RSPCA shoots 11 HEALTHY horses but claimed keep fees for months

[Alec Swan]

Official statement from the Arab Horse Society:

The Arab Horse Society made considerable efforts to communicate with the RSPCA when the Peel horses were taken into the charity’s care but no information was forthcoming. The AHS had offers from AHS members, breeders and former owners of Peel horses, anxious to re-home them, but the RSPCA would not enter into any discussion with the Society regarding the horses.

Thanks for that EstherYoung.

If Canute saw the futility of ignoring the obvious, why can't the rspca? Were the rspca to be maintaining the moral high-ground by their silence and in the face of criticism, that would be one thing, but their apparent blanket refusal to enter in to any discussion, is no more than supreme arrogance. Arrogance and Pride are both precursors to a fall.

Alec.

 

[fatpiggy]

its hard to know what makes this happen with experienced horsey folk. I spent my 16th summer in the 80s at a small riding school/livery yard working for rides. Had a ball, lots of horses and ponies that worked hard but were well cared for. Family were lovely. 18 months later they were done for neglect and I don't know how/why it happened (I moved across country). I look back at the photos and see no evidence of things going awry. Leslie Skipper was another one who knew better.

I used to ride a pony on a farm, the daughter and I went to school together. The farm was very well-kept, and her dad treated the animals extremely well. He often got the best price of the day at market for the bull calves and the dairy cows were in lovely condition (many had their own names). Land maintenance was excellent - all in all a very good farmer. Two decades on and my mum sent me a news clipping that he had been prosecuted for neglect and animals found dead on the farm (a different property). I did hear that there had been marital problems and I think they could have split up. No-one was more surprised or shocked than me though because I would never have believed it of him.

 

[DD]

a begging letter from the RSPCA has just arrived in my post box. it contains a stamped addressed envelope. I have written a short letter asking why the refused help from the ASH re rehoming the horses in the Peel case and stated there was no need to shoot them when help was available. I will be posting it shortly. I urge others to do the same.
and/or ring them up and tie up their phone lines their phone number is in my signature below.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I have the list of the 28 horses that were removed from the Peels. I was sent it on the 29th April 2015 (so during the court case) by one of the ladies that attended the court case. She clearly states that it was said that three of the horses had been PTS, but that it wasn't said in court which three. On the list the horses are all called by their stable names, not their passport names and there are a few notes trying to work out who the horses really are. One is a Welton daughter (but no passport name) and it is stated that there were two shetlands, two Cleveland Bay crosses and of course the appy x arab that is related to my grey.

Of course at that point I was very hopeful that the appy x was still alive. I've met his sire and dam and they both had top notch temperaments, in fact every member of the family that I have met has been utterly wonderful and very trainable. If he had any temperament issue, it was caused by being shut in a barn and mistreated and surely with kind handling he would have recovered fully? He was a young horse and like all the others, didn't deserve what happened to him.

 

[DD]

Faracat, do you know what happened to Oakthwaite Shamtar?

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Do you know his stable name?

 

[AmieeT]

I have been reading these comments in horror, and last night asked on the RSPCA FB page for them to justify their actions- this morning there is no sign of my request, they've obviously deleted it, along with another comment I'd liked of someone else's.

I would love for them to face justice for their actions.

 

[madlady]

I just wanted to add that I emailed the MP who is getting involved in this yesterday stating how upset and angry I was and offering support if needed.

I've had a reply asking for my full address and have been told I will hear further. I did say that I thought that the RSPCA needed to be fully investigated and also not be the responsible charity for Equine welfare.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I have been reading these comments in horror, and last night asked on the RSPCA FB page for them to justify their actions- this morning there is no sign of my request, they've obviously deleted it, along with another comment I'd liked of someone else's.

I would love for them to face justice for their actions.

there are lots of comments on the page about this but you need to scroll down a bit.

 

[AmieeT]

there are lots of comments on the page about this but you need to scroll down a bit.

I did, mine is completely disappeared- I'd had notifications that someone had liked it, and that's gone too, bit odd.

http://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/statement/0615_2 This is what a friend of mine posted (she works for the RSPCA)- I sent her a link to the that Arabian Lines forum to read through. Haven't had a reply yet though.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Basically it seems that for whatever reason, the RSPCA were not willing to reply to the AHS's plea to work with them, so the horses were shot as 'unhomable'. If they had had one tiny jot of willingness to work with the AHS, all could have been rehomed and it is absolutely gutting that the AHS had homes lined up ready to take the horses.

