High Court on Thursday, May 12.
Protesters have returned to their “peaceful” demonstrations outside the practice, which have been taking place since March.
The group is made up of former customers and staff of the veterinary practice.
Mr Ohene-Gyan claimed in papers to the court that his business had been a victim of a “smear campaign” and adversely affected by the demonstrations.
The group named in the High Court bid included several former members of staff.
Dr Ohene-Gyan told The Wokingham Times this week most of the protestors had an “axe to grind” with the surgery and the protests would not stop him trading.
He said: “It is personal, because I am a black man. There is no way people
would picket a white man’s clinic.”
He added of the police’s actions last week: “The police took the dog because they wanted to just make our case worse.
“There was no good reason to remove the dog.”
He said Millie’s owner had been kept updated on her treatment and that another dog he treated last year had recovered from a similar condition.
Millie was taken to Woosehill Vets for treatment on Friday, April 29, after her hind legs stopped working and was treated by the surgery for several days before the visit by police last week.
The RSPCA has been investigating the business since March, when another dog was removed from the practice by police on Sunday, March 27, and placed in the care of the RSPCA.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said a case file had been submitted to the organisation’s prosecutions department for consideration, but declined to comment further.
A spokesman for Wokingham police said: “We were assisting the RSPCA. The investigation is being led by them. We are doing community liaison work.
“I understand there have not been any problems from the protests.
“They have been peaceful.”
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/s/2092979_high_court_overturns_protest_ban_at_woosehill_vets

RSPCA PROSECUTE VET FOR SICK ANIMALS !!!!!!
The owner of a veterinary practice is to stand trial next year after denying charges of negligence and failure to provide duty of care to a sick animal.

Dr Awuah Ohene-Guyan, of Emmview Close, pleaded not guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and to another count of failing to protect an animal from harm, suffering or distress at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Maidenhead on Friday, August 5.
The charges were brought about by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) following the treatment of a lurcher at Woosehill Vets between Tuesday, February 22, and Saturday, March 27, of this year.
The 52-year-old, who only spoke to confirm his name and address, is to attend a case and management hearing at the same court on Friday, October 14, before standing trial at Reading Magistrates’ Court, which begins on Monday, March 12, 2012.
Magistrate Judy Tomlin said: “It is your duty to be back at court on the date and time mentioned. Failure to be here without a really good reason is a further offence itself and can carry a prison sentence.”
She granted Ohene-Gyan unconditional bail until the date of the trial in March
http://we3thinking.blog.com/2011/08/10/vet-in-court-over-animal-negligence/

RSPCA SHOOT HEALTHY STAG, CALLED TO HELP, INSTEAD THEY KILL

2011-10-12T08:20:00.000+01:00

KILLED BY THE RSPCA

A STAG which was killed by the RSPCA over concerns for its welfare was in fact healthy, says the father of a girl who has nurtured the animal since it was only days old.

Stan, estimated to be no older than three years old, was put down by a marksman who was called out by the RSPCA.
Stan the Stag should not have been shot dead by the RSPCA, says local farmer. Duncan Kittow, of Plainsfield Farm, Withleigh, near Tiverton, said the young buck had an unfortunate start to life and lost the lower part of a hind leg in a mowing accident at Templeton in 2009.
He said his daughter Louise bottle-fed the animal and nursed its injury.
"Although his gait was not pretty, he could clear a fence or gate with the best of his mates," Mr Kittow said.
"Stan always fended for himself, even through the snow.
"His awkward gait was noticed and the RSPCA called. Apparently Stan was viewed from a distance by the officer and a decision was made to shoot him. "Stan was obviously not wild and this should have arisen suspicion. No attempt was made to contact the owner of the field."
Stan was taken to Plainsfield Farm in June 2009, where Louise nurtured him in a small paddock until November, when he left to look after himself.
He would regularly return and approach other locals, including Louise, who would often give him a cuddle.
Mr Kittow said it would "make his day" to be greeted by Stan when checking his stock. But Stan ventured further which is when he encountered Keith Batstone, at Springfield Kitchens, Withleigh, who contacted the RSPCA over fears he was in discomforted on September 21.
Another Springfield Kitchens employee, Chris Vine, said: "We went to the RSPCA on the basis they would save the animal, not kill it. They didn't get anywhere near the animal and only looked at it from the fence."
Jo Barr, a spokesperson for the RSPCA, said "It was put to sleep to prevent further suffering as it would not have been able to fend for itself,"
She said an experienced RSPCA officer assessed the animal from around two metres away.
Staff are trained to make such decisions."
http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/RSPCA-wrong-shoot-healthy-stag-say-family/story-13529344-detail/story.html

CHARITIES COMMISSION REVEAL INCREASE IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT RSPCA

2011-10-08T14:00:00.000+01:00

In 2007 the Commission received 9 complaints and 2 enquiries about the

RSPCA. In 2008 the Commission received 15 complaints and 7 enquiries
about the RSPCA.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rspca_219099#incoming-40396

Our records show that in 2009 the Commission received 31 complaints about

the RSPCA and in 2010 we received a further 31 complaints.
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/re_rspca_219099#incoming-215101

RSPCA POLITICAL AGENDA CRITICISED AS INCOME DROPS BY 20%

2011-10-08T13:18:00.000+01:00

According to documents filed with the Charity Commission, the RSPCA has seen a steady increase in income over recent years. Annual reports covering up until December 2009 show the charity experienced a year-on-year increase in income from 2005, ending 2009 with annual income of £119.3m.
In 2010, however, year-on-year income from legacies dropped by more than 20 per cent to £59.2m

Comment from; Chris Newman

7 Oct 2011

Perhaps its time for the RSPCA to reconsider its political agenda and change direction, move away from its palpable Animal Rights objectives and refocus on Animal Welfare, some things it has disregarded for a protracted period. I would suggest the RSPCA lost public trust, and donations, “its time to wake up and smell the coffee” the public are deserting the RSPCA in its droves, the reasons are obvious, the question is the RSPCA capable of change! Sadly I doubt it!

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/fundraising/news/content/10602/rspca_to_review_entire_fundraising_portfolio

RSPCA PROSECUTION ACCUSED OF BEING UNJUST AND A WASTE OF MONEY BY ITS OWN BRANCH

2011-09-29T13:52:00.001+01:00

A WOMAN who agreed to adopt an unwanted cat for the RSPCA was stunned to find herself accused of neglect.

On Monday Allison Evans was found not guilty by magistrates in Barnstaple after denying causing unnecessary suffering to five-year-old Tiny.
And the RSPCA was criticised by its own North Devon branch chairman for bringing the prosecution.
The court heard Tiny suffered lesions across her body caused by a flea bite allergy and a condition which gives her an urge to scratch.
Miss Evans, 36, of Prospect Place, Weare Giffard, told the court she had no knowledge of the cat's medical history when she adopted it.
She said she asked for help from the RSPCA but it never materialised. Eventually she gave up and returned the ginger cat to the charity.
Speaking after the case she said: "I am in shock. I have always supported the RSPCA but won't now. I was completely stunned to have charges brought against me."
Miss Evans said she was asked by the RSPCA to adopt Tiny, who had been in care for three years and might be put down.
She said she was assured the cat had no medical history.
Some time later she noticed Tiny had some bald patches and asked a vet, who was visiting to look at another of her pets, a sick parrot, to have a look at her. He thought the cat had flea allergy dermatitis and advised her to treat her house and the cat with flea spray.
She said it was impossible to spray the whole house as everything was in boxes following a house fire.
She sprayed the downstairs area, treated Tiny and tried to contain her there to prevent her picking up any fleas elsewhere but it was not working.
Miss Evans said she asked the RSPCA for help but it never came and she felt completely let down by the charity.
She told magistrates: "The last thing I wanted to do was take her back to the cattery. I didn't want her put down.
"It was heartbreaking but I didn't know what else to do. She needed instant help and they were in a position to help her. I am really sad the cat suffered."
Prosecutor, Will Rose, said: "As soon as the condition developed it should have been taken to the vet. It got worse and once it was back in RSPCA care, Tiny improved 70% in a very short space of time.
"Whether the medical information was passed to her or not, the buck stops with her and not once did she take the cat to a professional for an examination."
Miss Evans insisted: "Maybe I made incorrect decisions but I would never have knowingly let the cat suffer."
Nigel Wraigh, defending, said: "It is the neglect of the RSPCA which has, to a considerable extent, caused the suffering and it has then taken criminal proceedings against Miss Evans."
Philip Clamp, chairman of the North Devon branch of the RSPCA, said the trial was unjust and a waste of funds.
He said: "I was always told the RSPCA wouldn't bring a case against anyone unless it was cast iron and I think this is totally unjust. Allison is undoubtedly an animal lover.
"She was let down by us. She voluntarily returned the cat to the RSPCA. We didn't raid her house. She asked for help and we failed her."
Peter Groves, chairman of the magistrates, said he hoped the RSPCA would now review its compliance procedures.
Tiny has since been re-homed and is now called Poppy.
http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/RSPCA-case-unjust-waste-money-says-branch/story-13428115-detail/story.html

RSPCA ENDORSED PIGS LIVE IN MAGGOT INFESTED FILTH

2011-09-19T09:17:00.000+01:00

IF IT WASN'T, THEY WOULD PROSECUTE THE OWNERS

THESE sickening scenes show pigs fighting for space in a rat-infested barn – yards from piles of maggot-infested carcasses.

The distressed animals were secretly filmed at a Norfolk farm signed up to the Freedom Food scheme – backed by the RSPCA – which is meant to guarantee high animal welfare standards.
Footage shot over six weeks reveals pigs mired in a swamp of mud, faeces and urine in a dark barn.
Rats scurry up walls and pick through overflowing bins of rotting carcasses, spilling maggots into pens where healthy and sick pigs are crammed together.
Here we show a selection of the squalid conditions but many of our pictures are too harrowing for a family newspaper.
It’s claimed the pigs spend 24 hours a day in this horrific state until they are sent for slaughter.
http://www.people.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2011/09/18/sickening-scenes-at-freedom-food-pig-farm-102039-23427967/

RSPCA SPEND £6M ON SPIN DOCTORS

2011-09-18T11:34:00.000+01:00

The RSPCA is reviewing its £6 million media business, which has been held by Mike Colling & Company since 2003.The review is being handled by the AAR and led at the RSPCA by the former Rajar chief executive Sally de la Bedoyere, who joined the charity in June last year as the director of income generation.

