Had the RSPCA down today

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PennywithHenry

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I suppose I must commend them on their response-Henry's only been at the house a few days.....but their attitude....pffft
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I am not a happy bunny.

I had henry tied up in my yard as the vet was due, and a white van pulled up. I went to greet whoever it was, out got an inspector, I said hello and had just started my "how can I help you..." bit when he interrupted with "I'm here to view an emciated horse you keep on the property."

No "Hello I'm....." or "Reports have been made that..." or "It is alleged that you have an emaciated horse.."

I started tellin him about Henry and how I've owned him just over 3 weeks, How I have him under the vet etc and he told me that he wasn't interested in 'excuses' and he was going to view the horse. With that he went striding up y drive and into my paddock. I followed him and politely told him that Hens was tied in the courtyard waiting for the vet and he barked "Where's that?" at me, to which I pointed to the gate and he was off again!!

He then started taking his rugs off (a mission in itself lol) and proceeded to spend 10 minutes telling me that he's 'underweight'....no sh1t sherlock.

I took him to the feedroom and showed him Henrys feeds, feeding chart, worming chart, vets papers etc and he just kept ranting on at me like I'm an idiot.

Now....I KNOW the RSPCA have a job to do, and I must say that if Henry was reported it must have been a maximum of 4 days ago, in which case it's rather prompt action on their part, but it was his attitude that upset me. I'm sure that yes, a lot of people probably spout crap to avoid trouble, and yes, a lot of people may be hostile, both of which he did point out in regards to his behaviour, but without listening to a word I had to say I wasn't given a say. I was nothing but obliging, I'm pretty sure he wasn't allowed to go rampaging round my yard like he did looking for the horse either.

My vet turned up when I was getting a little frustrated by him not listening, my language was getting a little heated, as you can imagine, when I was showing him vet reports, feeding charts etc and all I could get out of him was "That horse is underweight"

I KNOW!!!!!

So, they exchanged a few words, well, it was more on my vets part as everytime the inspector tried to get a word in vet would hold up his hand and go "It's my turn to talk now, yours to listen."

He told him Henrys story, that everything was being done and that he'd made vast improvement in the 3 weeks with me....if anyone had a problem they should go to him, and that he would be putting a complaint in against said inspector.

Best of it was that the RSPCA inspector then turned down the paper with the name and address of the guy who'd gotten henry in this state to begin with, saying it was pointless.

Why?

Anyway, on the plus side, vet is thrilled with Henrys progress, and was quite invigorated by his little spat with the inspector he said lol

The vet called the RSPCA HQ to make a complaint about his attitude this afternoon and was told that "We are not taking action against the owner of the horse"

Now, I shall save my rant about wasting charities precious time and resources to pursue a personal vendetta for another day.

It had to have been someone from the livery yard I posted about reporting us, as no one can see into my back paddock where Henry is without cllimbing through a thick hedge, and even if they did he hasn't been out without rugs on so his weight isn't really an obvious problem......
 
it sounds like you've had quite a night!

The inspector sounds like a complete arse and will not have had a right to barge about on ur property especially if you werent resisting!

its a shame that the RSPCA couldnt have been more thorough (SP) in the amersham case, rather than wasting time and resources on innocent ppl.

arghhhhh

lol xx
 
Make a complaint yourself, if nothing happens go to local press.

Legally, they cannot enter your property without the presence of a policeman. The inspector trespassed.

Don't stand for the horrible attitude and don't let them let away with it!

http://the-shg.org/index.htm
 
I do feel for the RSPCA. In one case they are heartily criticised for not going on to premises and doing thorough inspections, in another, when they do inspect with determination, the call goes up to go to the press, etc, etc.
The inspector can go on to land and yards, just like any other visitor, and remain there until asked to leave, when he must leave. The inspector who attended this particular complaint didn't do so on a whim, they did it because they were called. They expect to be lied to, and to have people trying to conceal poor animals. Some may be very reasonable in their dealings with the public, others lack a 'bedside manner', which would appear to be the case here.
The simple fact is, they have now examined the horse and have the history. If they receive further calls about it, they now will know for certain that the calls are malicious.
As an owner I would be happy with that and much prefer it to having any suspicion hanging over me about how I treat horses in my care.
 