 

[ester]

'others were euthanised because there was no realistic prospect of them being rehomed in the prevailing circumstances at that time.'

And this is the bit that is wrong in this instance.

I'm actually all for the PTS or more of the rescue horses that some charities take in particularly those youngsters with shocking confo and lamenesses that means that they will never be a ridden horse when there are only so many companion homes. This was not the case here and I hope they understand the difference.

 

[Alec Swan]

I've just googled 'rspca Complaints Procedure'. All that I could find was a list of those bodies who regulate them, see below;

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES:
British Veterinary Association; Charity Commission; Defra;

There didn't, with the exception of lodging a complaint regarding their fund raising, seem to be a system in place whereby they would address any complaints regarding their conduct. Convenient! Time, I believe for the regulatory bodies to start taking a degree of responsibility, I'd say.

Alec.

Ets, and thinking about it, which of the bodies mentioned above would have any control over the charter of the rspca? None, I suspect. Is a self imposed charter of any worth when it is routinely ignored? No is the answer.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

'others were euthanised because there was no realistic prospect of them being rehomed in the prevailing circumstances at that time.'

And this is the bit that is wrong in this instance.

I'm actually all for the PTS or more of the rescue horses that some charities take in particularly those youngsters with shocking confo and lamenesses that means that they will never be a ridden horse when there are only so many companion homes. This was not the case here and I hope they understand the difference.

absolutely. they will argue that they cannot discuss horses that are involved in current cases with anyone though, that will be their excuse. It seems to me that these were shot just way to quickly and they've been covering up ever since. Seems odd that HAPPA managed to rehab and rehome the two (?) they took on.

eta I am writing to complain to the RSPCA this week. Won't do any good but the more that do it the better. The DM are going to try and follow this up this sunday-they apparently did not know that the owners/breeders were unaware of the horses' fate.

 

[ester]

I don't know if that argument should stand if they weren't seized, though I imagine they will say so.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Just heard a piece on the radio 2 11am news. Spokesperson from RSPCA talking about the large number of abandoned horses, which means they are having to pts healthy horses.

Yes, true, but these arabs were not genuinely abandoned, were they. They mostly had owners and anyway the breed society was actively trying to help. Why the radio piece today? RSPCA bigwigs trying to wriggle out of a monumental c0ck up?

 

[Pinkvboots]

'others were euthanised because there was no realistic prospect of them being rehomed in the prevailing circumstances at that time.'

And this is the bit that is wrong in this instance.

I'm actually all for the PTS or more of the rescue horses that some charities take in particularly those youngsters with shocking confo and lamenesses that means that they will never be a ridden horse when there are only so many companion homes. This was not the case here and I hope they understand the difference.

I think the problem is most rspca officers don't know one end a horse from another so would have no idea about what a good or bad horse looks like in this instance, but I totally agree with the fact they should have a procedure in place where each horse is assessed by someone who is qualified to know the difference.

I have just heard a report on radio 2 where they did a brief interview from someone at the rspca it started with, " the horse welfare situation in England and Wales has reached crisis point which has now resulted in having healthy horses pts, this has obviously been aired due to this case to obviously try and justify what they have done.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I think the problem is most rspca officers don't know one end a horse from another so would have no idea about what a good or bad horse looks like in this instance, but I totally agree with the fact they should have a procedure in place where each horse is assessed by someone who is qualified to know the difference.

well, apparently the slaughterman told them that some of them at least were suitable. He's the director of a rehab/rehoming centre, Cooper Wilson Equine Support, so he should know?

 

[AmieeT]

Just heard a piece on the radio 2 11am news. Spokesperson from RSPCA talking I about the large number of abandoned horses, which means they are having to pts healthy horses.

Yes, true, but these arabs were not genuinely abandoned, were they. They mostly had owners and anyway the breed society was actively trying to help. Why the radio piece today? RSPCA bigwigs trying to wriggle out of a monumental c0ck up?

I heard this and thought the same. They were neither abandoned nor unwanted as the early link I posted implies.

 

[DD]

Do you know his stable name?

no sorry I dont. She was/is a black arabian by Al Sood.