Agencies were approached this week with details of the review, which will focus on fundraising and legacy marketing activity, as the charity is almost solely reliant on donations and legacies.
The review, which is expected to be completed by November, does not affect the RSCPA’s relationship with its creative agency, Whitewater, or Rocket, which provides media support on a project basis.

http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1091972/agencies-line-6m-rspca-media-task/

FOI SUBMITTED TO ENGLISH AND WELSH POLICE FORCES RE UNLAWFUL RSPCA DATA SHARING

2011-08-30T22:17:00.000+01:00

Dear Metropolitan Police Service (MPS),

I am very concerned about the extent to which private information and data held by the police is being provided to private organisations, such as the RSPCA.
The RSPCA is a private organisation. Its employees are ordinary members of the public. Yet, I believe that there are constabularies which have private arrangements with the RSPCA for the provision of
information to that organisation of private and sensitive information about individuals, which information might be of use to the RSPCA and its ruling Councillors in their political and other objectives.
As you may know, the RSPCA is run by a ruling Council of 26 persons. At least 18 of these people are either members of, or actively support, an extreme animal rights organisation called Animal Aid. I am concerned that data concerning individuals who do not support the extreme animal rights agenda of the RSPCA and Animal Aid may be falling into the hands of those organisations, and their "partners".
I understand that the RSPCA are able to use the police radio network, called Airwave, but that requests for such things as PNC checks are sometimes handled directly by the RSPCA's Political Headquarters in Horsham.
As you may be aware, the RSPCA has a close relationship with many journalists - I am concerned that any
channel for information to be obtained unlawfully from the police and/or provided by the police in an unregulated manner should be closed off.
Would you therefore please provide me with data, detailing how many requests for information from the police have been received by the Constabulary from the RSPCA annually during the last five years
broken down annually.

Yours faithfully,
Richard Martin

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_request_i_21#outgoing-149292

RSPCA CHALLENGE CONSERVATIVE PARTY

2011-08-30T19:17:00.000+01:00

David Cameron was facing political embarrassment last night after a leading member of the local hunt he has ridden with was charged with illegal foxhunting.

Julian Barnfield, 47, the professional huntsman with the Heythrop hunt, will appear before magistrates next month on two counts of unlawfully hunting a fox.
The prosecution, which is being brought by the RSPCA, will reopen political divisions over hunting and increase pressure on Ministers to overturn the ban introduced by the Labour Government in 2004.
The Prime Minister has ridden with the Heythrop six times and the hunt is popular with fellow members of the Chipping Norton Set – an influential group of MPs and media professionals who live close to the Oxfordshire market town.
Prominent supporters include Rebekah Brooks, the former chief executive of News International, and her husband Charlie. Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has allowed the hunt to ride on his land.
Several leading members of the local Conservative party are also members of the hunt and in the past Mr Cameron has been keen to declare his support.
In 2003, he described the then proposed ban on hunting as ‘illiberal and bossy’.
The hunt is supported by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson
He also recalled a day out with the Heythrop, saying: ‘Nothing had prepared me for the sheer terror of a day’s hunting. I battled in vain to control my powerful steed and careered through trees and bushes completely out of control.
‘Trying to hover at the back of the field, I ended up at the front as a fox broke cover from behind.
‘A 15-minute gallop along narrow paths in a forest followed, during which I thought death (for me at least) would be a release. The fox escaped. Having survived two-and-a-half hours without being unseated, I dismounted and collapsed in a heap on the ground. My horse had hardly broken a sweat.’
In their 2010 manifesto, the Conservatives promised a free vote in the House of Commons on whether to overturn the ban, but many political insiders doubt it will happen. They say the Liberal Democrats are opposed to the proposal, and earlier this month. The Mail on Sunday revealed that a growing number of younger female Tory MPs, called the ‘Blue Foxes’ are also against any plans to lift the ban.
Barnfield, who is a fulltime employee of the hunt and a friend of Mr Cameron, is a fierce opponent of the hunting ban. Before its introduction, he said: ‘I will not stop. I am proud of what I do.’ In a subsequent edition of the Heythrop Hunt magazine, he listed ‘hounds in full cry’ as his favourite music and said his preferred hobbies were stalking in Scotland and hunting mink in Ireland.

This is not the first time the huntsman has been charged with offences under the controversial legislation. In 2008, he became the first person in the country to be prosecuted by police for allegedly killing a fox. But the CPS withdrew the charges following a High Court ruling which made a distinction between searching for a mammal and actively hunting it. The RSPCA’s case is based on video footage of the Heythrop hunt gathered by anti-hunt monitors.
Barnfield, who is a full-time employee of the hunt, is a friend of Mr Cameron's and a fierce opponent of the hunting ban
Barnfield in particular and the Heythrop in general have become regular targets for monitors since the hunting ban was introduced.
In 2009, he said: ‘To be frank, I am plagued by them. It’s not just that they film me and the hunt, openly and covertly. Some are verbally vile, too.’
Barnfield said the hunt had raised concerns about the filming directly with Mr Cameron, adding: ‘He [Mr Cameron] doesn’t hunt with us any more but he supports us.’
In their 2010 manifesto, the conservatives promised a free vote in the House of Commons on the ban
Penny Little, an anti-hunt monitor who gathered the footage, said: ‘We are delighted that the RSPCA has decided to mount a prosecution.’
An RSPCA spokesman said last night: ‘Julian Barnfield is scheduled to appear at Banbury Magistrates’ Court on September 16. He is charged with two offences of unlawfully hunting a wild mammal, namely a fox, with dogs, contrary to section 1 of the Hunting Act 2004, on two occasions in Oxfordshire in February and March. As proceedings are ongoing we are unable to make further comment.’
Simon Lawrance, the joint master of the Heythrop hunt, which operates in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, last night said Barnfield was uncontactable because he was on holiday in the Scottish Highlands. He added: ‘The hunt is fully supporting Mr Barnfield and the main message we want to get across is that the Heythrop hunts within the law.’
Barnfield’s solicitor Tim Hayden confirmed his client was due before magistrates. But he said he was unable to comment further until the RSPCA had disclosed full details of the case to his client.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2030971/Camerons-embarrassment-Chipping-Norton-Sets-favourite-huntsman-faces-court-illegal-hunting.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

RSPCA AND POLICE BREAK DOWN PENSIONERS DOOR

2011-07-17T21:34:00.001+01:00

THEY PROSECUTE HER, ELECTRONICALLY TAG HER;

AND KILL HER DOG BECAUSE IT HAD ARTHRITIS.

WITH YOUR MONEY!

A 71-year-old grandmother ordered to wear an electronic tag after failing to have her ailing dog put down has told how she is baffled by the punishment.

Pensioner Pauline Spoor must wear the tag for three months and stay at home between 9pm and 6am as part of a community order handed down by Tameside magistrates.
Mrs Spoor, of Torrington Avenue, Hyde, was slapped with the order after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to her labrador Dexter – but she was not banned from keeping animals.
The dog had to be put down after being found with a string of medical problems including arthritis and conjunctivitis.
After the hearing Mrs Spoor, who has another dog, said: “I can’t understand why they’re tagging someone like me, I’m not going to go out and get drunk and cause trouble – I’m an old lady.
“I don’t go out at night anyway. I’ll have to make sure I’m back from walking my dogs in time but apart from that it won’t make the blindest bit of difference. What does upset me is having to walk around with a tag on like some violent thug.
“I’ve never hurt an animal in my life. I loved Dexter and I think I tried to convince myself he was fine. He was one of my oldest friends and I didn’t want to lose him. I don’t think that makes me a criminal.”
The gran appeared before magistrates along with son John Robinson who admitted the same charge in relation to his own dog, Staffordshire bull terrier Angel.

POLICE BREAKING DOWN DOOR

RSPCA inspectors, who were tipped off by an anonymous call, first saw the dogs through a window at Mrs Spoor’s house in May last year. Unable to contact the owners, they returned with police to break in and rescue them.
Mark Harper, prosecuting, said: “Dexter was dull and lethargic. She (Mrs Spoor) said she had not been to a vet because he was incontinent and no bus or taxi would take him. She stated that she knew he needed putting to sleep but that she had been putting it off.”

Dexter, who was put down the next day, was estimated to be around nine years old although Mrs Spoor claimed he was 18.
Robinson, 30, of Wardle Brook Walk, Hattersley, signed Angel over to the RSPCA and she was later re-homed.
Angela Fitzpatrick, defending, said unemployed Robinson was struggling financially but had tried to treat Angel himself.
The court heard that both defendants owned other dogs, one of which had been rescued from a dog fighting ring.
Miss Fitzpatrick said: “He had taken steps and the steps weren’t sufficient but that’s not the same as wilfully neglecting an animal, it’s trying your best when your best doesn’t actually work. They loved their dogs – a ban would be a crippling blow.”
Robinson was handed a 12-month community order and must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was banned from keeping animals for a year. Both must pay £250 costs.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1426916_i-dont-go-out-at-night-anyway-im-71-gran-speaks-out-after-she-is-ordered-to-wear-electronic-tag-for-neglecting-her-pet-dog?rss=yes&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Technology-News-ManchesterEveningNews-RssFeed+%28Technology+-+News+-+Manchester+Evening+News+-+RSS+Feed%29

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/07/17/gran-71-gets-electronic-tag-for-not-having-her-sick-dog-put-down-115875-23275586/

RSPCA INCUR £7327 COSTS TARGETTING TOWN HALL BOSS, OVER A CHICKEN!

2011-07-06T09:02:00.000+01:00

RSPCA SPEND £7327 PROSECUTING TOWN HALL BOSS OVER £2 CHICKEN

AND WHAT WERE HIS DEFENCE TEAM DOING?

THE RSPCA MUST HAVE MONEY TO BURN!

A FORMER town hall chief has been slapped with a fine after admitting animal cruelty.

Walthaus, of Moreton Drive, Staining, was fined £250, ordered to pay a £15 victim’s charge and was told to pay £1,000 of the RSPCA’s £7,327 claim for costs.

Adam Morgan, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said officers were tipped off about the condition of a chicken kept with two others at an allotment off Newton Drive, Blackpool.
The officers found the chicken had collapsed in the chicken run. It died on the way to the vet.
Magistrates heard Walthaus faced a maximum penalty of six months in jail for the offence.
Michael Woosnam, defending, said his client had noticed the chicken had stopped laying eggs but thought that was because of its age.
He said: “My client did not realise the chicken was ill or in pain.
“He does not pick the chickens up as there is a thought that this is not good for them. He would just observe.”
The magistrates told Walthaus he was guilty of short term neglect of the chicken and that without doubt had caused the death of the bird.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/ex_town_hall_boss_cruelty_to_chicken_1_3543977

2 MORE POLICE DOGS KILLED IN CARS, RSPCA TO PROSECUTE?

2011-06-28T09:04:00.000+01:00

Two police dogs, one of them a puppy, died when their handler left them locked in his car on one of the hottest days of the year.

Ian Craven

The officer, Sergeant Ian Craven, one of the country's most experienced dog trainers, slashed his wrists when he learnt of their deaths.
He was taken to hospital after the apparent suicide attempt, and could now face prosecution for animal cruelty.
Slashed his wrists: Met Police Dog trainer Sergeant Ian Craven apparently attempted suicide after two dogs died in his care
It is the second time he has been responsible for the death of a dog left in a vehicle.
He was disciplined over the loss of a spaniel at the Metropolitan Police's prestigious dog training centre in July 2004 – but went on to be promoted.
In Sunday's incident the animals collapsed in the rear of his airless car as temperatures rose to 29c (84f) at the same training centre.
Staff pulled the Belgian malinois Chay and five-month-old alsatian Milly from the vehicle by smashing its closed windows.
They doused the dogs in water and raced them to an emergency vet but nothing could be done.
Kennel assistant, Tina Dale, 54, who was among those who tried to save the animals, described it as the 'worst day of my life'.