Yes, Mother Hen, and I fully commended them for their raid response, as I said I was also aware that they are often lied to and face hostile situations.

However, rather than ASSUME I was going to be difficult, when I was nothing but forthcoming and compliant, as I know a lot of others wouldn't have been following his initial attitude, he should have gauged my reaction to his presence and acted accordingly.

Secondly, how on earth was he expecting to establish any information, whether he deemed it to be truthful or not, if he wouldn't listen to a word I was saying? I would have expected him to listen to what I have to say, then check facts, ie reciept of sale, passport transfer date, spoken to my vet and so on....but he wouldn't listen to a word.

As for charging into the yard, yanking the rugs off an already nervous horse who I've spent 3 weeks trying so desperately to build up his trust, then tell me my horse has no manners as he was swinging around on the end of his rope whilst he was tugging the rug off with the surcingle still fastened....that just made my blood boil.

I understand their job may be challenging, however basic skills in communicating with members of the public should be one of their easier tasks.....or you'd have thought? I am not saying they shouldn't have come, and I'm pleased they're finally getting out and doing something rather than relying on members of the public to 'monitor the situation' however the inspector in question's whole attitude towards me was dispicable.

I wonder what would have happened had my vet not been due to visit?
 
What an awful situation for anyone to find themselves in and very lucky the vet turned up when he did. I too would be complaining about his attitude and recommending to the RSPCA that this particular officer is sent on a course dealing with people skills! In fact, there is a very good book titled 'Skills with People'. I would be throwing it at him
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You kept your posture and have walked away with your head up.
 
I agree the problem is with THAT inspector and his approach, I know other RSPCA inspectors who are quite different.
I don't disagree with any of your points, but do have more of an issue with the 'go to the press' brigade, as the only outcome of that kind of move is to generally undermine and discredit the work of all RSPCA inspectors
 
I bet he would have been totally different with a pikey or even another bloke, its good that he came to check on the horse, but his attitude obviously stank.
 
Blimey how things have changed! Perhaps if the inspector who visited a yard some years ago had taken that attitude the yearling in question would not have died a week later!! Mind he sounds a bit cheeky & deserves to be reported for his bloody mindness.
 
Well done for what you are doing. What a great vet you have.
I live close to a travellers site. When we first moved here one came to introduce himself and said "There is good and bad in everyone"
He is a good one, a close friend friend now. There are also bad ones there.
The same goes for all types of people. There are good R.S.P.C.A. Inspectors and bad.
You were very unfortunate to get a bad one. I have had dealings with both - good and bad Inspectors.
I am sorry to say i lost my cool with a bad inspector at a horse sale.
When the vet arrived i was proved to be right!
Hold your head high. You are doing a fantastic job.
Well done
 
Shame they didn't send that one to Amersham

Although its probably easier to pick on a (young?) lone female than a load of pikeys.

I wouldn't report him on the basis that we need inspectors like that for the scum of the earth!
 
Please congratulate you vet!

I had a similar experience with an officer a few years ago. Because my dog jumed up at him, he told me that she was starved of attention - then the following week a black lab had won the working dog group at Crufts and was in the final, as the judge approaced it jumped up her - I told my husband it must be starved of attention lol!

Whilst they do good work they need to listen to people and not just assume.

I can't stand people who cause trouble because they have nothing better to do - I have someone down my road who does this.

Very pleased that Hens is progressing that is brilliant news!!!

Emma
 
just read back your answers guys......

Damned if they do, and Damned if they dont!!!!

whichever way he should or shouldnt of handled this, the poor bloke didnt stand a chance from the off!!!!

With all the "Bad Press" lately, i should think "we" as a collective should be glad the RSPCA are taking a stronger stance/attitude......


Or does that only apply to the Stereotypical Cruel Horseowner...like JG???
 
I agree the guy was doing his job like we all do but still there is no excuse for rudeness in ANY job. Obviously without being there I don't know exactly how he was but still, maybe he needs some more lessons on interpersonal skills. He could have been having the worst day of his life at work and just come straight from another terrible case but still, he should still have been professional enough to show common courtesy and manners.
 
