The lady looked up at me sourly. “You're ten minutes too late”. They said it would be OK, I pleaded; ten past three - I did ring to check. You see, it's quite hard to find the time and I don't know when...
“3pm”, she said sharply. “There's no one available to speak to you now.”
I looked at the bevy of staff loitering around behind the desk, doing nothing much. One woman caught my eye sympathetically. “You can have a quick look round”, Ms Timetable said. “Then come back another time.”
And then what? “Then you fill in a form.” Could I do that now?
“No, because there's no one available to interview you.”
I glanced again at all the staff behind her. Maybe I could fill in the form and leave it? You know, cut out another visit? It was a three-hour round trip, after all.
“You have to fill it in with us.”
Then what?
“Then they come and visit you at home, see if your house is suitable. And then you can come back and see the dogs...”
I gave up. This was the second RSPCA animal shelter that I had tried to adopt from - the first being unwilling even to let us look around. And three three-hour trips to this joyless centre of bureaucracy, where animals might be tended, but humans are treated with disdain, without the promise of so much as a hamster at the end of it, was more than I could bear.
Then there was the child problem. I had a four-year-old. And the RSPCA will not allow any child under 5 to have a dog; not even if she'll be 4 by the time that it arrives. Except in special circumstances.
Which were? No one would tell me. I had to jump through their hoops first, with the almost certain promise of rejection at the end of it.
It's funny how many RSPCA refuseniks you come across once you become one yourself. There was the man who was told that he could have a cat only if he built platforms under the skylights in his London flat - in case the cat climbed across the roof and fell through the window. Or the woman in a rural area who was advised to heighten her fence to 20ft, because some cats like to jump high.
And a mother (the owner of two happy dogs) in Norfolk who simply screamed: “RSPCA? Forget it!”
When you see the “Pet Adoption Week” campaign being launched by the RSPCA next week, with Badger the starving terrier who was rescued by a television presenter, remember these stories.
I wouldn't normally have bothered to remark on this. If the charity wants to put down more animals than is necessary, that's its business. Its, and the people who fund it: the RSPCA has an annual income of more than £100 million, and about £200 million in assets, plus many millions more in its 174 branches around the country (the one that I looked up, Solent, had £3.8 million tucked away). The British give more to animal charities than to charities for the disabled. One donkey sanctuary in Devon has higher income than all the main charities fighting abuse against women combined. Still, your business. Give money to what you like.
But now the RSPCA, in its joylessness, is telling schools that they can no longer have pets. Research by the charity has found that a quarter of schools own pets, ranging from a hermit crab to a horse. Hurrah! A small piece of chaos, of life, amid the regimented drilling that we call school.
Not for much longer - the RSPCA believes there is a danger that the kids might be too noisy, or the lighting conditions could be wrong, and that the classroom pet may receive variable care from different families at evenings or weekends.
If the RSPCA has its way, no more generations of kids will be taught to care for the school guinea pig or rabbit, or hermit crab; no more learning responsibility and respect for animals, no feeling the joy of holding a live thing in their hands. Laughably, the charity suggests that schools should get a soft toy instead to teach children about animal welfare.
This is no joke. They really do want to stop it. The charity has sent all schools a letter warning them of their duties under the draconian Animal Welfare Act introduced at its own urging two years ago. That Act imposed a duty of care on any adult in charge of a pet, or any adult responsible for a child who is in possession of an animal.
Now the RSPCA has told schools to name a single person responsible for the rabbit's welfare, so that they can hold that person to account. The 2006 Act gave uniformed RSPCA officers the right to enter non-domestic properties without a warrant (they can enter your home only with a warrant, but they like people to believe otherwise) to check for animal rights abuses. Find a hamster being teased by Harry and the nominated teacher could face up to a year in jail. We must not let these people bully the life out of schools.
I went to a different animal sanctuary in the end. They sent over Dave to see whether I might be able to have a cat (I was running with the cat idea by then).
A morose individual, like so many animal obsessives, Dave carefully checked for feline dangers, telling me to be sure to keep the cat shut indoors at night in case it got run over. Isn't depriving a cat of the night a bit like depriving a human being of light? Night-time hunting is what a cat does.