The Metropolitan Police Dog Training Establishment in Keston, near Bromley in Kent, where two police dogs died from excessive heat

She said on a social networking site: 'The suffering those dogs went through is too unbearable to think about. I'm in bits, we tried so so hard, but it was too long, the damage had been done. What a bloody awful way to die.'
Animal welfare charities called for Sergeant Craven to face the full force of the law.
Jan Creamer, head of Animal Defenders International, said: 'It is the golden rule that you never ever leave dogs in hot cars.
'While we do not doubt that this was a tragic accident, we would have thought that the Met Police dog unit should be setting an example to others.
'We would question why dogs were in the car at all as there are kennelling facilities on-site, we believe.
'Surely it should have been standard operating procedure to put the dogs in kennels on hot days.'
The dying Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd were discovered at the Met's dog training centre in Keston, Kent, by a member of staff as temperatures reached 29C
Chay was used by police for breeding and Milly was still being trained.
They were discovered in the back of Mr Craven's private estate car at the training centre in Keston, Kent, at 11am on Sunday.
The alarm was raised in a phone call from Mr Craven, who had travelled to work at the Olympic site in East London, several hours earlier.
He was on his way back to Keston with other officers when he was told that the animals had died.
He jumped from the car and fled. He was found by colleagues on a canal path after apparently attempting to take his own life and was taken to hospital.
Temperatures reached 29C at the Keston dog training centre yesterday, before a member of staff discovered the dying animals in a vehicle
Investigators from the RSPCA have begun an investigation which could lead to criminal charges. The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards are also looking into the incident and the Independent Police Complaints Commission have been informed.
Animal Cruelty is punishable by a maximum jail term of 51 weeks, a fine of up to £20,000 and a lifetime ban on keeping pets.
Sergeant Craven, who has more than 30 years' experience in the police was visited in hospital by Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry, of the Met's central operations wing which oversees the force's dog units.
In 2006 he featured prominently on a BBC Breakfast TV series about the work of handlers at the Met's centre.

Mark Johnson, prosecuted by RSPCA

Two years ago a Nottinghamshire police officer left two dogs to bake to death in his car. Constable Mark Johnson, 40, who left his two German shepherds to die in July 2009, was given a six-month conditional discharge and fined £2,500 last year.
Animal charities said dogs can die in as little as 20 minutes inside vehicles as temperatures quickly soar to 40c (104f).
An RSPCA spokesman said: 'In hot weather we would urge people never to leave dogs in vehicles for any length of time.'
Sources said an internal inquiry would consider a possible criminal prosecution.
PC Mark Johnson was given a six-month conditional discharge last year after leaving his two German Shepherds to die in the back of his car
The tragedy comes a year after a Nottinghamshire police officer was prosecuted when two German Shepherds died in the back of his sweltering car.
PC Mark Johnson escaped prison and was handed a six-month conditional discharge.

The 40-year-old returned to the force but is no longer working as a dog handler and was assigned to duties in south Nottinghamshire as an ordinary response officer
During his trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on February 22, the judge was told PC Johnson suffered from depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.
This led to him forgetting that he had left the dogs in his car which was parked at Nottinghamshire Police's Sherwood Lodge headquarters near Arnold on June 30 of 2009, the court heard.
During PC Johnson's February trial, the court heard he arrived at work with 18-month-old Jay-Jay and Jet, seven, on one of the hottest days of last year where temperatures peaked at nearly 30C.
He planned to move the two Alsatians into an air-conditioned police car but he got distracted and set about attending meetings and completing his paperwork.
PC Johnson told a court last year that he forgot he had left the animals in searing heat outside Nottinghamshire Police's HQ in Arnold, just north of Nottingham
Seven hours later, after a meeting with a sergeant about his mental health problems, the police officer remembered he had left them in the back of his own car and rushed out to find them dead.
The dogs suffered severe heatstroke and would have gone through 'excruciating pain' before they died of kidney failure and cerebral haemorrhage, the trial was told.
PC Johnson, a married father-of-one who has nearly 18 years' service, was suspended at the time of his trial. Police chiefs said following the verdict he would face an internal disciplinary panel.
Nottinghamshire Police was also severely criticised by district judge Tim Devas after it emerged PC Johnson was suffering from depression and OCD but found it difficult to get help.
His illness meant he simply forgot to move his dogs from his own black Ford Mondeo Estate, it was claimed.
He also regularly broke down in tears and was afraid to admit he might have a problem because he believed it could see him transferred off the dog section.
Sentencing PC Johnson, Mr Devas said: 'I have no doubt that had PC Johnson received the help he needed then he wouldn't be standing before me here today.'
Nottinghamshire Police received thousands of emails and calls from dog lovers after the case first hit the headlines last year.
It has since enforced a number of changes.
All dogs must be kept in kennels whilst at Sherwood Lodge and handlers have been given key fobs which alert them to any change in their car's temperature.
PC Johnson is currently paying off £2,500, a contribution towards the costs of the RSPCA's prosecution. But he has not been banned from keeping animals.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2008691/Sergeant-Ian-Craven-suicide-bid-police-dogs-die-baking-heat-car.html

RSPCA WOULD PROSECUTE FOR CRUELTY IF THIS HAPPENED ELSWHERE

2011-06-02T00:09:00.000+01:00

A deadly virus that has broken out at an RSPCA shelter has claimed the lives of 25 kittens and six cats.

Woodside Animal Centre's cattery has been closed since the outbreak of feline parvo virus, and cats and kittens that have survived the outbreak are being kept in quarantine there.
Staff are having to turn away owners bringing pets into the centre, while some strays and injured cats that need the centre's help are being sent to private catteries, with the charity footing the bill.
Lisa Smith, manager of the centre, in Scudamore Road, Leicester, said: "The virus causes sickness and diarrhoea and, in most cases, death.
"It's affected the young kittens badly.
"One cat that died had given birth to five kittens, and they've all died too.
"It's heartbreaking, and it happens so quickly.
"We've been leaving what look like healthy cats at the centre at the end of the day and coming in the next morning and pulling out dead bodies."
Lisa added: "We're doing everything we can, but we're really battling against it.
"In one day alone, we had 11 injured cats that we'd taken responsibility for and we've had to place them in a private boarding centre."
Staff said the outbreak, which started earlier this month, was now under control, and they were hoping to reopen the cattery in a few weeks.
In the meantime, they are appealing for cat foster carers to help look after the dozens of animals on the centre's waiting list.
Animal care assistant Rachel Allcock said: "It's now under control but to err on the side of caution, the cattery is still closed so it doesn't spread.
"But it's left us with the problem of cats that still need our help because we are unable to admit them here.
"We want to appeal to foster carers who can look after cats that we can't admit until the cattery is back open again.
"We will supply all the food, we just need someone to help for a few weeks until we are able to reopen."
The outbreak was caused by a cat coming into the centre that had not been vaccinated against the virus.
Although the centre vaccinates most animals as soon as they are taken in, those that are too young or on medication cannot be inoculated straight away.
Rachel said: "We need to get the message out that if cats are not vaccinated they could potentially pick up this deadly disease."
Vet John Borrajo, of Medivet Borrajo's Veterinary Clinic, in Birstall, is helping care for the cats at Woodside.
He said: "This is the first time in many years that there's been an outbreak here – I think the last one was in the early 90s.
"It's very important that people vaccinate their cats to protect against the virus as there's no magic medicine once they have it.
"It is under control at Woodside now and we would hope it won't be too long before the cattery is open.
"They want to get it open as soon as possible but if it's opened too early it could spiral down and more cats could be lost."
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Deadly-virus-claims-lives-25-kittens-shelter/article-3607640-detail/article.html

RCPCA CLOSE YET ANOTHER COMPETITOR

2011-05-28T12:20:00.000+01:00

ARE THE GOVERNMENT BLIND TO WHATS HAPPENING?

OR ARE THEY PARTY TO THE PLAN?

RSPCA CLOSE COMPETITOR CHARITIES AND SIGNPOST FUTURE CASES TO THEMSELVES, AND THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS.

Scores of seagulls have been seized by the RSPCA from a charity which cares for the birds.

The seaside birds were taken from Sussex-based National Gull Rescue and Protection Charity amid rumours of mistreatment of the creatures.
The gull charity, which was founded and run by Tim McKenzie and is the only one of its kind in the UK, shut suddenly in April.
Yesterday Mr McKenzie, 54, from Bexhill, confirmed the charity had been suspended after a series of raids by the RSPCA.
He has consulted a solicitor regarding the matter.
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/9053300.RSPCA_raids_Sussex_animal_rescue_charity/
NATIONAL SEAGULL RESCUE SITE CLOSED AS RSPCA NOW PROMOTE THEMSELVES
http://www.seagullrescue.co.uk/
The RSPCA

ST LEONARDS ON SEA , U K (Hastings Observer) - THE Seagull Man of Hastings has hung up his gloves and is now taking on a purely advice based back-seat.
Tim McKenzie, who for years has been helping stricken gulls across 1066 Country, is no longer available for call-outs.
Anyone who finds an injured gull is instead urged to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999 or the charity’s Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre on 0300 123 0723.
The RSPCA hotline is not a 24-hour number, but answerphone messages are checked regularly.
And Mr McKenzie is still available to offer advice on seagulls after changing his charity from National Gull Rescue to National Gull Protection.
He still hopes to be able to hold information stalls similar to one last year which attracted hundreds of gull-friendly passers-by in Priory Meadow.
http://charity-charities.org/news.php?artid=1042524
RSPCA cost Devon and Somerset Fire Brigade £23,000 rescuing seagulls
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Seagull-rescues-cost-service-23-000/article-947591-detail/article.html

http://www.bexhillobserver.net/news/bexhill-news/gull_team_rescue_another_stranded_bird_1_1402579
http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/news-in-video/seagulls_1_1433171
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/sussex/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8352000/8352443.stm
http://www.saveourseabirdscharitabletrust.org.uk/newsletters/newsletter2010.htm

STILL BEGGING; RSPCA FUND JOLLY TO TURIN

2011-05-26T07:37:00.000+01:00

WHAT DO THE RSPCA DO WITH YOUR DONATIONS?

Representatives from Kenyon Fraser will be heading over to Turin in Italy later this week to speak to the leaders of the world’s 8 most influential animal welfare organisations about social marketing.

