RSPCA shoots 10 GSDs? (same topic threads merged)

Does anyone have any further info on this? Apparently it happened in Wales in June. The dogs were all shot with bolt guns, which I thought needed to be used at close range.
They had `serious skin conditions`

surley not all 10 had to be dealt with that way
hmmm dont get me started about the rspca ....yes ,anymore info anyone?????

I found this, I hope its ok to post it?

http://coldwetnose.blogspot.com/

I am so shocked by this, its one of the things that you don't want to believe, but then know its more then likely true, why oh why couldn't they find another way to let the dog go?

just found this on another forum.....

Last month I was told of the Rspca apparently shooting a number of dogs in Wales, I was very disturbed by this as the public impression of the Rspca is of an organisation dedicated to save animals lives. I do know that their are occasions when they are helpful also many of their rescues do a good job. However this story is unsettling and I will paste below what they told me.

"Thank you for your enquiry. Please accept our apologies for the delay in replying. We receive a very large volume of enquiries here and have to prioritise to deal with urgent animal welfare issues first.

There has been some misinformation posted with regard to this case. The facts are as follows:

We received a call on 23 June this year from a member of the public relating to 10 German Shepherd dogs at an address in Pontardawe, in south Wales. The caller said the dogs owner, a relative, had died and the dogs had been living on their own.

An RSPCA inspector visited the premises that day and assessed the animals. The inspector took the decision that none of the dogs were at all suitable for rehoming due to concerns about their aggressive behaviour and lack of socialisation with people. The dogs were also suffering from a severe skin condition.

We explained the next-of-kin that they should contact other rescue groups for help. The next-of-kin were made fully aware that if the RSPCA became involved, the dogs would be euthanased.

The owners next-of-kin later contacted the RSPCA again and said they had been turned down by other charities who were unwilling to take on the animals and they signed over the dogs, fully aware of what would happen.

It is the RSPCAs raison d'etre to prevent cruelty to animals, and it was decided this sad, but ultimately necessary, outcome for the dogs was the best way to prevent the animals any further suffering. The decision was not made lightly and, as always, it was made with the best interests of the animal at heart.

Thank you again for contacting the Society. "


Kind regards
RSPCA HQ Advice Team
20/08/2009

I then asked them to confirm if they actually shot the dogs

"Thank you for your further enquiry.

Yes, they were. A decision was made following a discussion between eight RSPCA officers that the most humane form of euthanasia would be to use a captive bolt. This would minimise distress to the dogs, while also being the safest method for those people responsible for dealing with the animals. Restraining the dogs and then shaving a limb to prepare for a lethal injection would have caused these animals unnecessary suffering, due to the animals suffering from a severe skin condition.

Thank you again for contacting the Society. "


Kind regards
RSPCA HQ Advice Team

hope this helps you.

I haven't heard anything here. Just checked ic wales online and there is nothing on there. Hope it's not true.

Words fail me as the dogs would have to held by someone whilst the bolt is used


Perhaps we should have all signed this petition

wtf!!...whilst occasionaly this method sadly has to be used,and when done 'properly' is very quick........a sedation followed by the 'lethal injection' is often just as less stressfull,i cannot believe all 10 had to be dealt with this way....cost effectiveness(although rspca are rich) and convienience springs to mind!

Dear God................please let this be a hoax? If it isn`t what chance to animals in this country have?
Be abused, sick, abandoned....and the people meant to help you shoot you with bolt guns. Not even a peaceful sleep to end it all. Well, a bolt is cheaper, probably.

eta - I`m going to email the RSPCA now - please will you do the same.

Surely..if I am reading this right..they would have been kinder to sedate them with darts..to get up close and administer the lethal injection!!..

I have emailed the RSPCA to see if this is true. I`ll let you know what they say.