 

[honetpot]

I am a cynic where the RSPCA are concerned, they tend of to prosecute people they know have assents, ie their home is not rented, so they can recoup any costs through the courts if they win the case. I think the euthanizing of these animals was more to do with reducing the costs of keeping them whilst remaining in control. Most look just poor and a bit of Dr Green and worming would have probably got them in good condition, but that wouldn't make a good story. It would also give the defence the chance to say the neglect was a one off.
If I was and owner of any of these animals I would take the RSPCA to the small claims court for the value of the animal, how ever much that is and ring the local newspaper. Let them prove in court what attempts to find the owners. I am sure if they had posted on the breed FB page people would have known who they where, I knew I had sold 12 years ago from a FB picture.
I feel the owners have been abused twice, by the loaner that betrayed their trust, and the RSPCA who did not do right by their animals and them.

 

[alibali]

I know this linked has been posted previously but in case anyone missed it here is the RSPCAs official response to the criticism it has received over the euthanasia of these horses.

http://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/statement/0615_2

It clearly states that they were slaughtered as there was no realistic chance of rehoming them. It makes no mention of the fact that many of the horses already had owners desperate to reclaim them or the fact that a breed society had made offer of assistance in dealing with and rehoming these horses. Neither does it mention that the majority were extremely valuable well bred animals, sports horses as well as Arabs, and that many people who have given their eye teeth to have had the opportunity of owning them not 'just' as rescues but for their own sake and I imagine several would have had competitive careers in front of them in the eventing world.

A swift look at the RSPCAs rehoming pages for horses shows page after page after page of small/medium coloured cob types mostly for rehoming as companions. It appears the RSPCA believes that these type of equines have a better chance of being rehomed than 'blood' horses. It is clear to me that whoever had overall responsibility for the Peel horses has very little understanding of horses in general or the equine industry or indeed the root cause of the 'current over population crisis' they are spouting about which is the indiscriminate breeding of (primarily but not exclusively) small/medium coloured cob types. Which certainly calls into question the RSPCAs competency to deal with the welfare/cruelty towards horses.

Just to add I think cobs (coloured or otherwise) are fantastic and equally deserving of good homes my point is that unfortunately for coloured cobs they appear to have been particularly subject to indiscriminate breeding and this part of the market appears flooded and likely hard to rehome particular animals due to sheer volume. Further those people looking to rehome an Arab/part bred sports horse are unlikely to rehome a coloured cob instead and vice versa.

I am truly shocked at the RSPCAs actions and lack of professionalism in this instance. How they managed to win a court case when it appears they had not even managed to successfully identify the animals involved and trace true ownership (despite I believe being in possession of the passports) beats me. I am disgusted at the RSPCAs complete refusal to work with partner organisations (Arab Horse Society) who had the knowledge and wherewithal to assist. Finally I am saddened beyond belief that the horses which had suffered once at the hands of the Peels were given no opportunity of a second chance and never even offered for re-homing.

I will be copying a large part of this post and using it as template to write to the RSPCA, the MP who is calling for an enquiry, my own MP, the Charities Commission, HM The Queen and anyone else I can think of who might listen to me.

 

[alibali]

I know this linked has been posted previously but in case anyone missed it here is the RSPCAs official response to the criticism it has received over the euthanasia of these horses.

http://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/statement/0615_2

It clearly states that they were slaughtered as there was no realistic chance of rehoming them. It makes no mention of the fact that many of the horses already had owners desperate to reclaim them or the fact that a breed society had made offer of assistance in dealing with and rehoming these horses. Neither does it mention that the majority were extremely valuable well bred animals, sports horses as well as Arabs, and that many people would have given their eye teeth to have had the opportunity of owning them not 'just' as rescues but for their own sake and I imagine several would have had competitive careers in front of them in the eventing world.

A swift look at the RSPCAs rehoming pages for horses shows page after page after page of small/medium coloured cob types mostly for rehoming as companions. It appears the RSPCA believes that these type of equines have a better chance of being rehomed than 'blood' horses. It is clear to me that whoever had overall responsibility for the Peel horses has very little understanding of horses in general or the equine industry or indeed the root cause of the 'current over population crisis' they are spouting about which is the indiscriminate breeding of (primarily but not exclusively) small/medium coloured cob types. Which certainly calls into question the RSPCAs competency to deal with the welfare/cruelty towards horses.