World Animal ForumThe World Animal Forum is an association comprising of the chief executive officers of organisations including the World Society for the Protection of Animals, RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming.
They will take part in a full day of seminars with Kenyon Fraser and Professor Alan Andreasen from Georgetown University, a specialist in social marketing.
“We are really excited about facilitating this important step in an emerging strategy for the WAF, and wholeheartedly support their aims for creating sustainable behavioural change to support the animal welfare movement globally,” said Ben O'Brien, director of health & society at Kenyon Fraser.
http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-media-news/north-west-marketing-services/kenyon-fraser-advises-world-animal-forum-on-social-marketing-2011051811012/
http://www.worldanimalforum.org/events_en.php

THEIF, FRAUDSTER, CONMAN, PRISONER, EX RSPCA VICE PRESIDENT

2011-05-22T11:26:00.000+01:00

FORMER Labour minister Elliot Morley was told he had "thrown away his good name and character" as he was sentenced for 16 months for fraudulently claiming thousands of pounds of false expenses.
The former MP for Scunthorpe, who falsely claimed more than £30,000 for a so-called phantom mortgage, became the first former minister to be sent to prison for the expenses scandal which rocked the British political establishment in 2008 and 2009.
The 58-year-old followed his former Labour colleagues ex-Livingston MP Jim Devine and ex-Bury North MP David Chaytor into prison, as well as Tory peer Lord Taylor of Warwick.
The former Labour environment minister, who was once also a teacher, pleaded guilty last month to claiming more than £30,000 in the scam.
It was the largest claimed by any of the politicians so far convicted over the expenses scandal.
Sentencing Morley to 16 months' imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court yesterday, Mr Justice Saunders said he was guilty of "blatant dishonesty".
Morley previously entered two guilty pleas for false accounting relating to his home in Winterton, near Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, between 2004 and 2007.
In total, he claimed £16,800 on a bogus mortgage and £15,200 after inflating the amount he was previously paying - for which he should have been entitled to only £1,572.
Mr Justice Saunders said: "I am satisfied from the nature of the mortgage transactions and the correspondence that the excessive claims were made deliberately and are not explicable even in part by oversight."
Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, said Morley had "engaged in the wholesale abuse of the expenses system".
The packed courtroom heard that between May 2004 and November 2007, Morley claimed significantly more than the value of his mortgage on his second home.
In that period he submitted 19 claims for "excessive mortgage payments" to which he was not entitled, worth £15,200.
Despite paying off the mortgage for the property in 2006, he continued to claim £800 a month in fraudulent payments.
Between March 2006 and November 2007 he submitted 21 second-home allowance forms totalling £16,800 for payments on a mortgage that did not exist.
Mr Justice Saunders said: "The continuation of the claim for £800 a month after the mortgage had been redeemed can properly be described as blatant dishonesty.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/politics/Elliot-Morley-gets-16-months.6771915.jp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13467137
http://www.rspcafinance.co.uk/content.asp?page=50
http://rspcanotwhattheyseem.blogspot.com/2010/02/rspca-vice-president-morleys-porkies.html
http://germanshepherdrescue.freeforums.org/rspca-vice-president-charged-with-false-accounting-t894.html
http://www.headsup.org.uk/content/default.asp?page=s157_1

RSPCA KILL WAR HERO'S PUPPY

2011-05-20T07:11:00.000+01:00

AREN'T THE RSPCA SUPPOSED TO BE AN ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITY?????????

A WAR hero who suffered horrific bomb wounds in Afghanistan claims an animal charity killed his beloved puppy.

Steven Doolan and Charlotte Gayter, of Grangeway, said the RSPCA put down Poppy after she ran away from home.
Miss Gayter, 23, said the couple had asked to delay collection of the dog as the family were struggling to arrange transport.
She said their car was being repaired at a garage and no-one else was available to pick up the dog.
Miss Gayter had tracked down Poppy to RSPCA Liverpool in Halewood, a day after she ran away on April 26.
Miss Gayter phoned back last week, only to discover that the dog had already been put down.
Mr Doolan, 24, who served as a private in The Mercian Regiment, lost a leg in an IED explosion bought the puppy nine months ago to celebrate the first year of the couple’s relationship,
They believe the puppy, a one-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, escaped through a gap in a fence. It was the fourth time she had run away.
Miss Gayter said the dog was much loved by her, Mr Doolan and her two-year-old daughter.
She said the loss has ‘devastated’ the family.
She said: “The RSCPA centre tried to claim that Poppy was a nasty dog but she was such a loving pet. My daughter kept asking where she was but now she knows Poppy’s not coming back.
“The RSCPA didn’t even ring me before she was put down. I wasn’t informed. It just seems like no-one understands, that they don’t care.
“We’re all devastated.”
An RSPCA spokesman said a vet made the decision to put the dog down because it was not good around other dogs.
He said it was the fourth time a warden had handed Poppy, who was microchipped, in as a stray.
http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/featured-stories/2011/05/19/rspca-destroys-ied-wounded-runcorn-soldier-s-dog-55368-28717914/

CASE THROWN OUT AFTER RSPCA BREAK INTO STABLES

2011-05-12T11:28:00.000+01:00

A TOP pony showman has hit out at the “over-zealous” approach of RSPCA inspectors who landed him in court.
David Roberts faced 10 animal welfare charges but all were thrown out by a judge sitting at Caernarfon Crown Court last week.
He said the whole process had been pointless and had cast a two-year shadow over his business and family.
“It’s been a nightmare that’s been hanging over us for two years,” he said.
"The case could have cost me my reputation but it really should never have been brought in the first place.”
Mr Roberts, 56, who breeds and shows Section B Welsh Ponies, is the winner of many county breed titles in both Wales and England.
His ponies are stabled near Waunfawr and he visits them daily from his home in Caernarfon.
Two years ago he was shocked to discover two RSPCA vans and a police car outside the stables.
It followed an unannounced visit by the animal welfare charity a few days earlier, when an RSPCA officer had expressed concern about the condition of two mares out in a field.
Mr Roberts said: “I arrived on a Monday evening to feed the animals when I saw the vans parked outside.
“They’d broken into the stables and were in the process of loading up the two mares and a foal into trailers.
“At no time were they interested in discussing the situation.
“I was never told where the mares went – they just disappeared.”
Charges ranged from a failure to pick up horse droppings to empty hay nets.
RSPCA officers also described a smell of urine and said they had found an empty water bucket.
Mr Roberts accused the animal welfare charity of going out of its way to find fault in what was otherwise a well-run stable.
He said: “Yes, one water bucket was empty, but there were five others that weren’t. And while the nets were empty, but that’s because the ponies had eaten the hay.
“I muck out every day but like most stables, I don’t replace the straw every time – I tend to have a spring clean at the weekends.”
The RSPCA’s main concern was the condition of the mares. In court it was made clear these had been loaned out to a lady who had failed to look after them.
Following a phone call from a worried neighbour, Mr Roberts had seized them back a few weeks prior to the RSPCA visit, and was in the process of restoring them to health.
“I had wormed them and de-liced them but the RSPCA insisted the mares were still my responsibility when they were loaned out,” he said.
“This was rejected by the court.”
Solicitor Gareth Parry, defending, accused the animal charity of not fully investigating the case before bringing it to court.
“It was a rush to judgement,” he said.
Mr Roberts said he didn’t harbour ill-feelings towards the RSPCA but added: “This case shows they don’t always get it right.
“All it needed was a phone call and a bit of commonsense.”
An RSPCA spokesman said the case had been investigated thoroughly and the prosecution had been brought in good faith. He added: “The RSPCA's mandate is to prevent animal cruelty and our interventions are always based on this conviction.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/farming-north-wales/farming-news/2011/05/12/rspca-should-never-have-taken-me-to-court-says-caernarfon-pony-breeder-55578-28678991/

ITS OFFICIAL, THE RSPCA HAVE NO SPECIAL POWERS, DESPITE WHAT THEY CLAIM

2011-03-25T14:31:00.002Z

THE RSPCA HAVE NO SPECIAL LEGAL POWERS ABOVE THOSE OF ANY PRIVATE CITIZEN OR ORGANISATION - THE ACT CONFERS NO POWERS ON THE RSPCA.

THE RSPCA AS AN ORGANISATION ARE NOT "INSPECTORS" UNDER THE ACT AND IN THEIR ROLE AS PRIVATE ENFORCERS RSPCA OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WOULD HAVE TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN INSPECTOR OR POLICE CONSTABLE IF THEY WISHED TO GAIN ACCES TO PREMISES.
http://the-shg.org/JimPaice.html

RSPCA BULLIES VETS INCRUELTY CASES

2011-03-23T06:47:00.005Z

Veterinary corruption is bursting out all over.

The long close and very profitable association between the RSPCA and

RCVS is obviously over.

The judicary have been making comments for years.

Like many divorces this is going to get messy

http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Uk/uk.business.agriculture/2010-10/msg00067.html

From Sunday Times 24th October 2010

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/sitesearch.do?querystring=RSPCA+BULLIES+VETS&sectionId=2&p=sto&bl=on&pf=all

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/terence-blacker/terence-blacker-the-emptiness-of-institutional-caring-2116299.html

PENSIONER ON BENEFITS REFUSED RESCUE CAT BY RSPCA

2011-02-15T08:37:00.001Z

DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BY RSPCA

John White, 62, has previously given a home to two RSPCA cats, but said when he visited the charity’s Paws Centre in Barrack Street, Norwich, intending to find another cat, he was told he would not be able to take one.
Mr White, who lives in Old Catton, said: “A woman there asked if I was on benefits, and I said I’m a pensioner and on housing benefit and council tax benefit, and she said ‘No, you can’t have a cat’.
“I think it’s disgusting: just because you’re on benefits it doesn’t mean you can’t look after a cat. I live alone so having a pet is good company for me.”

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/norwich_man_on_benefits_refused_rspca_rescue_cat_1_796354

READERS COMMENTS

EVERYCAT
I hope that Mr White contacts the animal rescue groups in his area who are absolutely full of lovely cats needing good homes. These smaller rescues are being landed with all the animals that the RSPCA refuse to take in now. I wonder what the RSPCA actually do these days? They won't take in stray animals, they won't adopt out animals. They have an anti-pet agenda and now it looks like they have a discrimination agenda too. Mr White - please visit your local, independent animal shelters. They are crying out for good cat owners!
WENDY RICE
You can't have a cat because you live on benefits. Yet you can go out to work from 7am till 7pm 7 days a week, leaving your dog barking, howling and throwing itself at the wall. I cannot abide the RSPCA. talk about double standards.
JAY
well your damned if you work & damned if you don't! how many people have been refused because they work & they are out most of the day yet you can be a pensioner or on benefits at home & they still refuse you i think the rspca need to make their mind up on their rehoming policies
ANIMAL NUT
Well, the RSPCA are always bleating that they're overflowing with pets, and now I see why. Effectively they will ban any pensioner or anyone on benefits from adopting. I'm glad the Blue Cross didn't take that attitude when I, (a pensioner) adopted my two dogs!
JOHN NORTON
If this is true it amounts to discrimination against an elderly man because he lives on benefits. Just what has that got to do with it? Presumably he would have more time to care for the cat We are talking about a bloomin old cat here not some exotic wild animal. I think this needs some clarification from the RSPCA as to exactly why John was turned down?

RSPCA MAY CLOSE MARTLESHAM & FAIL TO PROTECT ANIMALS IN SUFFOLK

2011-02-15T08:18:00.000Z

MARTLESHAM TO CLOSE FOLLOWING DROP IN DONATIONS TO USELESS RSPCA

The future of an RSPCA rescue centre in Suffolk is in jeopardy due to a funding crisis, The centre at Martlesham, which was set up in 1970 has only 80 days of funding left.
Although regulated by the RSPCA, the centre only receives minimal financial support from it.
The organisation, which has seen a drop in donations and legacies, is appealing for public support.

