Reported to the

[pavman]

I arrived home from hols to find a card from the RSPCA in my post PLEASE CONTACT US, so I did. Some kind folk had reported a Black Lab in distress. I pointed out we had been on hols for 2 weeks and the Lab was at Gundog Kennels, they said, err ohh is that so! but that they have to come and check me out anyway as a complaint had been made about a dog in distress and they will call round Sunday. I said nothing to hide please do call.

 

Stayed in all day this Sunday and no visit or phone call!

 

On talking to mates it would seem most have had a similar experience at some time, are the public so ignorant with concern to working dogs and the fact that they live outside? when you look at tail docking and the fact that it came up in the first place I guess they must be.

 

My Lab is pretty quite and never makes much fuss when I am out these days, so quite what was said by my neighbours I really don’t know, but I look forward to the RSPCA visit if and when they turn up

 

pavman

[pin]

What I hate the most about this kind of thing is the way people won't come and have a word with you about it before grassing you up It just sucks, and makes you want to prove you have nothing to hide, the worst thing about it is not knowing what crock of **** was told to the rspca

 

Hope they actually show up this time, waiting in for someone is also a pain in the ***.

[Mungler]

Pavman,

 

Get your pen out and write to them. People lie like union delegates on the telephone - always write back to confirm the conversation and tell it back to them "I confirmed that my working dog had been in Mrs. X's kennels for the period x to x and that I was happy for you to come and visit me for the purposes of an inspection in any event in light of the anonymous complaint made. I waited in on the agreed inspection date and you did not attend and you did not telephone me to reschedule.....".

 

M

[karl h]

why cant such do gooders as my old man calls them leave us alone

[Cranfield]

I had a similar experience with a Springer at a previous address.

She never barked, or made a fuss and had lived outside (in a insulated kennel and run) all her life.

 

Two RSPCA Inspectors came and knocked at the door one Saturday morning and said they had received a complaint that my dog was in distress and in a poor state.

You can imagine how I felt about such a statement.

 

I invited them to see the animal and its accommodation, although they informed me quite bluntly that they didn't need an invite.

My temperature was rising by the minute.

 

They examined the dog, the run and the kennel, noted the cleanliness and fresh drinking water.

Then pronounced that the dog and everything else was very satisfactory and they, "wouldn't be taking the matter further".

At this point I told them that I would be taking the matter further.

I took their names, numbers and the complaint reference number , I also asked who had made the complaint, but they wouldn't tell me.

 

I had my Solicitor write to them asking for the complainants details and a letter confirming that my dog was in excellent health and the accommodation met all criteria (or words to that effect).

I got the letter regarding the dogs condition and the satisfactory kennels, but they would not disclose the name of the claimant.

My Solicitor advised me it would a waste of money to pursue the matter.

 

I later found out that it was an old lady that lived about 6 houses away who had heard a dog barking and assumed it was mine.

The dog in question was a golden Labrador that lived indoors, but was let out in the garden in the morning and evening, "to do its business" and then use to bark continuously until it was let in (which could be up to 30 minutes later).

The extra irony is that the dog lived in the opposite direction to our house, so the old lady's directional hearing wasn't up to much.

 

Naturally, my support (mainly financial) for the RSPCA ended at that point and I was able to persuade quite a few friends and realtives to adopt the same policy.

[pin]

Its another case of guilty until you prove you are innocent

 

I am sure they see some terrible things and expect the worst, however they should be polite, friendly and non-accusatory until they have any evidence to the contrary. A report is just that, a report, but they treat you like you have done wrong before they even have a chance to validate the claim.

 

I support their work, and I am sure this is a training issue for them to consider. Good on you Cranfield mate, I woud have done the same mate. That kind of attitude you expect from a balif, not a well trained RSCPA inspector!

 

I watched a series on TV about people wanting to become inspectors, and it looks like bloody hard work I can tell you. One thing I think they need to pay attention too, though, is watching out for people like this who become jaded and aggressive before they have any evidence of wrong doing. I can see it would be easy to start distrusting people if you are going out to houses 3in thick in dog eggs with some scummy old *** living there in the filth (see life of grime) - they just need to chill a bit beforehand though.

[Stumpy1]

The RSPCA are a registered charity, with no legal right of entry.

 

This type of thing seems to be becoming ever more prevalent within working dog circles, and something people need to be aware of.

 

Personally, I would refuse them entry, asn suggest that they return with an officer of the law if they feel strongly enough about it.

 

My dogs are well cared for, well fed, well exercised, well trained and above all well loved. I have nothing to hide.

 

I would suggest that any officer of the law would feel rather aggrieved at his inconvenience, even befor he/she seesthe disgruntled look on the RSPCA officer's face, when confronted with my healthy, happy dogs.

