RSPCA just rejected me as an adopter

[Paint Me Proud]

I have just been rejected by the RSPCA to adopt 3 guinea pigs.

I wanted to adopt some new guinea pigs to make a small group with my current two females. My current guineas live in the bottom of my aviary, they have 20 sqft of indoor space, heated in cold weather, and 30 sqft of outdoor roofed space with access via a pop-hole. They have fresh fruit and veg everyday and a top quality dry food that I mix myself from three top brands, they also have turf chunks in the outdoor area and adlib hay.

I offered a home to 3 female guinea pigs from the RSPCA and was told the group of 3 would be hard to rehome due to the space they need - their recommendation is at least 4 sqft - so they were happy I wanted them.

Home checker came on Tuesday and was amzed by my accomodation for them, saying it was the nicest pen for guinea pigs she'd ever seen and was all thogether thrilled and confident we would be approved.

I used to be a zoo keeper, with guinea pigs one of the animals in my care, also bred and showed guineas when I was a child and have been involved in several animal clubs and groups.

So, I got a call tonight saying that they were rejecting us as adopters becasue the guinea pigs would be living with the birds (the home checker saw no issue with this, thought it was lovely) and that the guineas might get pooped on!

I understand it may be their policy but I just feel for the 3 guineas I wanted to adopt, I would have offered an amazing forever home with massive accomodation but now they have to stay in foster and wait for someone with a little hutch to turn up.

I knew there was a reason I didnt like the RSPCA, even when you try to adopt one of their animals they are so picky you dont stand a chance of passing thir checks.

Oh well, I'll just go the pet shop and buy some guinea pigs the easy way......

 

[Elsiecat]

Pathetic is there no small rescue near you that you can go to? Or a specialist guinea pig rescue? I bet they'd be delighted to home to you.

 

[webble]

Got to be honest I am a homechecker and I would have rejected you for that too sorry

 

[Morag4]

Have you checked this site?

http://www.guineapigrehome.org.uk/

 

[Fides]

It's so frustrating isn't it. I was turned down as I had a horse so would be out of the house too much. They didn't belie me when I said they would be going with me to the stables...

I ended up rescuing privately (a pup from a litter that were going to be drowned) - these rescues don't help themselves!

What gets me is that they won't home to someone who works more than 4 hours a day with a dog but they are happy for them to be left for longer than that in kennels at the rescue with very little one on one time, and often being left at 19:00 close (sometimes earlier) till the next day a how is that any different than someone working? At least a dog in a working family environment would have evening cuddles...

 

[PorkChop]

I am sorry to say that I am not surprised in the least - how utterly ridiculous ...... just a thought, there may well be a local guinea pig/small animal rescue near you, (you know the sort, very low key), and they usually welcome people like you with open arms.

Hope you find some gorgeous piggies

 

[Fides]

Got to be honest I am a homechecker and I would have rejected you for that too sorry

Can I just as for what reason?

 

[Elsiecat]

Got to be honest I am a homechecker and I would have rejected you for that too sorry

I'm also intriged to find out the reason? Guinea pigs and birds coming into possibly contact can't be an issue as the average guinea pig who is locked in a tiny hutch and gets an hour in a run on saturday could still be pooed on etc by a bird..

 

[sue_nf]

So b----y ridiculous, I feel for you, what a lovely home you could have offered the piggies, I can't bear seeing little animals in cages, so your set up sounds lovely. A few years ago we had a home check from RSPCA, we wanted to re home a dog, I didn't work, horses kept at home. We wanted a dog that would be with me all day, and on occasion go to work with husband (he works outside so lovely for a dog) and to come out riding with the horses. We were turned down and told that our lifestyle was no way to keep a dog. Went to the Blue Cross who then home checked us, exactly the same scenario. Blue Cross said "what a wonderful home you can offer"

 

[SkewbyTwo]

I see so much of this now, with all established rescues, and it breaks my heart. So many stipulate, no kids, no dogs/cats, no this, no that...so many wonderful, decent animals left in pens. Because someone decided on an impossible list of criteria.

I think they have lost sight of the point. You sum it up OP, in that they need to remember, just how easily procured animals are.

 

[Paint Me Proud]

Got to be honest I am a homechecker and I would have rejected you for that too sorry

I did think that may be the only thing they were unsure of but the home checker thought it was brilliant, she was singing my praises and pretty much told me i'd be approved, she even told the lady who makes the decision it was the best accomodation she'd ever seen. I did tell them they were going to live in an aviary when i first made contact, even sent them a photo, why didnt they say no then??