(AND IF THEY GET IT THEY WILL SPEND IT ON THEIR HEAD OFFICE, ADVERTISING, PROSECUTIONS AND BARRISTERS, NOT ANIMAL WELFARE)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-12425157

POLICE AND RSPCA TAKE NO ACTION FOLLOWING PIG KILLINGS
Mark Hayward had 18 of his animals killed and another 23 wounded.
“My main concern is that we highlighted a potential animal and neither the RSPCA or the police have been able to do anything.

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/news/farmer_s_concern_after_pigs_killed_1_224199

PUPPY LEFT WITHOUT FOOD AND WATER IN POLICE CARE IN BURY ST EDMUNDS
THE RSPCA is investigating cops over claims a stray dog they took in was left without food or water for SEVEN days.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article266922.ece

RSPCA WORK, INSURANCE FIDDLE, MURDERERS, YOU COULDNT MAKE IT UP!

2011-02-01T09:00:00.000Z

INSURANCE FRAUDSTER WORKING FOR RSPCA

FRAUDSTER! EXCELLENT CREDENTIALS TO WORK AT THE RSPCA

Canoe fiddle couple John and Anne Darwin are out of jail – but they’re now “dead” to each other and the sons they duped.

Yet they both looked well on day release from prison in the run-up to freedom.
He hid for five years after faking death in their £250,000 insurance scam.
But after 37 years’ marriage, the pair behind one of the most infamous crimes in recent history are heading for separate lives. She now refuses all contact with him, while the grown-up sons they also callously fooled have disowned them.
Anne, 59, given six years, six months, is due out in March and wants to go back to Panama, where they moved to. Seen working at an RSPCA shelter, she got a “full makeover” in jail from road-rage killer Tracie Andrews, 41.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/01/17/canoe-death-fiddle-couple-john-and-anne-darwin-let-out-of-jail-115875-22854475/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-499265/Wife-dead-canoeist-faced-cash-probe-Panama-months-ago.html

RSPCA TARGET PENSIONERS IN ANTI COMPETITION SCAM

2011-02-01T08:34:00.000Z

Verinica Mepham with rescued fox cub, the RSPCA would have added this to their 60,000 + animals they kill every year!

READER COMMENT
"I do not trust the RSPCA as far as I can throw them. I will not donate to their ever growing cash mountain that they already have stashed because I feel they are using it more and more for their bullyboy agendas (such as this). They have become more of the "animal police" rather than animal "welfare officers".

READER COMMENT

"But it has emerged those charges are to be withdrawn if the couple sign a legal agreement to shut Rescuers down.

So, a larger competitor shuts down a smaller rival with legal blackmail, and the courts agree?

Just another reason to never, ever, NEVER give any money to the RSPCA.
And the next chugger that accosts me in the High Street soliciting money on their behalf is going to get the shock of his or her life!"

READER COMMENT
"No longer will the RSPCA receive any funding from me. These people did the best they could with NO help from the RSPCA, If the RSPCA were being proactive they would have offered help and support. What happens now when wildlife needs help who do we turn to certainly not the RSPCA, they simply do not respond to calls. It means more suffering not less. The authorities have simply ground this couple down instead of trying to help. Shame on the RSPCA and other parties who could have tried to mediate in this case."

THE husband and wife team running a Benfleet animal sanctuary for 13 years have agreed to close it to avoid prosecution over animal cruelty allegations.

Veronica Mepham, 70, and husband Reinhard, 64, have begun rehoming animals and dismantling the Rescuers Animal Sanctuary they’ve run in Watlington Road, Benfleet, since 1997.
The couple were due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court yesterday to face 18 counts each of animal cruelty charges.
But it has emerged those charges are to be withdrawn if the couple sign a legal agreement to shut Rescuers down, which is expected to happen before a court date next month.
The charges related to not giving adequate veterinary treatment to a variety of injured animals and failing to put down four birds.
Other offences included keeping a fox and fox cub in unsuitable conditions, failing to stop a duck from suffering preventable injury, and failing to give a wood pigeon adequate food and veterinary care.
Mrs Mepham told the Echo she had agreed to close the sanctuary, but said this did not mean she or her husband were guilty.
She said: “We deny the allegations and would have fought them in court, but we could not get legal aid. We do not have the money for the case because it has all gone into the sanctuary.
“Our volunteers have supported us and would not have worked here if they had not been happy with the conditions.”
She added: “It is heartbreaking to do after caring for animals for so many years, but we have to return it to scrubland.”
The sanctuary provided owls for use in the Harry Potter films, while squirrels from the sanctuary also featured in the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp.
The Mephams live in a mobile home at the sanctuary and are likely to have to go on Castle Point Council’s housing waiting list once the sanctuary is closed.
The RSPCA, which has brought the case against the Mephams, said it was unable to comment.

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/8797337.Benfleet_animal_sanctuary_will_have_to_close/

RSPCA; A CHARITY WITH TOO MUCH POWER, TOO RIGHT!

2011-01-07T00:45:00.002Z

THE RSPCA

A charity with too much power?

I suspect that many readers of Shooting Times have enjoyed watching the current season of Garrow's Law on BBC One. For those who haven't had the chance to watch the series, it is a dramatisation of the life of William Garrow, an 18th century barrister who changed the face of criminal advocacy in his practice at the g Old Bailey. Despite its period setting, the programme has a lot to teach us about current legal issues that may impact on all fieldsports enthusiasts.
Garrow Law is set at a time when most prosecutions were brought privately. Victims who could afford to institute proceedings were often in a position to have defendants brought before the court in order to face hearings that a modern lawyer would not recognise as just or fair. Punishments were draconian. It was not uncommon for children found guilty of small thefts to be transported or even executed on the basis of evidence that amounted, in many cases, to no more than an accusation made by the person funding the prosecution.
William Garrow developed a new style of advocacy that began to introduce a level of fairness to criminal trials that we now take for granted. This brought him into direct conflict with the societies that had been formed in order to promote the public good by instituting criminal proceedings. Organisations such as the Society for the Reformation of Manners brought thousands of actions for brothel keeping and lewdness. It believed that the morals of the nation could best be improved by prosecuting individuals whose behaviour it found objectionable. The evidence provided by informers and reforming constables in the course of these prosecutions was generally regarded by the public as unreliable, but the zeal of those bringing the prosecutions ensured that they continued to be brought well into the early 19th century.
The period between the 1820s and the 1880s saw the formation of police forces across the country, and in 1880 the first director of public prosecutions was appointed. At around the same time, most reforming societies transferred their efforts to charitable works designed to help the poor rather than simply to prosecute them. The State gradually took over the prosecution of criminal offences, until, in 1985, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was formed in order to administer prosecutions brought by the Crown fairly and justly.
Interesting though this maybe, you are perhaps wondering what this has to do with shooting or any other fieldsport. The answer is that, though the CPS is responsible for most of the prosecutions in the criminal courts in England and Wales, there is one category of offence that the CPS rarely has anything to do with. Animal welfare cases tend to be brought by local authorities or the RSPCA.
The RSPCA began life in 1824 as the society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. From its genesis, the objectives of the society were education, promoting animal rights and prosecution. Over time, the society's prosecution function became nore important until, in 2008, it was spending in excess of million per annum on prosecutions and more than million per annum on its inspectorate, which has evolved into a sort of private police force.
Due to the huge resources available to the RSPCA, national and local authorities have become increasingly reliant on it to ensure that animal welfare laws are prosecuted. The RSPCA has taken on the role of investigating and prosecuting almost all offences alleged to take place in the home. It also provides support and assistance to local authorities investigating and prosecuting alleged offences that take place on farms and involves itself in the prosecution of some wildlife crime.
Troublesome points of law
There is little doubt that this works well when dealing with clear-cut cases of animal abuse, where the evidence is overwhelming and the offence might not otherwise be prosecuted. Much more troubling are some of the borderline and novel cases brought. by the RSPCA, and some of the practices that it has employed in enforcing the law. Cases include the prosecution of a 15-year-old girl whose father did not allow her to take her cat to a vet to mend its broken tail. The RSPCA appealed this case to the Divisional Court, despite the fact that the girl's father had pleaded guilty himself from the outset. Other cases have been brought against mentally ill defendants, two separate individuals accused of drowning grey squirrels and a number of defendants subsequequently acquitted accused of neglecting animals on the basis of evidence from a questionable veterinary opinion.
Some of the RSPCA’s recent methods have been called into question. It would appear that it has applied to the court for search warrants despite there being no lawful basis for it to do so; it has issued improvement notices that have no basis in law; and written to defendants, through its lawyers, giving misleading information regarding potential outcomes in criminal proceedings in order to avoid any waste of its own funds in the event that the defendants did not appear in court.
The reason why this should be of concern to fieldsports enthusiasts is that in the current climate of public spending cuts, cash-strapped local authorities may be tempted to allow the RSPCA to take over responsibility for animal welfare law on farms and in the countryside more generally, in the same way that it is now responsible for animal welfare law in the home. It would appear that the first steps towards this happening have already been taken. It is worth considering that the new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Pmposes and the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs have been drafted in contemplation of prosecutions under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act for failure to abide by the codes. Keepers and gundog breeders may like to consider how life would be in the event that the RSPCA takes over responsibility for ensuring that these codes are complied with.
The RSPCA opposes fieldsports and campaigns to have the law changed in order to outlaw the killing of wild animals and birds for sport. Should a campaigning charity be left to investigate and administer the law that it campaigns on? William Garrow was opposed to such an arrangement. This may be a good time for shooting groups, BASC, the Countryside Alliance and others to remind the Government that we live in a progressive age and that any return to an older style of prosecution familiar to Garrow will be vigorously resisted.
Jamie Foster is a solicitor-advocate at Clarke Willmott LLP specialising in animal welfare and fieldsports law.

COURT OF APPEAL STATE THAT "RSPCA's CONDUCT HAS BEEN REGRETTABLE"

2010-12-15T08:24:00.000Z

RSPCA BLOW £ MILLIONS OF HARD EARNED DONATIONS ON LEGAL FEES FIGHTING GILL CASE

Donations intended to help animals not pay lawyers

Excellent. Perhaps people will now wake up and see what the RSPCA are really about and stop donating to them.