But then, I'm just someone who likes animals. I'm not an obsessive. I think that's healthy. I like humans too. There seems to be a distinction between being a human and being an “animal lover” akin to the difference between riding a bicycle and being a “cyclist”. The militants are similarly at a loss for any sense of humour or humanity.
In the end, we bought a puppy. Please don't tell the RSPCA.
This viscous article completely ignores the fact that the RSPCA is a charity and is largely staffed by volunteers and not trained PR reps. The RSPCA do a lot of good, giving advice & assistance and minimising the numbers of stray dogs and ferral cats - thus creating a better environment for people
Sharon, Southampton, England
what on earth do you think happens at 3pm? do you think these animals feed and clean out themselves and give themselves their medication in order that they may even be fit enough for adoption? shame your article will stop many people donating because you didn't get what you want when you wanted it
paul, nottingham,
c.sadler..do you no how many animals get'returned'to the rspca due to the owner passing away,rarely does next of kin take on the responsibility..richard wilkins.the rspca do this for a fraction of the dogs lives for happier lives in the long run.. lets see whos complaining when ur dog is destructive
georgina dunt, colchester, uk
I once phoned them to report some ducklings that had been born in an office pond with no way to escape. Some had already died but several were still OK at the time. They showed no interest at all and the ducklings all died. So much for their concern for animal welfare!
Christina, Colchester, UK
The RSPCA lost all credibility after their abject failure to speak out for the thousands of healthy sheep and cattle that were held captive in appalling conditions and then slaughtered during the last BSE scare. That was cruelty on a monumental scale.
M Cole, Wendover,
I think so of these experiences happened years ago, I'm not saying all is perfect with the RSPCA but the animals would be a lot worse off without it.
Anne, Hampshire
Anne , Petersfield, UK
What a waste of time for the staff and homechecker, if you could not be bothered to turn up on time but expect staff to run around for you.
Your looking to adopt a cat and then a dog could you not make up your mind, it sounds like owning a pet to you is like picking out a new pair of shoes.
David, London, England
70,000 people adopt an animal from the RSPCA every year - that's lots of happy people and animals.
Animal welfare is what counts here. Many animals in our care have been victims of cruelty or neglect and so we need to work extra hard to find them the right home.
Justine Pannett, Horsham,
Well done you for exposing these idiots. Have had similar experiences and I'm a five star home. for problem dogs. I rehome all my dogs I use Blue Cross or Breed rescue! I have called the RSPCA out to suffering farm animals they have been as useful as a chocolate teapot, I NEVER DONATE TO THEM
K.Kirk, WInchester, Hampshire
Very clever to waste the home checker's time and the charity's time. As for not being allowed to look around, adopting an animal is not like picking out a pair of shoes; pets are not consumer commodities.
I hope you checked that the breeder of your puppy was reputable and not a puppy farmer.
Sarah, Birmingham, UK
Instead of spending 15 Million Pounds several years ago on their new headquarters in Southwater, why didn't they spend the money on building more animal hospitals.
Well done Alice for daring to criticise the RSPCA. They have no real powers and are full of their own self importance.
Martine, London,
We had a similar experience with one of the cat charities when we tried to get a kitten for mum-in-law, in her 70's at that time. We were told she was "too old" to be allowed to have a kitten, even though we promised to look after it ourselves, should anything happen to Mum. Outrageous.
C. Sadler, London, England
Why should kids be able to torment owner-less animals in classrooms as part of their 'education'. I pity the class room pet that is forced on a parent for the holidays, and who pays the vet bill if the pet gets sick? Better that teachers can bring in their own pet and be fully responsible for it!
Caroline Sweet, London,
This sort of debate always brings out one or two oddballs who think that to love animals means to hate humans. This is code for saying that they don't like animals and think mistreatment of them is a non-issue which should be ignored. Defend all who are capable of hurting, human and animal, I say.
Barry Miles, Streatham, UK
The RSPCA does a lot of other work beyond the care and adoption of domestic pets. I rang once about animals I'd seen outdoors in suspicious conditions - my call was answered quickly and I received a message less than two weeks later saying that the animals had been moved somewhere safe.
Sam, London,
I guess the RSPCA in Australia is friendlier. My sister filled in a couple of forms and adopted 2 cats. No attitude or inspections. She lives in a unit and the cats live indoors or in a cat run when she is at work.