 

[webble]

I'm also intriged to find out the reason? Guinea pigs and birds coming into possibly contact can't be an issue as the average guinea pig who is locked in a tiny hutch and gets an hour in a run on saturday could still be pooed on etc by a bird..

I wouldnt rehome to the set up either

The two species just aren't designed to live together they have different dietry requirements and the pigs would be exposed to bird poo, dust and their feed - just no way would I do that the set up sounds amazing apart from the birds

 

[webble]

I see so much of this now, with all established rescues, and it breaks my heart. So many stipulate, no kids, no dogs/cats, no this, no that...so many wonderful, decent animals left in pens. Because someone decided on an impossible list of criteria.

I think they have lost sight of the point. You sum it up OP, in that they need to remember, just how easily procured animals are.

That is the only issue though its not an impossible list of criteria

 

[webble]

I did think that may be the only thing they were unsure of but the home checker thought it was brilliant, she was singing my praises and pretty much told me i'd be approved, she even told the lady who makes the decision it was the best accomodation she'd ever seen. I did tell them they were going to live in an aviary when i first made contact, even sent them a photo, why didnt they say no then??

I dont know they should have done to be honest, it does vary from branch to branch how the process works

 

[Elsiecat]

I wouldnt rehome to the set up either

The two species just aren't designed to live together they have different dietry requirements and the pigs would be exposed to bird poo, dust and their feed - just no way would I do that the set up sounds amazing apart from the birds

Birds also poo on lawns. Guinea pigs also have wooden runs on lawns. Is bird poo especially toxic to guinea pigs?
And I don't think OP has proposed to give them all the same feed?
Baffling.

 

[Paint Me Proud]

Birds also poo on lawns. Guinea pigs also have wooden runs on lawns. Is bird poo especially toxic to guinea pigs?
And I don't think OP has proposed to give them all the same feed?
Baffling.

My mum said that about birds pooping on outdoor cage runs.


The guinea pigs have a number of cardboard boxes to run between and i've never seen a spot of bird poop on them. The shed has a lot of ventilation and is well maintained and cleaned regulalry.
The birds food is not accesible to the guinea pigs.

 

[webble]

Birds also poo on lawns. Guinea pigs also have wooden runs on lawns. Is bird poo especially toxic to guinea pigs?
And I don't think OP has proposed to give them all the same feed?
Baffling.

A bird flying over a lawn isnt really the same as an avairy though and whilst I realise that from the description the bird food would end up on the floor. I will bow out of this thread now as I have never read anything nice about the rspca on HHO and I find it demoralising

 

[Fides]

A bird flying over a lawn isnt really the same as an avairy though and whilst I realise that from the description the bird food would end up on the floor. I will bow out of this thread now as I have never read anything nice about the rspca on HHO and I find it demoralising

I'm sure if there were good experiences people would say...

 

[Moomin1]

I'm sure if there were good experiences people would say...

No they wouldn't, because human nature is to generally only speak of the bad experiences. Same with the NHS and police service.

 

[3Beasties]

Sounds like a brilliant set up, would love to see pics!

I'm not surprised so many people buy rather than adopt!

 

[Meandtheboys]

webble I feel sorry for you and not aimed at you..............but the RSPCA have stupid policies and procedures and find it easier to PTS than apply a logic approach - bunch of idiots!!

 

[Paint Me Proud]

Sounds like a brilliant set up, would love to see pics!

Indoor area (rest of shed now tidy, lol!)

with shavings etc for guinea pigs - they now have 5 boxes to run between

Outdoor area

 

[Meandtheboys]

Can I come and move in...............looks lovely!!

 

[Tiddlypom]

I'm sure if there were good experiences people would say...

I have posted several times about my positive experience in fostering a gypsy cob filly from the RSPCA.

I have to say that I'm not too sure about guinea pigs living in an aviary either, due to contamination with droppings and dander, etc., though otherwise the set up looks ace.

Disclaimer, I have no affiliation with the RSPCA, and fully agree that they don't get everything right, every time.

 

[dogatemysalad]

Sorry, I wouldn't put pigs in with birds either.

I've kept pigs for many years and mine have a small shed and access to the whole garden 24/7. Birds in a garden don't tend to poo in a confined area as they would have to in an aviary.

