Discgruntled by SPCA

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Lesley M — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:39:50 GMT

I work in rescue as well as doing my vn degree. I would home to vets and nurses without question. We dont home single kittens where people are out all day but we always try and find a compromise, eg relative or neighbour can go and check on them. My biggest bugbear is people in their 70s and 80s that want kittens who get offended when we say no but other than that I always try to be flexible as the volume of animals getting dumped is ridiculous (and for reasons that sometimes beggar belief) and you just have to be practical.

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Honeybadger — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:46:33 GMT

I highly recommed Battersea Dogs Home for rehoming pets. I live 1.5 hours away in Portsmouth but made a journey there especially to get my rescue dog 5 years ago. They have an interview with you before you view any animals to fidn out what sort of pet will be suitable for you and let you know certain specifications on the ones you can choose from. For example I had to pick one over 2 years old, ok to live in city, ok to be left for over 4 hours etc.

I work full time and my dog stays at home (with acess to garden via dog flap) I do wish I could be around more for her during the day and worry that she gets lonely but I give her regular exercise, a good diet, proper health care and all the love I can and I think this is a million times better than life in a pound or pts.

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Dippy — Tue, 17 May 2011 07:36:57 GMT

Exactly!

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Phrin Vernon RVN — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:20:29 GMT

Personally, I think that rescue centres need to focus more on common sense, rather than form filling and box ticking!

I understand why they have to do that - they are usually staffed by volunteers who may not be experieced,

Most rescues will not look at me as I have a 5yo and cats, and therefore I am refused at the first hurdle.

However, I think that, with a bit of common sense, time, a trial if necc etc, most of the people written of as it were would actually be good owners!

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Dippy — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:23:59 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

Incidentally, I don't understand this idea that because people who are far less suitable pet owners can go and buy a dog, the SPCA is going too far. Surely they should be setting high standards to set a good example to the idiots who feel they can manage a young large dog in a small house as well as work full time?

[/quote]

Well said! I'm torn as can see it from both sides but the rehoming charities do an incredibly hard job and they have only a short time and a few forms on which to base their decision. As I sais before though, you can appeal by contascting the manager and they may be willing to discuss an individual situation further.

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:48:56 GMT

A labradoodle is a very large dog - maybe the problem is that you don't have your own home or a secure long term lease? If you had to leave (and I obviously know nothing of your own circumstances) you would struggle to find another rented property that would accept it. When they contacted her, was your sister able to say that you will be living there permanently?

Don't get me wrong - I am no fan of the RSPCA/SPCA (I had to have a home check when I adopted a dog that I had been caring for in the clinic for a week) but as we see so many dogs that have to be rehomed due to moving into rented property, I can possibly understand their reservations in this case.

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Sian Pasquale — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:23:48 GMT

It annoys me they rehome these fit and energetic dogs to little old ladies. Just cus they are home all day doesn't mean they can give it all the exercise and stimulation it needs! Let alone be able to hold onto the end of the lead in some cases. It would be far better off with a someone younger who altho may work some of the time, be able to take it for long walks and do appropriate training. GRRR!

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Dippy — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:34:15 GMT

They're not the only charity - I was refused a cat from a major cat charity some years ago for the same reasons, that I worked too hard. Having worked in a rehoming centre, I totally understand why strict policies have to be in place in order to reduce the number of animals going to unsuitable homes and then being returned to the shelter a few weeks later when they aren't what the people expected but sometimes a little common sense is required as well. Unless things have changed a lot, the final say did used to lie with the centre manager so you could try appealing. Certainly in our shelter, the staff responsible for the paperwork side of things and home visits weren't always allowed to deviate unless authorised to do so but as the manager, i always reviewed any appeals personally, sometimes I overrode a decision and sometimes not but this was the sort of situation which often arose so it's worth a shot.

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Alana Dent — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:56:52 GMT

A good friend of mine is a Vet, and she as refused to rehome a cat due to her working hours. I have also tried to rehome a dog, and apparently i also did not tick all the correct boxes - Cute little Staffie. I have owner sbt's for years, but apparently we was not suitable.

The RSPCA are becoming a bit of a laughing stock amoungst us that know - if people who care for animals for a living cant get one i know why they are under staffed, and over run with animals.

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Fuzzyduck — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:59:02 GMT

Its a joke, people who work full time and therefore can afford to own a pet arnt allowed to have one but people who dont work cant afford to feed themselves never mind a pet and vet fees are fine to have one!!

I have no time whatsoever for the RSPCA they are a total joke, and not just on this issue either

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Lucy-lu — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:28:31 GMT

That is madness! The problem with them and RSPCA is that they are too strict!

I totally respect that they have to interview people and view properties, etc.... But it's gone the other way. I am sure if they viewed all the household in th uk that have pets they would view them as 'inappriopate', (which I do know some of them are). I have heard that you can't have a cat from them unless you work less than 4 hours now, (told via a client who was refused a new pet).

No wonder why they are bursting!

Re: Discgruntled by SPCA

Steph Phillips — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:20:41 GMT

Whaaaattt!!! the surprises me.. I would of thought they'd jump at the chance for someone to rehome a dog in a loving enviroment!!!! Is there anyone you can speak to, to dispute it??