Sheer utter greed that made Dr Gills life hell.
RSPCA - an animal welfare organisation that admits in their own trustee report to killing over 63,000 animals in 2009.
£120m a year in donations and still scrounging. Remember that those donations go to the fat cats in HQ and not to the centres which are independently franchised businesses.
RSPCA HQ should be ashamed but they won't as they don't have a conscience between them down there in their luxury offices.
Congratulations Dr Gill.
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/8736889.RSPCA_S_court_fight_over___2_4m_will__regrettable_/

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/fundraising/news/content/7951/court_gives_reasons_for_dismissing_rspca_appeal

GREEDY RSPCA LOSE GILL APPEAL, AND EVEN MORE DONATIONS

2010-12-01T08:30:00.000Z

Jubilant Christine Gill after winning appeal

Who is picking up the tab for the courts costs? £120m in a year in donations and still scrounging. This money does not go the the branches, which are all independent franchised businesses responsible for their own fundraising

In 2009 the RSPCA killed a total of 63,000 animals - a rise of over 3000 on the previous year. Nice to know how your donations are spent

trickie43, coundon says...

excellent outcome , shame the RSPCA found it nessesary to spent so much money chasing their tale, still for just £2.00 a month we can all contibute to the court costs....

smokin, dh65hw says...
this has made my night these greedy people were trying to take away a daughters right to her mothers property and I hope that the costs come out of the RSPCA and not the tax payer

Cosmos, says...
It beggars belief that the RSPCA refused to accept the legal judgement in this case. This latest debacle threatens the financial future of many charities. Not only will it ensure that more people will stop donating to this greedy organisation it will also deter many from donating to those charities which supported this action. I would like to know how much more of the general public's hard-earned cash has gone on this latest appeal on top of the £1.3million costs from the previous hearings.

queenie1, Birmingham says...
Heartiest congratulations to Dr Gill and the very sensible Judge in this case. I am absolutely thrilled that it's all behind her now and that she and her son can now enjoy the farm that is so rightfully theirs.
Shame on the greedy RSPCA for pursuing this, they've put Dr Gill through a great deal of worry and anguish. I hope they will at least, have the grace to apologise, and let this be a lesson not to try to grab other people's inheritances.

simmo3578, newton aycliffe says...
they wont get a penny from me ever again, air ambulance ( which should be funded from the taxpayer and shouldn`t have to beg for clothes to sell) and any heart/cancer charity.
agreed,,,i always give the air ambulance. but now the greedy rspca get nowt. fact.

billysaid, aycliffe says...
ps,,,if they can afford to persue a case through the high courts,,,,then they obviousley do not need my,or anyone elses contributions. that is a fact.

Colcat, Teesside says...

billysaid wrote: ps,,,if they can afford to persue a case through the high courts,,,,then they obviousley do not need my,or anyone elses contributions. that is a fact.
No it's not - it's a supposition. That's a fact.
I have found that the RSPCA as an organisation is not particularly in favour of the best interests of animals, and have expressed this opinion before. I also believe them to be money grabbing, which this case has demonstrated. Instead of giving anything to them, I prefer to give to SARA. (I do agree that GNAA is also a worthy charity, but also believe it should be state funded.)

neilt63, toft hill says...

How fitting that Christine got her family farm back, the RSPCA should be ashamed of themselves, whoever decided to challenge the courts decision should resign immediately. I wonder how big that salary reduction would be? It's also nice to see that some of the courts do live in the "same world" as us

smokin, dh65hw says...

colcat you are right when you say they don't have the best interests of animals at heart
a friend of mine phoned them one day to tell them that she had found a full litter of puppies they told her to open the gate and let them out and the dog catcher will pick them up they were only a month old
I adopted one who turned out to be a Presa Canario (as was the full litter) a most beautifull dog
(why they were abandoned is a very sad story better left for another time)
but needless to say all the puppies were found homes by this lady and she immediately withdrew her direct debit donation which was £2.00 per month and she had donated this for years they are just greedy people not caring at all

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/8710884.Second_day_of_appeal_over___2m_RSPCA_will/
http://rspcanotwhattheyseem.blogspot.com/2010/11/rspca-fraudsters-lose-gill-case.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/nov/30/rspca-loses-appeal-will-ruling

RSPCA £245,000 LOTTERY GRANT, AND THEY SPEND £3,500 A DAY ON PROSECUTION BARRISTERS

2010-11-19T09:38:00.000Z

RSPCA FORCE BANKRUPTCY ON HORSE TRADER, PROSECUTE CHILDREN, PENSIONERS AND THE DISABLED, SPEND MILLIONS ON CONTESTING WILLS AND ON LEGAL FEES, AND YET RECIEVE LOTTERY FUNDING. DISGRACEFULL.

WE ASK WHO BENEFITS FINANCIALLY FROM RSPCA PROSECUTIONS?

Gray lost his appeal against a life ban on keeping horses and 24 weeks' jail in May, and today Judge Christopher Tyrer, at Bicester Magistrates Court, awarded extra costs to the RSPCA — bringing the amount the horse trader owes the charity to £600,000.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/419/303646.html

http://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-formers/press-releases/animal-welfare/rspca-245-000-lottery-grant-for-unique-youth-education-project-$21385695$366366.htm

TOP VET EVANS LEAVES RSPCA; GOOD RIDDANCE

2010-11-18T09:42:00.000Z

Good Riddance to bad rubbish but to be honest he just highlighted how this so called charity no longer has anything to do with saving animals from cruelty!

MARK EVANS, the controversial vet who branded show dogs and dog shows as a ‘parade of mutants’, has left the RSPCA as its chief veterinary adviser.

Evans caused an uproar two years ago after his statements about certain breeds were aired during the programme, Pedigree Dogs Exposed.

Comments from our readers and on the OUR DOGS facebook page saw a unanimous sigh of relief at his departure: Victoria Wilkins said: ‘I can't understand why he couldn't justify what he said. In effect, he's saying that pedigree dogs, the dogs where we can trace most of the history and breed development, are more of a concoction and mutation than a crossbreed which can be more susceptible to problems because the breed is thrown together and their parentage cannot be traced, only guessed. Although he had good views on other aspects of animal welfare I feel that this is the right move.’ Kay Martland said: ‘Has he finally realised that they (RSPCA) are more interested in political matters than actually doing 'what it says on the tin'.. '.....Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' ????’ and Serena Parker simply said ‘Good riddance!
http://www.ourdogs.co.uk/News/2010/Nov2010/News121110/evans.htm

http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.com/2010/11/mark-evans-leaves-rspca.html

FURY AS RSPCA REFUSE TO ATTEND EMACIATED DOG

2010-11-08T09:56:00.002Z

ANIMAL lovers who discovered a dog almost dying in the street called in the cops and the RSPCA – but were shocked to be told by the charity to “let it go, and it will find its own way home”.

Last night they lashed out at the RSPCA for not turning out to help the pooch, which was in a terrible state.
Tina Fitzpatrick, who was one of those who found the French Bullmastiff dodging traffic on Queslett Road in Great Barr, Birmingham, said: “The dog was in awful condition.
“It kept collapsing. It had belonged to somebody but had been badly neglected.
“It was dehydrated, underweight and had marks around its neck from where it had been kept on a chain.
“Its mouth was full of ulcers and all its teeth had gone from gnawing at the chain. It was terrible to see.”
The passers-by rang the police, who managed to get the dog to safety at the side of the road and then contacted the RSPCA.
What happened next outraged Tina, 41, of Kingstanding, who has three dogs herself.
“The RSPCA said they didn’t have any wardens free to come out and collect the animal,” she said. “The police officer asked, ‘what shall I do with the dog?’ and the RSPCA told him, ‘just let it go and it will find its own way home’.“
He was shocked and couldn’t believe it. There was no way you could let the dog go. What would have happened if it had got hit by a car or run into the road and caused an accident?

“It wasn’t a small dog. It was enormous, the size of a small Shetland pony.”
The dog stayed with a friend of Tina’s overnight, and they rang an emergency vet.
“I know the dog wasn’t injured,” said Tina. “But we told the RSPCA it was in a bad way and kept collapsing. They still refused to come out. For them to tell us to let the dog loose on a busy road was irresponsible and unforgivable.
“I’m disgusted by their behaviour. I used to give money to them, but won’t anymore.”
But a spokeswoman for the RSPCA said “If there’s nothing wrong with the dog then it’s the local authority who should take it,” she said.

“They receive money from the Government for this service.”

http://www.sundaymercury.net/news/midlands-news/2010/11/07/animal-lovers-fury-over-rspca-s-treatment-of-stray-dog-66331-27614137/2/

RSPCA REAP WHIRLWIND OF PUBLIC DISCONTENT IN WIRRAL

2010-11-04T10:17:00.000Z

Devastated Pat Seager watched in horror as inspectors stormed in and began filming and making notes on the 47 neglected or injured animals that had been left on her doorstep.

The RSPCA needs to review its "unjust" policy on animal cruelty prosecutions, MP Frank Field has said.

"The whole thing makes my blood boil…it is so unjust," he added.

The MP's concerns however were echoed by leading barrister Jonathan Rich who said he was very troubled by the sort of defendants who were becoming typical of RSPCA prosecutions. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7631635.stm

DONATIONS DRY UP FOLLOWING PENSIONERS PROSECUTION

A "top priority" to ensure that "all available resources are set aside to ensure that the Animal Centre can continue to support RSPCA inspectors".

WE SAY

The same Inspectors who raided Pat Seager, have the ability to do this to ANYONE else.

Perhaps someone at the RSPCA's palatial HQ in Horsham will make the link between the activities of the inspectorate against animal lovers - like Pat Seager - and the "abuse" and "lack of funds" being experienced by the charity's long-suffering foot soldiers and volunteers?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-11685002

Public stop donations after RSPCA prosecuted animal sanctuary pensioner Pat Seager.

WELL IT SERVES THEM RIGHT!

Pensioner Pat Seager is surrounded by police and RSPCA officials during the raid on her home

A couple of years ago the local RSPCA inspectorate decided to prosecute the wildlife lady from Rock Ferry and take her to court. After that episode, a large number of Wirral people vowed they would never support the charity again and if that is the case, then the RSPCA have only themselves to blame for their dwindling funds. http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/yoursay/wirralletters/8427094.RSPCA_has_only_itself_to_blame_for_dwindling_funds/

Pat is forced to watch helplessly as RSPCA and Police remove animals she rescued

"I have never experienced anything so terrible in all my life."

Pat Seager

Chester branch of RSPCA face axe

http://www.chesterfirst.co.uk/news/95023/chester-branch-of-rspca-face-axe.aspx

STOP DONATIONS TO PUBLICITY CRAZED RSPCA

2010-11-03T08:48:00.001Z

The RSPCA, that once-admirable charity, now often seems to pursue animal-lovers through the courts simply to win the publicity that keeps its £115 million a year in donations rolling in. And why do the police now regard themselves as the charity’s enforcement wing? What an admission from Northumbria police that they seek to justify holding a 66-year old man of impeccable character for nine hours by saying “the RSPCA is leading this investigation”. When did Parliament empower RSPCA officials (all ordinary members of the public) to order our police around like this?

I would urge anyone who reads this not to give the RSPCA a penny. They've got entirely too big for their boots, and our legal system has allowed it to happen – encouraged it, even.

One charity I do regularly support is the RNLI. Can you imagine the effect if they went the same way as the RSPCA? We'd have armed high-speed lifeboats cruising our shores and estuaries, arresting people for not wearing a life jacket or capsizing their racing dinghies. http://www.grumpyoldsod.com/rspca4.asp

RESCUE IT, GET MEDIA COVERAGE, KILL IT; HOW THE RSPCA OPERATE

2010-10-29T11:02:00.000+01:00

A DEER which was rescued from the womb of its mother after she was hit and killed by a car has been put down.