 

[Mrs B]

A bird flying over a lawn isnt really the same as an avairy though and whilst I realise that from the description the bird food would end up on the floor. I will bow out of this thread now as I have never read anything nice about the rspca on HHO and I find it demoralising

Sorry, Webble, but reading that you defend the RSPCA's stance on this, when other animals are in REAL distress and being abused just strengthens my objections to the RSPCA. I'm a great supporter of animal welfare charities. My Grandfather (a vet) was the first chairman of the PDSA. He was born in 1898 and I am proud to be his Granddaughter. At that time, he recognised that animals needed our help when owners were well meaning, but lacked enough funds to feed themselves and their families let alone get veterinary care for their animals.

And the RSPCA? I used to donate. I used to support them. But I have watched them get taken over by those with a political agenda and those who (much as I prefer animals over humans) champion animal RIGHTS over animal welfare and who display a wilful misunderstanding of what is a workable balance which also benefits anything on the planet NOT born as that rather distasteful breed, 'homo sapiens'.

This is a classic case that makes me angry. Someone bred those poor little guineas, without a thought for where they'd end up. The OP has offered them a home which (as the inspector said) was great. But you would still whinge about it, because it's not 'perfect'? God alive! Life ain't perfect, but it might have been pretty damn'd close for those little pigs. Now I guess they'll be kept in the rehoming centre taking up time, money and resources which could have been used for some other abused little mites. And then probably destroyed.

I think you need to examine what your feelings about animal welfare really are.

And ETA bullhooks in my case, Moomin! I praise where praise is due, immediately and reserve judgement about whinges until I'm sure they're justified.

 

[Tiddlypom]

The OP has offered them a home which (as the inspector said) was great. But you would still whinge about it, because it's not 'perfect'? God alive!

I think you need to examine what your feelings about animal welfare really are.

This is a very harsh, and IMHO unwarranted, judgement on Webble, who has merely stated that she would be unhappy about rehoming guinea pigs with birds in an aviary.

 

[Moomin1]

Sorry, Webble, but reading that you defend the RSPCA's stance on this, when other animals are in REAL distress and being abused just strengthens my objections to the RSPCA. I'm a great supporter of animal welfare charities. My Grandfather (a vet) was the first chairman of the PDSA. He was born in 1898 and I am proud to be his Granddaughter. At that time, he recognised that animals needed our help when owners were well meaning, but lacked enough funds to feed themselves and their families let alone get veterinary care for their animals.

And the RSPCA? I used to donate. I used to support them. But I have watched them get taken over by those with a political agenda and those who (much as I prefer animals over humans) champion animal RIGHTS over animal welfare and who display a wilful misunderstanding of what is a workable balance which also benefits anything on the planet NOT born as that rather distasteful breed, 'homo sapiens'.

This is a classic case that makes me angry. Someone bred those poor little guineas, without a thought for where they'd end up. The OP has offered them a home which (as the inspector said) was great. But you would still whinge about it, because it's not 'perfect'? God alive! Life ain't perfect, but it might have been pretty damn'd close for those little pigs. Now I guess they'll be kept in the rehoming centre taking up time, money and resources which could have been used for some other abused little mites. And then probably destroyed.

I think you need to examine what your feelings about animal welfare really are.

And ETA bullhooks in my case, Moomin! I praise where praise is due, immediately and reserve judgement about whinges until I'm sure they're justified.

I'm sorry but you couldn't get someone more dedicated and passionate about animal welfare than Webble. And I fully agree with her over the aviary situation. As do a good few others on this thread.

 

[Magnetic Sparrow]

But this thread does raise the more general question of a home being 'good enough' versus 'perfect'. It sounds to me like in this case as in others cited that the RSPCA are throwing the baby out with the bath water by setting the standard so high that animals can't be rehomed. As a result, if I understand the situation correctly, animals that can't be rehomed are killed. How is that better?

 

[Moomin1]

But this thread does raise the more general question of a home being 'good enough' versus 'perfect'. It sounds to me like in this case as in others cited that the RSPCA are throwing the baby out with the bath water by setting the standard so high that animals can't be rehomed. As a result, if I understand the situation correctly, animals that can't be rehomed are killed. How is that better?

Clearly they don't feel that this home is 'good enough' though due to the reasons given. I don't think they are looking for perfect at all - I don't think that having the g.pigs housed with the birds is good enough, never mind perfect. The rest of the set up is very good, so it's a real shame that OP couldn't house them separately.