It's good that the RSPCA were interested, but in my experience of them, they have much more expertise of small animals, particularly cats and dogs, than horses and often don't understand veterinary issues fully.
I'd also say a little courtesy goes a long way - and as Penny was perfectly willing to allow them to inspect Henry (which they have no legal right to do any more than I would) a little polite conversation and perhaps co-operation would have still achieved the objective of ensuring the horse is adequately cared for, whilst also generating positive public relations (and therefore potential donations/goodwill in the future).
I've always found the ILPH to be much better informed.
S
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Ahh the joys of a uniform.....

Personally, I think it's maybe time we did away with this charity and the mistakes...

Time a replacement was created for the RSPCA, with a different attitude, clearer rules and rights, and proper attitude training! If the inspectors all showed the same attitude and ability, there wouldn't be so many abused / threatened inspectors out there.

Yes they have a job to do, and it's something that does need to be done..... however would it not be better all round to create a proper enforcement body....than a soddin charity with attitude problems???

My problem is I encounter this attitude weekly if not daily, and very often its a case of "I get paid to do this I KNOW BETTER....you do as your told".....often the result / reply is "ok I'll be off now, you don't need the rescue unit"!!

I feel for you....encountering one of the hitlers with attitude is no fun....and the chances are the inspector will pay a return visit to check progress. Personally if he does....I'd keep him on a tight leash, and make it clear he's not welcome anywhere near your horse after the last visit!!
 
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I feel for you....encountering one of the hitlers with attitude is no fun....and the chances are the inspector will pay a return visit to check progress. Personally if he does....I'd keep him on a tight leash, and make it clear he's not welcome anywhere near your horse after the last visit!!

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And what would be the point of that, exactly?

He should be welcomed back with open arms, invited back even to see the progress - this is how the OP protects herself from gossips and malicious false calls.
 
Refuse entry / inspection to an inspector who previously offended you, distressed your animal (tugging rugs straight of the horse!!!)

The result..... a different inspector visits...usually some what more senior with the correct attitude!
Allow the "I'm from the RSPCA...I'll do what I like" behaviour to continue and your as daft as they are!!!!

It's your animal, your premises, your life..... if people want to visit or inspect anything within that parameter, they do it on your terms in a situation and a manner your happy with.
NOT like your in the wrong and you need to bow down....

Maybe it's me..... but I'm sure as hell, with attitude like that, the inspector wouldn't get ANYWHERE NEAR my premises again, for any reason whatsoever
 
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And what would be the point of that, exactly?

He should be welcomed back with open arms, invited back even to see the progress - this is how the OP protects herself from gossips and malicious false calls.

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Did she not invite him in with open arms the first time!!
Welcomed on the premises to inspect, and the -------- errr "inspector".... barges around with out any rights whatsoever, and then goes on to distress the owners equine.

Sure welcome him back for a second attempt, try and get a third in as well.....see how it affects the future behaviour of the horse.!!!!!!
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They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. I'm not a RSPCA fan, but parts of this case do please me, in that he was thorough and could recognise the horse was underweight. His attitude however was obviously out of order.

A few months ago I reported a yard to the RSPCA where the horses were all so underweight, you could see the vertebrae, uunrugged, stables were filthy and they all had terrible ringworm which the YO said he was treating himself as vets were too exepensive! I reported them to the RSPCA. The inspector even rang me before she went in for a chat. Afterwards she called back and said that she thought the horses were fine and she had been told they were being treated for ringworm by a vet!! Unbelievable! I wouldn't have crossed the people who owned the yard, so maybe she didn't want to either, either that or she was blind! I wish she'd been more like the inspector you had, so they can't win. But there is definite fault in both situations.
 
Penny well done with what you were doing. Its people like you who i respect. and the immature, spiteful girls at the yard ought to have that inspector visit their horses to see what it feels like to have someone tell you your not caring for an animal you love and would rather not eat youself in order to provide him with everything he needs. I think the RSPCA need to learn to distinguish between a 'good' and bad horse owner- the fact that he barely listened to your vet is rediculous. I appreciate what it is they aim to do- but they have recently shown that there is no co-hesion between different regions methods of dealing with cases.

