Petition to look into the RSPCA's actions

[Luci07]

About time too. It does have a close date of a year away but just hope the fact that someone has bothered to do this will just shake them up a bit.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/43807

 

[Lizzie66]

Read it but didn't sign.

The sentiment behind the petition regarding investigating the RSPCA's ability to continue as a charity if they are pursuing a political agenda I agree with, especially regarding the attempt to vilify farmers who partake in a DEFRA supported Badger Cull.

However the phrasing of this petition is poor and unneccesarily agressive. Also the fact that the most recent private prosecution resulted in people pleading guilty negates part of the argument put forward within the petition.

I would agree that they should only be able to support legal prosecutions brought by the CPS and only on the grounds of animal cruelty. The hunting act, as it is currently written, is absolutely nothing to do with preventing animal cruelty in fact it is likely to perpetuate it.

 

[VoR]

The RSPCA use "bully boy" (A little bit inflamatory perhaps!!??)tactics against innocent (A guilty plea would suggest that they were not (albeit that we know they simply couldn't afford to mount a defence) and isn't EVERYONE innocent until proven, through plea or verdict, guilty?) members of the public to bring prosecutions. They often (Often? Really?)infringe on citizens civil and legal rights (A few more examples would help as this at present appears like a knee-jerk reaction to the recent Heythrop case) .
They misuse funds which have been donated by members of the public specifically for animal welfare for their own political gain in bringing these often (Again Often?)vexatious prosecutions (Now here's something, I have heard from (to use journalistic parlance) a source, that the funds for this prosecution were donated exclusively for that purpose......now there is a whole new can of worms....discuss!). This petition asks that the government investigate fully the actions of the RSPCA, ensure that they are unable to prosecute anyone as that is the remit of the CPS (is there not a Civil and Legal right to bring a Private Prosecution?)and ensure tighter rules are in place from the charities commission to prevent registered charities from using funds for political lobbying or bringing private prosecutions (I'm sure that the CC will be aware of this and monitoring it but this is a good point IF the funds used are donated for another reason (i.e. a mis-use of funds), not sure it is possible to enforce this as it would be easy to quote and unknown or anonymous donor!!)

Overall the concept of this Petition may be well intentioned, not sure it is actually viable. Just a thought!!

 

[happyhunter123]

Now here's something, I have heard from (to use journalistic parlance) a source, that the funds for this prosecution were donated exclusively for that purpose......now there is a whole new can of worms....discuss!)

Really? Very interesting. but from where did the funds come-do you know? The RSPCA didn't have a exclusive anti-hunting appeal. Brian May perhaps?

 

[Countryman]

Possibly Paul McCartney? Or the shop Lush maybe?

 

[happyhunter123]

Signed, if only to show concern about the charity and the direction it is taking. If lots of people sign, it will show the organisation that people are concerned about it.
I don't honestly think that the government need to take action, and I do agree that the wording is slightly ridiculous.

 

[Countryman]

I've reposted this in the New Lounge-as concerns about how the RSPCA spends its money are by no means limited to the hunting community.

 

[Hunters]

Kick on & sign the petition, the new 'guv'nor of the RSPCA has taken it upon himself to make the 'animal protection society' political. I'll bet not too many of the donating public are impressed with this decision....

 

[Alec Swan]

I've reposted this in the New Lounge-as concerns about how the RSPCA spends its money are by no means limited to the hunting community.

Really? No ****. Read below; it's from that august body, the National Sheep Association. It now seems that our well meaning but idiot friends, want to take on the AHVLA (That's the State Veterinary Service ).

RSPCA launches legal challenge against AHVLA.
RSPCA is trying to obtain a judicial review of the approval and supervision of live animal exports through Ramsgate Port, claiming AHVLA is currently ‘acting unlawfully’ by allowing exporters to use a port without appropriate facilities, not thoroughly checking animals at the port, and allowing live animals on to an unsuitable vessel.

RSPCA has taken this action despite an announcement on 12th December by Farming Minister David Health that AHVLA had been asked to improve its procedures and also increase inspections so every consignment passing through Ramsgate was ‘thoroughly inspected’. He said at the time: “Until I am entirely satisfied there is no longer a risk to the welfare of animals at Ramsgate, I have ordered AHVLA to check every consignment of live animals scheduled to pass through the port. I want a zero tolerance approach – if we find any evidence of slipping welfare standards then we will not hesitate to take action.” The current law is that animals are checked at point of loading, meaning the check at Ramsgate is in addition to that.

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Alec.

 

[Countryman]

Alec, I hope they spent a lot of money fighting for a judicial review