Just to add I think cobs (coloured or otherwise) are fantastic and equally deserving of good homes my point is that unfortunately for coloured cobs they appear to have been particularly subject to indiscriminate breeding and this part of the market appears flooded and likely hard to rehome particular animals due to sheer volume. Further those people looking to rehome an Arab/part bred sports horse are unlikely to rehome a coloured cob instead and vice versa.

I am truly shocked at the RSPCAs actions and lack of professionalism in this instance. How they managed to win a court case when it appears they had not even managed to successfully identify the animals involved and trace true ownership (despite I believe being in possession of the passports) beats me. I am disgusted at the RSPCAs complete refusal to work with partner organisations (Arab Horse Society) who had the knowledge and wherewithal to assist. Finally I am saddened beyond belief that the horses which had suffered once at the hands of the Peels were given no opportunity of a second chance and never even offered for re-homing.

I will be copying a large part of this post and using it as template to write to the RSPCA, the MP who is calling for an enquiry, my own MP, the Charities Commission, HM The Queen and anyone else I can think of who might listen to me.

 

[HashRouge]

I'm still suspicious about how a well traveled horse like "Taz" (Taragun) came to break her leg in transit. I doubt we will ever get an explanation of that though, it seems to have been accepted as "just one of those things"

 

[Beausmate]

This sorry story reminds me of that ugly business with the GSDs. Do the RSPCA not bother to employ people who know what they are doing?

They seem to have a very similar attitude with regard to obtaining outside assistance to the very people they prosecute. Is it down to arrogance? The 'we know best, so we don't need anyone else's help' way of thinking?

How many owners of competition/racehorses regularly visit their horses? Many people would assume that a well-respected professional would be trustworthy and look after the animals in their care, so wouldn't feel the need to check up on them.

You really can't trust anyone.

 

[Rollin]

I'm still suspicious about how a well traveled horse like "Taz" (Taragun) came to break her leg in transit. I doubt we will ever get an explanation of that though, it seems to have been accepted as "just one of those things"

Might be a similar case to the one I have quoted. A friend's lame foal, already seen and treated by a vet, the RSPCA were told this when they telephoned friend who was on a train to a business meeting. The mare and foal were taken by the RSPCA, after being chased around the field for an hour, witnesses and police camera. Foal transported un sedated, which friend knew was illegal, pts the following morning without owner's consent on the basis it had a fracture. How could you chase a foal with a fractured fetlock round a field for an hour? While friend was away for 48 hours mare and foal were being cared for by a relative who knew them well and was panic stricken, when he found field gate open, and the two missing later the same day and thought they had been stolen or escaped.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

no sorry I dont. She was/is a black arabian by Al Sood.

I have PM'd you.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

On AL someone has copied and pasted part of the RSPCA's SIR (summary information return) to the Charity Commission and in this they explain their activities and goals.

In it is this statement about their strategy - 'collaboration with other organisations is seen as key to addressing some of these problems.'

So why didn't they reply to the AHS? The RSPCA state that their goal is - 'To end the euthansia of any rehomeable animal.'

They just seem to have been willfully uncooperative (or worse) in this case.

 

[EQUIDAE]

How could you chase a foal with a fractured fetlock round a field for an hour? .

My 5 month old foal fractured his fetlock and is now a strapping 5 year old. He has xrayed on site and was splinted and box rested with his dam. The bill came to £75 - for a horse with a broken leg. Euthenasia was unnecessary...

 

[JoannaC]

Whilst I would normally agree that when you put your horse on loan you need to check regularly but it's hard to explain how Rachelle was so plausible, I would have trusted her with my horse and I only ever spoke to her online through Arabian Lines. I thing everyone was completely gobsmacked when they heard what had happened. It wasn't obvious either at the number of horses they actually had. You see people at shows etc and the horses they have with them look completely fine so it really wouldn't cross your mind that they could have starving, neglected horses at home. She was constantly posting about how well they were doing and never was there the slightest indication that anything was wrong. She fooled a lot of people so I have nothing for sympathy for the people who trusted her with their beloved horses whether selling or loaning. We only really hear about the bad loan homes but most loans work perfectly well and the horses don't end up neglected or ill treated. The RSPCA are a disgrace and I am also not against PTS for horses that genuinely are unlikely to be rehomed but this simply wasn't the case in this instance. A lot of the horses were still young and even the oldies like Sparky could have taught a young rider.