And I´m not talking about the UK´s RSPCA based here but RSPCA Australia.

Last night I happened to catch a programme called RSPCA Animal Rescue on a digital channel - Living.


Rather than the usual stuff it was a repeat of a film made a year or so ago showing the aftermath of the appalling Victorian bush fires which killed people, wildlife, farm animals and pets.

The film showed pets that had miraculously survived when their owners had to escape the inferno leaving them behind, and wild animals too, like kangaroos and wombats - many of which were too ill to make it.

It was a very moving and interesting film, especially when the family collected the badly injured cat they thought had perished.

Yet when i was reading about the show on the internet I see this posting:-

" . . .Seven Network´s RSPCA Animal Rescue is nothing more than a blatant public relations exercise to maintain their image as a "caring" organisation seen to be doing good.

RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Rescue is a “factual programme” which is supposed to give viewers a close-up look at the RSPCA’s work and care towards animals. It claims to be an “observational documentary” but experienced farmers believe RSPCA Animal Rescue contains more fiction than fact.

The RSPCA said they were helping injured wildlife and reuniting pets with owners. Some inspectors even checked for animals at the wrong address! Actually, it was the local vets tended to most of the injured animals. . . "

The article then goes on to say:-

" . .RSPCA Animal Rescue does not show their inspectors bullying and intimidating farmers (particularly the elderly) whom they assume are unable to fight back, or have the means to do so. . "

The article goes on to refer to a case where senior figures in NSW RSPCA who were also lawyers, were involved in RSPCA prosecutions. Apparently Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries, recently complained to New South Wales’ Independent Commission Against Corruption [ICAC] regarding RSPCA prosecutions . . .

I dont know anything about Carolyn Cash, the person who wrote the article, but its obvious as to where she´s coming from. Isn´t it strange that the RSPCA in Australia generates the same sort of hostility as it sometimes does in the UK. What is it about animal welfare that generates such hatred?

I'll admit I didn't know about any of this! But I did find it sad that in that show, the dogs go through a temperament test and if they fail, they are pts. No attempts made to overcome any issues. I saw an episode where a woman gave up several animals and sent one bitch, whom she obviously cared for greatly, knowing that it had dog aggression issues and would be pts after its temperament test - which it was.

Seems such a shame to me. I know there may be cases where the dogs do have issues which cannot be overcome but I would be hoping that at least some of them would be given a chance!?

Sorry that this is slightly off topic to the OP but its what has been niggling at me whilst watching the show!

Sarah xoxo