The animal was rescued in May and was initially cared for by staff at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre near Nantwich.
Staff at the wildlife centre hand-fed him goat's milk before he was weaned on to solid food.
A month later he was taken to another wildlife centre at East Winch in Norfolk.
He was allowed to roam in numerous paddocks so he could graze on vegetation similar to what he would need in the wild.
But when the deer was released into the wild on October 20, he was unable to cope.
RSPCA staff caught him and put him down.
"He wasn't behaving how wild animals do," said RSPCA spokeswoman Kayta Mira.
"He was too tame. He was running up to cars and there were dogs he wasn't running away from."
But the British Deer Society has condemned the actions of the RSPCA.
Spokesman David Kenyon said it was irresponsible to bring up a deer and then expect it to go back into the wild.
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Sad-end-real-life-Bambi/article-2810564-detail/article.html

COMMENTS

After reading this story I'm changing my will. I'm 4 euros, staffs

I've stopped giving to the RSPCA and PDSA because of their double standards. This is a terrible outcome, Shame on you RSPCA you'll not get another penny out of me or any of my family. up'anelyduck, 'anley

I stopped donating cash to this organisation because of these very policies, it seems to be more of a get off the street and kill it organisation. 3 experiences dealing with this bunch of clowns were eye opening. First was when I reported from work that an allotment owner in Fenton was actually training his fighting pit bull by hanging a live chicken just out of reach for it to jump at, got told it was not a problem of cruelty and was our responsibility.

Second was a song thrush that had its foot caught in a trap, took to Stapeley they said thank you there was nothing they could do and it would be humanely destroyed, just asked were they not going to take a look, only we had dressed the wound and kept the bird alive for several days already, it was destroyed.

And finally all those rescued dogs and cats that if not found a home in a VERY short time period, or who are too ill or aged are all destroyed.

So a fawn in distress etc and releasedand then recaptured, how much admin time would it have taken to find it a home? Still we must rest assured that some Inspector of the RSPCA who is not a veggie will be dining well no doubt. Lazarus, North Staffs

HOW DISGUSTING THAT THIS SHOULD HAPPEN, BUT I AM NOT SURPRISED THE R.S.P.C.A. IS NOT ALL THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE IT TO BE , THEY JUST TURNED IT OUT TO DIE.NOT A LOT OF CARE WENT IN TO IT. SHEILA, LONGTON

A few years ago the RSPCA prosecuted a local police officer because he killed a cat which had been badly injured in a collision with a car. He said he'd done this to put the cat out of its misery. Thankfully common sense prevailed and he was acquitted.

So how can the same RSPCA justify this barbarism?

That's the last time I put money into one of their collection boxes. J, Staffs

Of course he couldn't cope being young & hand-reared, but given time to re-adapt, who knows.

Other than that, the only decent thing would've been re-homing to a safari park or animal sanctuary. Shameful. Ivan, Staffs

I agree with previous comments. RSPCA should hang their heads in shame. There would of been plenty of other options to choose from instead of putting a healthy animal down. Absolute disgrace!!!!! How can the RSPCA claim to care for animals? SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!! A, Stoke

This article has compleatley changed my views on the RSPCA this is disgusting. it pretty obvious to anyone that if you hand reer an animal that should be in the wild, it would not take to the wild...its wrong on a huge scale that this animal has been put down. i think the RSPCA are at a huge fault on this and after reading this i would hope to god none of my own animals ever have to have anything to do with the RSPCA whoever it was that made this decision should have all authority to take an animals life removed i could name places off the top of my head that would hapilly take a healthy young offspring on and it would have a perfectly good life. this is shocking and disgracefull of the RSPCA. shocked, Stoke On Trent

"He wasn't behaving as wild animals do" said RSPCA spokeswoman Kayta Mira.

That's because he wasn't a wild animal, he'd been reared by humans from birth. Chucking a tame animal out into the wild and expecting it to behave as a wild animal is as bad as capturing a wild animal and expecting it to behave like a domestic pet.

The RSPCA raised this animal and had a duty of care to maintain it in the state that they had raised it to. Friends of mine did the same with a red deer fawn, she is happy now roaming the farm with other farm animals and horses and interacting with the people she has always known. There are plenty of people out there who would have been capable of looking after that animal. The RSPCA is getting as bad as PETA who "euthanase" (what a nice word) nearly all the animals entrusted to them for safekeeping. Sarah, Surrey

I can't believe I'm reading this!..... A healthy animal was put down, that is absolutely disgusting. You're telling me you couldn't find a home for it?? You kept this animal alive when he lost his mum, you must have known that by hand rearing it, it would not be able to go in the wild again, so why did you bother rearing the poor thing just to kill it anyway?????!!!!!!!!!!!!! Animal Lover, Staffs

Call yourselves animal lovers you are just sick If the deer couldnt of survived in the wild you should of found another home for him/her im sure there are plenty of zoo`s that would have gladly taken the poor deer in! Doctor Death.., The Cross..

Shame on you RSPCA. There must have been a better option than killing a healthy animal. Another sanctury, petting zoo, anything would have been better than death. Disgraceful! Stan, Burslem

RSPCA BULLY DEFENCE VETS

2010-10-29T10:42:00.000+01:00

That increasingly odd organisation, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, stands accused this week of bullying any vet who dares to appear in court as an expert witness for the defence in cases of cruelty.
Evidence presented to a conference organised by the British Veterinary Forensic & Law Association alleges that the RSPCA has taken to intimidating vets who oppose it by filing repeated complaints about them to the Law Society, attempting to have them banned from testifying on grounds of bias and generally trying to discredit their reputations. One vet has suggested that the organisation's vast wealth has allowed it "to act as a self-appointed vigilante group... Anyone who tries to defend people against the RSPCA now risks professional complaints".
Those who choose to work as vets are not, as a whole, defenders of cruelty. These claims confirm the impression that the RSPCA has recently allowed its officials' enthusiasms for animal rights, laudable in themselves, to tip dangerously into excess, bullying and fanaticism.

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/terence-blacker/terence-blacker-the-emptiness-of-institutional-caring-2116299.html

RSPCA BULLIES VETS IN CRUELTY CASES

2010-10-27T11:12:00.000+01:00

It has targeted vets who have given expert testimony on behalf of defendants prosecuted by the RSPCA for animal cruelty

Jonathan Leake, Environment Editor Published: 24 October 2010

The RSPCA has an income of about £110m a year, mostly from legacies and donations The RSPCA faces accusations that it is bullying and intimidating vets after lodging complaints with their professional body.
It has targeted vets who have given expert testimony on behalf of defendants prosecuted by the RSPCA for animal cruelty. The vets include a former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Such complaints against expert veterinary witnesses are unprecedented by the RSPCA. The charity says the move is justified, partly because the vets concerned are well known expert witnesses who often appear on behalf of defendants, but mainly because expert evidence has been criticised in court hearings by judges.
This week, however, a conference organised by the British Veterinary Forensic & Law Association will hear vets and lawyers raise concerns over what they see as deliberate attempts by the RSPCA to deter vets from testifying for defendants.
Jonathan Rich, a barrister whose specialities include defending people charged with welfare offences, has been attacked in the past by animal rights activists.
He said: “Animal cruelty cases often turn on the advice provided by independent vets. It is vital vets should not be deterred by the threat of complaints to the RCVS or other legal tactics.
“The RSPCA’s behaviour risks creating an environment where people accused of animal welfare offences will not be able to get a proper defence.”
Bill Cartmell, a vet from Fareham, Hampshire, is one of those being investigated by the RCVS. He said: “Anyone who tries to defend people against the RSPCA now risks professional complaints. In one case where I was an expert witness the RSPCA instructed its solicitors to write to the courts before the hearing to say that I should not be allowed to testify because I was biased.
“They have no right to determine who stands as an expert witness; they are just a charity. The reality is that they are very rich and are effectively using their money to act as a self-appointed vigilante group.”
Colin Vogel, 64, a vet in Fakenham, Norfolk, who will be among the speakers at this week’s meeting, has testified in more than 100 cases, mostly for people facing prosecution for cruelty by the RSPCA.
He said: “In my case, the RSPCA have lodged complaints about me with the Law Society, where I am an accredited expert witness, and also with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and with the Society of Expert Witnesses.
“All those complaints were rejected but I have used the Data Protection Act to see their files on me, which appear to show that they are trying to gather evidence for further complaints.”
John Parker, RCVS president in 2005, appeared for the defence in the trial of a man accused of cruelty to horses. He said: “I am over 70 years old now and this case has been hanging over me for more than two years.”
Madeleine Forsyth, a vet from North Yorkshire who gave expert testimony for the defence in the same case, will describe this week how she faces a rare “wasted costs” application that could force her to pay an estimated £15,000. She said: “I have given evidence in a number of cases and the RSPCA does not like that.”
The RCVS said it could not comment on active cases. However, Harvey Locke, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said a number of members had raised concerns about the RSPCA’s “potential discrediting of expert witnesses”.
The BVA confirmed that it had held a private meeting with the RSPCA last November to raise its concerns and would shortly be meeting the RCVS to discuss the matter again.
The RSPCA has an income of about £110m a year, mostly from legacies and donations. Critics suggest its “enthusiasm” for court cases is because they generate publicity that helps maintain its income.
David Bowles, director of communications at the RSPCA, rejects such claims. He said: “We carry out 138,000 investigations a year but last year only prosecuted about 1,000 people, which is a very small proportion.
“We have made complaints about some vets, but, regarding those who had appeared as expert witnesses, our complaint was linked to courtroom criticisms of their testimony.”
Hamish Rogers, the RSPCA’s case manager, said: “There are a few vets who earn their living appearing as expert witnesses for defendants, and they keep appearing time and again, and sometimes it is necessary to explore their credibility.”

RSPCA GIVEN PERMISSION TO SELL SEIZED PETS BEFORE PROSECUTION

2010-10-16T10:38:00.000+01:00

THE RSPCA has been given permission to sell more than 20 dogs at the centre of an animal cruelty case in Paignton.

HEAD OF RSPCA PROSECUTIONS SALLY CASE

The order was granted on Tuesday by Newton Abbot magistrates who heard that owner James Noon, 57, of Blagdon Road, Paignton, has pleaded not guilty to 26 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and 13 counts of failing to ensure the needs of an animal were met.
His son Hamish Noon, 26, also of Blagdon Road, Paignton is accused of 23 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and one offence of possessing cannabis. He denies all the charges.
The court heard that 14 dogs were seized in February and a further 12 were taken at a later date. It has cost the RSPCA £15,000 to care for the animals.
Speaking outside court James Noon said he had been keeping dogs for 40 years and would be found not guilty of the charges.
During the hearing, in an outburst from the dock, James Noon said: "I love my dogs and I have done nothing wrong. I want to keep my dogs. I do care about my dogs."
Defending the Noon's Clive Rees said: "These dogs are evidence, as long as they are evidence I do not see how the police can get rid of them. They can put them into RSPCA custody but I cannot see how the evidence can be given away to a third party while the case is ongoing.
"Mr Noon has kept dogs for 40 years and there had not been a problem before. He does not want to pass them over."
He also said the application would 'deprive' James Noon of ownership of the dogs before he has been convicted of any offence.