 

I would also suggest that the officers of the law are far to busy unofficially "taxing" the motorist to have th time in the first place.

 

(RANT OVER)

[mossy835]

i would not let them in,if i had nothing to hide.

[pavman]

I phoned this morning to ask why the inspector had not shown up and there is "no update on my file", MY FILE! ye gods whats going on?

 

I have opend an account with RSPCA online service at http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?...ct&pg=RSPCAHome

 

thats the only way you can send them e mail, I have stated the facts to date and listed I am distressed to have been reported in the first place. I have a ref number so at least its recorded, its a real blight when folk do this to you for no good reason, a chap on the door would have been all it took but no sick back stabbers seem to be the order of the day

 

pavman

[Whitebridges]

You need to get that **** off record. This is exactly what I mean, red tape plus. You'll be on a "register" if you ain't careful mate.

[pin]

thats the only way you can send them e mail, I have stated the facts to date and listed I am distressed to have been reported in the first place. I have a ref number so at least its recorded, its a real blight when folk do this to you for no good reason, a chap on the door would have been all it took but no sick back stabbers seem to be the order of the day

 

I'd be tempted to send them an invoice for your time waiting in for them and immdiately make a complaint about the attitude of the inspectors then arrange for a time convenient to YOU for the visit. I would then demand an apology for the way you have been treated. Nobody minds them doing their job, but innocent until proven guilty in this country..

 

They will go back to the reportee as far as I understand it, I would keep an eye out for an RSPCA van calling close to you, you might find out which spineless fool did this to you...

[Highlander]

C***** you treat that dog way better than the Mrs and no one (except her) has complained about that.

Sell up and move next to some nicer neighbours, Brixton for instance.

[Yorkshire Pudding]

Pav

 

Don't bother trying mate . Give them the big two fingers . They need a bobby and a slip of paper from a judge to do owt .

Don't bother with them , as it'll soon be hunting season and they'll be far too busy to deal with you .

 

all the best yis yp

[lurcherboy]

So for the record RSPCA bods have no legal right to enter my property.

 

Can anyone confirm this for me please?

 

 

 

 

LB

[henry d]

Pavman - You can ask their "Data controller" that you want all data held by them on you,under the Data protection act(forget the date) and as such they have 28 days in which to pass on this data.

If this data is incorrect then they must change it and IMO apologise.

As for rights of entry......as I remember it police need a warrant and the animal gestapo aint got a leg to stand on..........but check with your affiliated association(BASC etc).

Just as an aside the fire(and rescue)service can punt in your door,if they suspect there is a fire there,with impunity.

[MC]

Pavman,

 

Don't even give this a second thought, The chances are they will never come to see you as you have phoned and challenged them. The are completely spineless and hate any kind of confrontation.

 

I had a similar situation just after I got Merlin, my springer. I had a letter through the door from a local busybody telling me that I shouldn't own a dog as I could not be with 24/7. This letter said that I had been reported to the local RSPCA office.

 

I phoned the office and asked what was going on, they said that I was being scheduled for a visit. I told them that they were welcome anytime they liked as I had nothing to hide and was looking forward to them coming round to see how well my dog was being cared for.

 

They have never been in touch and this was over a year ago.

 

Just put it down to ignorance and forget it. Astra is a lovely dog and I am sure that you could never mistreat any animal.

 

Cheers

 

Martin

[Mungler]

Pavman,

 

Don't even give this a second thought, The chances are they will never come to see you as you have phoned and challenged them. The are completely spineless and hate any kind of confrontation.

 

I had a similar situation just after I got Merlin, my springer. I had a letter through the door from a local busybody telling me that I shouldn't own a dog as I could not be with 24/7. This letter said that I had been reported to the local RSPCA office.

 

I phoned the office and asked what was going on, they said that I was being scheduled for a visit. I told them that they were welcome anytime they liked as I had nothing to hide and was looking forward to them coming round to see how well my dog was being cared for.

 

They have never been in touch and this was over a year ago.

 

Just put it down to ignorance and forget it. Astra is a lovely dog and I am sure that you could never mistreat any animal.

 

Cheers

 

Martin

 

 

 

Blimey, you fellas have some serious neighbour issues. I refer to a post I made earlier, albeit in another forum :

 

P.S. Anyone with neighbour problems, take my tip. Sit in your back garden in your pants, surround yourself with half a dozen empty cans of Stella and one on the go and then clean your guns. Hey presto, respectful neighbours.

 

EDIT : that being said, if your neighbours also sit in their gardens in their pants cleaning their guns (or your neighbour is Bertie) then just move house.

[lurcherboy]

Pavman,

 

Don't even give this a second thought, The chances are they will never come to see you as you have phoned and challenged them. The are completely spineless and hate any kind of confrontation.