Eija, Canberra, Australia
When I went to an RSPCA shelter to inquire about rehoming a dog, I was told that as I work and would not be at home all day I couldn't have a dog, yet they only let them out of their pens for an hour a day
By their logic, it's better to keep the dog locked up for 23hrs than 8hrs in someones kitchen
Richard Wilkins, London,
We wanted to adopt a dog from the RSPCA too but were told that if we were out of the house for longer than 4 hours we had to sign to say that we would put the dog in a kennel. Hiring a dog walker was not good enough for them.
We left without a dog either.
Sue , Leeds, West yorks
Adrian, comment was 1 of 3 posts, 2 of which not printed. Agree RSPCAs not always person friendly but bear in mind the horrible people they deal with when rescuing animals. Inspectors have some power like the police with the AWB, this is to prevent animal suffering- not for power kicks!
Sandie, Auckland,
Thank you Peter in Bedford!
Sandie, Auckland,
The money taken in would be better used by the small rescues, who find space in their hearts and even their own homes for animals in need. The RSPCA should be sacked as the national animal welfare and made to prove their usefulness and ability to listen and change before reinstatement.
Carole Grundy, Lancing, West Sussex
My partner and I adopted a very unhappy looking cat whose owner had died, 20 months ago. We adopted from the Cats Protection League HQ at Chelwood Gate and felt that the staff were very helpful and very professional. We would highly recommend them. He is now the most pampered cat in Kent!
John, Tonbridge,
All these stories about dealing with a big uncaring charity remind me of my one sad attempt to volunteer for Crisis at Christmas (a homeless charity): I rang offering to work over xmas, only to be told, very rudely, that people can't expect to just 'breeze in and be heroes for a day'; I was crushed.
Richard H, London, UK
Like everything else in this country, we are damned by the ideology of political correctness when we try to be helpful or kind.
ian cheese, london, uk
I am a volunteer at Wood Green animal shelter in Godmanchester. We have squillions of animals (dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, sheep..) available all the time and the best staff (I admit i'm biased, but we are quite good). The RSPCA isn't the only animal charity in existance, there are lots of others
Alice, Ashwell, UK
So Alice you're too busy to turn up on time and see to completion a (tiresome but understandable) interview procedure, but you're not too busy to own a dog?
Do you have any idea about the commitment needed?
And do young children & dogs really mix?
You don't seem very realistic about this.
Peter, Bedford,
The RSPCA actively encourages the seedy backstreet overbreeding of cats and dogs with this negative attitude.
I have children and was refused adoption because of this, I had no alternative but to buy from a breeder even though there was the most perfect dog sitting in their kennels.
Angela, Isle of Wight,
Whats wrong with giving lots of money to animal charities animals have thaughts and feeling as well so why should they be treated worse than people? Many people don't understand how to look after animals properly especially exotix ones do it is good the RSPCA make sure the animals go to good homes.
Tom, Twickenham,
I volunteer for both the Dogs Trust (formerly the National Canine Defence League) and Cats Protection - but I wouldn't give the time of day to the RSPCA, their attitude is disgusting. And that's personal experience and that of friends, colleagues and family, NOT based on this article
elrohana, Leeds, UK
You still didn't need to go and buy a puppy from a breeder!
How truly awful, there are many other sanctuaries and rescue homes, not forgetting dogs rescued from city pounds to warrant buying one.
Matthew Smith, Bournemouth, UK
Love the animal, hate the human.
Jeant, Harts,
I'm a regular volunteer for the RSPCA and feel the very low pay is one reason for the constant surliness of the majority of staff.
Of the 40 dogs there today, only 15 had been out by 5pm, despite several (lazy) staff being present and the centre closed. They need to invest far more in their workers
Howard Richards, Kenilworth, Warkwickshire
My aunt is a former President of a local SPCA. She took $200 and turned the local group into something to be proud of. In the end...she was kicked to the curb.
My mother had a very profound statement to say to these individuals, "you should learn to treat humans humanly."
K.Tyson, Mobile, USA
As the former President of an SPCA, our organisation, at great expense, prosecuted many people, usually poor, who abused their animals. We could never understand why people have animals they cannot feed or care for when they cannot take care of themselves or their children. A tragedy.