Keep doing what your doing- and forget about this horrible experience.
 
I am somewhat amazed by some of the HHO members replies on this post.

Do they not go back and read the history of the member who is posting to get a picture of what they are like .... or how we can only begin to perceive them to be as this is cyberspace.

I for one can see it is apparent that she is a very caring owner, who has many many years experience looking after horses …. I read her introduction post and I was in tears.

I did not take this as a complaint on the RSPCA but as a way of expressing how upset she was over the whole situation …. if she had not mentioned the name of the Society who had ‘visited’ her then I am sure the reaction of the responses would have been different.

Now come on, please tell me that you would not have been as upset with the whole scenario if it had happened to you .. just put yourself in her shoes, then post
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I have to say I do feel sorry for the inspectors - they are only doing ther job and seem to get a lot of abuse because the people they work for are not as organized as they should be. Obviously the RSPCA should be more 'together' but the inspectors are not in charge of the organization and are held up by a lot of false callouts and red tape.

Admittedly it sounds as though this particular inspector's attitude was wrong and unprofessional, although goodness knows what he had already had to put up with before his visit to you.
 
Well said Eaglestone!

I think the RSPCbloodyA should have a rethink about what they are trying to achieve here.
Whatever they do they just can't get it right.

I sold my pony to a girl and a few years later went back to the yard to see him, he was terribly thin, nervous and hid himself away in a strange looking shed full of old washing machines. He had no hay and I could only see a dirty bucket with about an inch of stagnant water in the bottom for him to drink. The place hadn't been cleaned for ages and I left in floods of tears.
I phoned the RSPCA as soon as I get home, they went and had a look and contacted me to say he was fine
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Admittedly it sounds as though this particular inspector's attitude was wrong and unprofessional, although goodness knows what he had already had to put up with before his visit to you.

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Not acceptable! Penny should, most definitely, make a complaint. We all have cr4p to deal with however if we are not able to look at new situations/cases with new eyes, then we should be looking at whether we are flexible/competent enough to be really up to the job in hand.

I would most definitely make a complaint and would expect, at the very least, an apology from the Inspector concerned.
 
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I don't disagree with any of your points, but do have more of an issue with the 'go to the press' brigade,

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PR is important to the RSPCA, if you want someone/something to keep on their toes you go where it hurts, in this case the press.
 
I had a similar thing when I got my mare, I bought her as a rescue case to stop he going to the auctions, I had her a few days and an RSPCA inspector came TBH I was expecting it as we were on a public park stables.

I explained the situation and gave them my vets number who was treating her and told them they was welcome to come back and check her progress. The yard manager also had a word.

They never did come back which suprised me.

she soon put the weight on and kept it on and has been a horse of a lifetime for me

I wish I had taken pics of her when I got her-

about 12 months from buying her-
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last year in foal to Polling
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I wish the RSPCA inspector could see her now, I have had her over 10 years!

I would have been upset If it was some one that reported her who knew her story, I must admit!
 
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... it is apparent that she is a very caring owner, who has many many years experience looking after horses …. I read her introduction post and I was in tears.

I did not take this as a complaint on the RSPCA but as a way of expressing how upset she was over the whole situation …. if she had not mentioned the name of the Society who had ‘visited’ her then I am sure the reaction of the responses would have been different.

Now come on, please tell me that you would not have been as upset with the whole scenario if it had happened to you .. just put yourself in her shoes, then post
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Point 1)animal cruelty and neglect never reduces me to tears, it drives me to do something about it - I don't have time or space for anything other than positive action

Point 2) if I had left a yard under the same circumstances as the OP, I wouldn't be entirely surprised to receive a visit either.
 
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Point 1)animal cruelty and neglect never reduces me to tears, it drives me to do something about it - I don't have time or space for anything other than positive action

Point 2) if I had left a yard under the same circumstances as the OP, I wouldn't be entirely surprised to receive a visit either.

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Sorry but I think you may have got the wrong end of the stick .... I was referring to the plight of the OP, she has not neglected any horse, as far as I can see
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