While I was away (and without internet access!), this headline appeared last week, on BBC Radio 4's website, under 'File on 4':
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As the RSPCA looks to recruit more inspectors to implement new animal welfare law, it has been accused of overzealously prosecuting pet owners." |
The programme, which was broadcast on 23rd and 28th of September and about which there's a short summary posted on their website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/file_on_4/7632082.stm
was pretty hard-hitting. It covered a few of the many and increasing criticisms of this organisation - the largest animal welfare charity in the world. The spokesmen for the RSPCA skilfully and sometimes aggressively fended off the criticism and did not seem disposed to listen.
We (and animals) need an RSPCA. We need it to be compassionate and without vested interest. We need it not to be above criticism and to be properly answerable to an overseeing body, commensurate with the powers this massive organisation assumes and wields. We need welfare to be placed above prosecutions. We need a return to its roots, when prosecutions were not the priority. We can but hope that, one day, these needs will become reality. Until then, I'm not putting a penny the RSPCA's way.
[Why not take a look at www.alternativevet.org while you're here?]