Janet McGrail, Snow Hill, USA
I was employed by them for a long time, and can totally sympathise with the writer of the article here.
Some of the inspectors do a good job, but the society is bogged down by very poor management. The number of staff that leave because of stress increases yearly!!
Rosemary, London, UK
It sickens me not only that animal charities get such enormous levels of donation when famine charities exist, but also that the donations are used (it's widely believed) to fund primarily political activities.
Ray Blake, Hemel Hemsptead, Herts
Good article. Another thing I find distasteful about the RSPCA is that they prosecute people who can barely care for themselves for failing to care for their animals. These cases cost thousands - which is rarely recouped from the offender, because these tend to be vulnerable penniless individuals.
TW, Winchester, UK
Edwina re whale meat. It is edible but then so is human flesh. The British do tend to focus too much on animals that are only there through the personal desire of the owner. A slight jump but given the way that we manipulate animal genes for our benefit, who are the weird ones?
John, Knutsford, UK
having picked up a stray, dehydrated and scared, running down a main road I was told by my local RSPCA that they wouldn`t take it in case it was mine and I might be dumping it. It had to spend the night in a police kennel for the them to pick it up the next day - I hate the RSPCA
carol, chesterfield, england
I found an injured animal and called the RSPCA after 4 hours no one came , i tried constantly to get an answer as to when they would arrive know" so much for caring about animals in the end i took the animal to the vets and paid for the treatment . happy ending though they now live with me
sarah, birmingham, uk
Hey Alice, get off your high horse. Have you seen the "kids" in some of the schools today? I wouldnt leave a rodent in their company!! Sorry - disagree with you here! Good on the RSPCA!! (yes, their customer service, by the sound of it, leaves a lot to be desired though ...)
Tarun Yadav, Essex, UK
The RSPCA are and have been for a long time an animal rights organisation - they would really prefer that nobody had animals - many of them believe that to own an animal is to enslave it (must remember to tell my dog that!).
Pat, Devizes, Wiltshire
If a visibly sick or injured animal is reported to the RSPCA the finder will normally be asked to take it to the closest vet (at RSPCA expense). The animal will then be moved for further treatment or rehoming. That is why the control centre may not immediately know where the animal is.
Rosemary Rodd, Cambridge, UK
I stopped supporting all animal charities years ago when I realised that the British public are prepared to spend £2 billion every year on their pets, but as a nation are perfectly content to see their elderly relatives dumped into permanent care for an often lonely and early death. Disgusting.
clive, surrey,
This doesn't surprise me at all. The RSPCA is a big charity and big charities look after themselves and their staff first.
We adopted one of our cats via the Cat's Protection League and whilst they did the checks etc, it wasn't too painful.
Adoption wise, the best bet is to talk to your vet.
James, London, UK
Hear hear to Alice Miles. It's about time this organisation stopped being funded to the extent that it is. It no longer pursues its proper objectives and is now simply an organisation run for the benefit of those who work for it. Let's choose a deserving animal charity to fund.
Anne, London, UK
I reported a neglected dog to the RSPCA about a year ago. There was a 20 minute hold to speak to anyone, they weren't really helpful and they refuse to give you any follow-up report. If they were a commercial business, they'd go bust.
Mark, Bedford, UK
Your reporter's experiences chime with mine. I no longer support the RSPCA in any way much less contribute. I would categorize them as urban animal-rights politicos with no knowledge of 'real' animal welfare and little of humanity: their 'quango' status is incompatible with their charitable one.
Ashley Oliver, Wisbech, UK
I could name many instances of problems with the RSPCA but the latest really gets my goat. An elderly diabetic cat, dearly loved and missed was taken in by the RSPCA. an acceptance number was given. When the owners rang with this number they were told that no-one knew where the cat was. I give up.
Margaret Young, Canterbury, UK
The RSPCA is not an animal wellfare organisation. It is an animal rights organisation, and has been for some time. The differrence is beyond the comprehension of most commenting here.
Simon Hough, Widnes, Cheshire
I called them for a sick pigeon - came immediately in a nice new van. Pity the NHS can't work like that!
Kevin Straw, Leicester,
So the RSPCA is a bit like the NHS? Surprise.
When you reduce life to paper (or paperless) bureaucracy you lose sight of the realities.