PROSECUTOR SEWELL

Prosecutor Philip Sewell said the dogs were checked over by a vet before they were seized. But Mr Rees said a different vet had visited the premises five days before the dogs were taken and on that occasion none of them were seized.
Granting the application for the dogs to be passed into the ownership of the RSPCA and sold, chairman of the bench Dave Thompson said: "The welfare of the animals has to come first. We will grant the application because there is an option by which you can appeal."
James and Hamish Noon will appear at Newton Abbot magistrates court to answer the animal cruelty charges on February 1.
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Animal-charity-allowed-sell-cruelty-case-dogs/article-2761299-detail/article.html

RIDICULOUS RSPCA PROSECUTION FAILS

2010-10-16T10:09:00.000+01:00

Another RSPCA attempt to criminalise an ordinary law-abiding person has failed,

A case that not only failed the evidential test, but would also have failed any reasonable person's public interest test.

BUT STILL GENERATES PUBLICITY FOR THE RSPCA.

"ITS CHEAPER TO PROSECUTE THAN ADVERTISE"

A PUB landlady has been cleared of animal cruelty charges.
The RSPCA prosecuted Dawn Walker after a pet rabbit was savaged to death by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier when both animals were left in her care.
But after hearing that the 37-year-old has done everything she could to protect the rabbit, JPs found her not guilty.
Gateshead magistrates heard that the animals belonged to Ms Walker’s grown-up daughter who was living temporarily with her in a flat above the Gloucester pub on High West Street, Gateshead, which she manages.
The rabbit and dog were bought when they were six-months-old and had grown up together.
She said they had played together without any problems.
But she said she never left them alone. She would either chain up the dog or put the rabbit in its hutch.
The animal charity, however, claimed that Ms Walker had been negligent by placing the ginger and white rabbit on a balcony roof alone with the dog, an act that resulted in its death.
A woman living in a flat that overlooks the pub alerted the RSPCA when she saw the dog with the rabbit in its mouth.
The first Ms Walker knew about the incident was when an RSPCA official knocked on her door.
The rabbit was found badly injured and was so traumatised that it died later.
There was no evidence of any puncture marks but it had suffered internal injuries from being thrown around.
Ms Walker said: “I had to go downstairs to the pub. The rabbit had gone into its hutch so I shut the hutch door.
“I don’t know if it chewed its way out.
“There was evidence that the inside of the hutch had been chewed so I think this is how it got out.”
She added: “I have always been adamant that I did everything I could to look after the rabbit and the dog and was very shocked to be taken to court. I am delighted that my name has been cleared but I am very sad for the demise of the rabbit.”
Since the incident in January, her daughter is now living away from the pub and has taken the dog with her.
Ms Walker’s solicitor, Michael Foley, said: “She was saddened and shocked by what happened. She did everything she could to look after the animals and there was no evidence that the animals had been neglected. This was an unfortunate one-off incident.”
Ms Walker had denied failing to meet the needs of the pet to be housed apart from a predator species resulting in its death and causing unnecessary suffering to a rabbit.
She was cleared on both charges.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/10/15/pub-landlady-cleared-in-animal-cruelty-case-72703-27478222/

MENTALLY ILL LADY JAILED AS RESULT OF RSPCA PROSECUTION

2010-10-12T22:38:00.000+01:00

THE CPS WOULDNT PROSECUTE A MENTALLY ILL DEFENDANT, BUT THE BIGOTED RSPCA WILL

PROSECUTOR CHARLOTTE MITCHELL

A WOMAN has been jailed for four weeks and banned from keeping animals for five years.

The chairman of the magistrates at Cheltenham told Margary Wright she had caused unnecessary suffering to the cats over a long period of time.

"There is no other way to deal with this than to send you to prison for four weeks."
Cheltenham Magistrates Court heard that all the cats had been seized, but that Wright was appealing in the crown court to have them returned.
Charlotte Mitchell, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said Wright's treatment of the cats had come to light after she sold three of them for £500.
"Their new owner had serious concerns about their welfare," As a result of this, Wright's home was raided by RSPCA officers and a vet, backed up by police.
Defending, Stuart Ramshaw said that at the time of the offences Wright was suffering from a great deal of stress.
"She had been diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder and was suffering from panic attacks," he said.
"This arose from an earlier period when she suffered racial harassment in her neighbourhood.
He said Wright's state of mind, as outlined in the probation report, meant she was not a suitable candidate for custody.
He suggested that a ban on keeping animals would be a considerable punishment for her together with a conditional discharge.
But the bench disagreed and as well as handing down the prison sentence, chairman Mr Johnson banned Wright from keeping any animals for five years.
Speaking after sentence, RSPCA inspector Phil Mann said: "Taking a case to court is the last resort for the RSPCA but in this case we were left with no other option.
"The defendant was not willing to take our offers of help or advice, she would not allow us onto her property and she failed to comply with the law.

http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/8444356.Woman_jailed_for_causing_suffering_to_cats/

The CPS tends not to prosecute disabled people, unless the seriousness or other circumstances of the case demand it. Its code for Crown Prosecutors states: “A prosecution is less likely to be needed if [it] is likely to have a bad effect on the victim’s physical or mental health, always bearing in mind the seriousness of the offence; the defendant is elderly, or is, or was at the time of the offence, suffering from mental or physical ill health, unless the offence is serious or there is a real possibility that it may be repeated… Crown prosecutors must balance the desirability of diverting a defendant who is suffering from significant mental or physical ill health with the need to safeguard the general public.” Despite the RSPCA’s claim that it “might not prosecute” in the case of a “defendant suffering from significant mental or physical ill health”,
http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/living/features/hounded

NO JUSTICE AT THE RSPCA

2010-10-08T09:10:00.000+01:00

A WILDLIFE campaigner has been ordered to appear in court over the drowning of a grey squirrel.

Morpeth Red Squirrels Chairman Norris Atthey has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a grey squirrel, by drowning it.

The RSPCA has confirmed that it issued a summons to Mr Atthey yesterday morning to appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court in Bedlington next month to answer the charge under the Animal Welfare Act.

The action follows a report in the Herald on August 12 in which Mr Atthey described killing a grey squirrel and challenged the RSPCA to prosecute him.
Mr Atthey, 66, of Ulgham, has confirmed that he has received the summons and is receiving specialist legal advice.
He has been ordered to appear at the court at noon on Monday, November 8.
http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/local-news/morpeth_squirrel_killer_is_arrested_1_1536967

WE ACCUSE THE RSPCA OF BLATANTLY DISREGARDING THE CPS FULL CODE TEST!

In 1951, Sir Hartley Shawcross, who was then Attorney General, made the classic statement on public interest:

"It has never been the rule in this country - I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution". He added that there should be a prosecution: "wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest" (House of Commons Debates, Volume 483, 29 January 1951). This approach has been endorsed by Attorneys General ever since.
http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/code_for_crown_prosecutors/codetest.html

EXTRACT FROM 19 AUG 10; HOW CAN A CHARITY HAVE A PENSIONER ARRESTED?

A WILDLFIE campaigner who challenged the RSPCA to prosecute him for drowning a grey squirrel has been arrested.

Norris Atthey, 66, was arrested by police at his home in Ulgham after refusing to take part in a voluntary interview with an RSPCA inspector.
He was taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Mr Atthey was contacted by the RSPCA and refused to co-operate with their enquiries.
An officer returned to his home on Wednesday morning and Mr Atthey handed over a written statement, but refused to speak to the official.
Assistance was then requested from police to arrest him.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Police were called to assist an RSPCA officer at an address in Ulgham at around 10.45am.
"Officers arrested a 66-year-old man at the address for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal".
http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/local-news/morpeth_squirrel_killer_is_arrested_1_1536967

WHY HAVE THE RSPCA NEVER PROSECUTED A FREEDOM FOODS ACCREDITED SUPPLIER?

2010-10-06T22:24:00.004+01:00

An investigation by Sky News and Viva has uncovered evidence suggesting Britain's largest egg producer is contravening strict guidelines on animal welfare.

The RSPCA said it would be suspending the farms from the Freedom Food scheme

Noble Foods own hen farms accredited to the RSPCA Freedom Food scheme, designed to offer particularly high standards of welfare for farm animals.

But footage obtained by Sky News and Viva from two farms in Fife, Scotland, suggests the guidelines are being breached.
An employee for Noble Foods was covertly filmed revealing electric wires are used to control the hens, who are also encouraged to remain indoors until 80% of them are laying.
The Happy Egg website projects the image of a playground for its hens
Another worker admitted at least one barn was infested with red mite, a parasite that causes skin irritations.
On a second visit to the farm, investigators filmed dozens of birds which had lost feathers due to disease and being pecked by other hens.
For their Happy Egg brand, Noble Foods portrays an image of welfare standards beyond the requirements of the Freedom Food scheme.
The investigation into The Happy Egg Company shows a very different picture - one of disease, incarceration, short lives and electric shocks.
The company's website states hens are given activities to enhance their natural surroundings such as "an adventure playground and sandpit".
Yet on two separate visits to the farm Sky News discovered muddy surroundings and a water-logged sandpit.
Two separate visits uncovered poor welfare conditions
A Noble Foods worker was recorded admitting the farm had problems with soil drainage and conditions for the hens were different to those officially portrayed.
Justine Kerswell from Viva, told Sky News: "Contented hens pecking at the ground and enjoying a dust bathe in the sun - that's most people's view of free range egg production.
As soon as we were made aware of the video footage the company instigated an internal enquiry.
A statement from Noble Foods.
"Viva And Sky News' investigation into The Happy Egg Company shows a very different picture - one of disease, incarceration, short lives and electric shocks."
In a statement, Noble Foods said: "We take the treatment of our hens extremely seriously.
"As soon as we were made aware of the video footage the company instigated an internal enquiry.
"Last night, at our request, both farms involved were audited by RSPCA Freedom Food inspectors and both were given very positive reports.
"We will continue to work with RSPCA Freedom Foods to ensure the highest possible welfare standards across our farms."
The RSPCA told Sky News they take any potential breach of welfare standards very seriously and would be suspending the farms in question from the Freedom Food scheme pending their own investigation.
Noble Foods supplies Happy Eggs to supermarkets including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Ocado.
Sainsbury's welcomed the RSPCA investigation while Ocado have announced they will de-list Happy Eggs from their range as a precautionary measure.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Sky-News-Egg-Investigation-Hen-Evidence-Suggests-Noble-Foods-Is-Breaching-Animal-Welfare-Guidelines/Article/201010115753484?lpos=UK_News_News_Your_Way_Region_9&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15753484_Sky_N
http://rspcainjustice.blogspot.com/2010/09/6000-salmon-killed-at-rspca-approved.htmlews_Egg_Investigation_Hen_Evidence_Suggests_Noble_Foods_Is_Breaching_Animal_Welfare_Guidelines
http://rspcainjustice.blogspot.com/2009/02/rspca-chefs-patronising-towards.html