 

I had a similar situation just after I got Merlin, my springer. I had a letter through the door from a local busybody telling me that I shouldn't own a dog as I could not be with 24/7. This letter said that I had been reported to the local RSPCA office.

 

I phoned the office and asked what was going on, they said that I was being scheduled for a visit. I told them that they were welcome anytime they liked as I had nothing to hide and was looking forward to them coming round to see how well my dog was being cared for.

 

They have never been in touch and this was over a year ago.

 

Just put it down to ignorance and forget it. Astra is a lovely dog and I am sure that you could never mistreat any animal.

 

Cheers

 

Martin

 

 

 

Blimey, you fellas have some serious neighbour issues. I refer to a post I made earlier, albeit in another forum :

 

P.S. Anyone with neighbour problems, take my tip. Sit in your back garden in your pants, surround yourself with half a dozen empty cans of Stella and one on the go and then clean your guns. Hey presto, respectful neighbours.

 

EDIT : that being said, if your neighbours also sit in their gardens in their pants cleaning their guns (or your neighbour is Bertie) then just move house.

 

 

 

*****

 

I am in tears here Mungler

 

 

 

 

 

LB

[Cranfield]

 

When I sit in the garden, the neighbours don't give me any grief.

[Yorkshire Pudding]

 

When I sit in the garden, the neighbours don't give me any grief.

 

 

Thats 'cos they are scared that you will paint everything with your head ..

 

LB

 

Rspca . Can not (i repeat ) CAN NOT , get into your property , without a bobby and the slip from the magistrates .. (ohh sorry bout the spillin , seems i've knecked a few )

 

all the best yis yp

[lurcherboy]

 

When I sit in the garden, the neighbours don't give me any grief.

 

 

Thats 'cos they are scared that you will paint everything with your head ..

 

LB

 

Rspca . Can not (i repeat ) CAN NOT , get into your property , without a bobby and the slip from the magistrates .. (ohh sorry bout the spillin , seems i've knecked a few )

 

all the best yis yp

 

 

Thats good news. If they try to enter my property I will unlease the the rottie

 

Thanks for the PM's chaps

 

LB

[pin]

Pavman - You can ask their "Data controller" that you want all data held by them on you,under the Data protection act(forget the date) and as such they have 28 days in which to pass on this data.

If this data is incorrect then they must change it and IMO apologise.

 

Data protection act 1998, you refer to "subject access" which covers the release of information to you which is held or processed about you. If you find the information is innacurate according to the eight principles of the above act you have a right for it to be changed.

 

Be careful here though, if the information held might not be disclosed if it is for the purposes of the prevention and detection of crime or the apprehension and prosecution of offenders (among other reasons). There is also a fairly complex area regarding third parties - they might not reveal much information if it identifies a third party (ie the name / address of the complainant) - if they do they would be in trouble so it would get heavily edited - or might not be supplied at all.

 

They have 40 days from the date of the subject access request to post the data to you, if not you can complain to the office of the information commissioner, if they have a good reason for the delay then all is well, if not they get an almighty slap.

[pavman]

Right gents

 

Just had the visit last night, an Animal Welfare Assessment!

 

Needless to say passed with out any need for advise or comment, the inspector had no knowledge of working dogs and was very happy with my set up

 

I think that had I not pushed it nothing much would have happened, I wrote a letter and sent an e mail both have not been replied to. I have always been a supporter of the RSPCA however my views have changed, in that they seem to show little concern for genuine animal lovers and have no qualms with causing anxiety to dog owners when they (RSPCA) get it wrong.

 

In essence you are guilty until they say you are innocent in their eyes, and even then you get short shrift. I did complain to the inspector and she said sorry not my fault just doing my job.

 

pavman

[Highlander]

I did complain to the inspector and she said sorry not my fault just doing my job.

 

pavman

 

Yep standard jobsworths reply used by the SS, the KGB, the CIA et al oh and not forgetting traffic wardens

[pin]

Typical of an organisation like that, nobody takes any reponsibility.

 

In my eyes if you work for an organisation, and wear the uniform, it is your problem - even if it is just to pass it on to someone else. That attitude stinks, who's problem is it then? Certainly not yours pavman mate.

 

Hardly anything I deal with at work is my fault, but it becomes my problem. Can't see why it should be any different for anyone else.

 

Like I said before I watched a series of programs on TV following the progress of people training to be animal welfare inspectors for the RSPCA. Looks tough and hard going, but with all that training how come there are people out there who deal with a genuine complaint so badly?

 

Surely it would be easy to give them a 1/2 day session on dealing with complaints, even if it just shows them how to take the responsibility and then pass it on internally to the right place. Nobody takes responsibility for their actions nowadays, from CEO's right down to the bloke on the end of the phone. Someone has to be responsible, but who?