Mike Poulsen, Reading, Berkshire
The “leadership” of the RSPCA has become a politicised organisation that focuses on fund raising to be able to drive some form of political correctness and animal welfare thought police whilst abandoning the rank and file organisation to petty mindedness.
John, York,
As a veterinary surgeon, I have had a variety of dealings with the RSPCA, and must admit that I have found them at all times overbearing, judgemental, and entirely lacking in perspective; delighted to see an article for once flagging up their less savoury characteristics.
James, Oxford, UK
You seem to have missed the point. The RSPCA aren't there for *your* benefit.
Taking the unsentimental view that it may be better to put an animal down, than to give it to somewhere unsuitable where it will be miserable and/or cause other problems, seems basically reasonable to me.
Pav, London,
Edwina-the Japanese and others eat whale meat-it is therefore, by definition, edible. Whether we agree with eating whales is a different matter. There are those who eat dog, clearly not from RSPCA shelters as they'd never pass the taste test. What has become of our once free and tolerant nation?
Chris, London,
Most animals in RSPCA shelters either have been rescued or handed in because owners cannot look after them properly.
The RSPCA try to avoid letting another owner take them who cannot take care of the animal.
Alice, you didn't even manage to turn up on time.
wgw, London,
I've raised a lot of money for the RSPCA over the years, including several parachute jumps. Not any more. The charity is changing, and it seems the bureaucracy is being driven by the political animals at the top.
LondonKen, London,
Like most other organisations, they have been infiltrated. The smug, self-important ,PC bureaucrats are expanding. Do they have a mark somewhere or a tattoo on the scalp?
David, Bromley,
We adopted a dog but didn't even look at RSPCA rescue centres. Past experience reflects exactly that reported here and we are unhappy that the RSPCA puts healthy dogs down. A local charity, RATS, whilst careful to match dog and owner weren't so bureaucratic and never put a healthy dog down,
David Brundle, Bedford,
Some years ago, I rang the RSPCA when a neighbour had left a young puppy outside for hours on Bonfire Night. The puppy was clearly terrified, the owners were out, I couldn't get over the fence between the properties. What did the RSPCA do? Absolutely nothing - not even offer advice.
Amanda Hopkins, Rugby,
While I sympathize with people who have encountered "joyless bureaucrats" at the RSPCA, I have to say I recently adopted a Bengal cat from the Ashford Cattery branch of the RSPCA and the entire experience, from start to finish, was a joy. You'd be hard pressed to find more caring, dedicated people.
l st john, london,
We have experienced much the same with the RSPCA I'm afraid. I assume by their manner that all the cats in their care have been abandoned from mansions and stately homes were they had a butler and personal groomer each! Go to a local sanctuary or try word of mouth - RSPCA care more abt your donation
Sccotby, London,
I think you have missed the point Sandie. The complaint was not that a three hour round trip was required, but that at the end of it absolutely nothing had been achieved. Wasting three hours only to be treated with disrespect by a bunch of lazy, arrogant bureaucrats smothers the best of intentions
Adrian, London,
Thank you for reminding me as to why I never give a penny to the RSPCA. I once had the misfortune to meet one of their "Inspectors" at a social event who spent the entire evening boring anybody that with listen about how much power over pet owners he had - clearly gave him a real kick. Close it.
Carl, London,
I used to be a police officer, working in our Force Control Room.
Trying to get hold of the RSPCA re an animal welfare issue was a joke.
0900 x 1700? No reply.
1700 x 0900? We connected to an answering machine that told us to call the police.
Good at Lefty politics; rubbish with animals.
maximus otter, Cambridge,
I found a sick fox once, and phoned the RSPCA. Didn't I know it was Good Friday, they said? Ring again after the holiday. I called Foxwatch, who came right away. I have nothing but contempt for the RSPCA.
Andrew May, Wimbledon, UK
Their Animal Action magazine aims to brainwash children: circuses are evil, vermin like foxes are benign cuddly animals that just victims of man's cruelty. They dress up & act like the police, give themselves titles like inspector, yet they're only civilians like you and me with no special powers!
Martin Berry, Surrey, England
Far be it from me to defend the RSPCA from accusations of petty political correctness and a far too politicised agenda but...
We recently took delivery of a rescued puppy from the RSPCA. 12 week old Patterdale terrier. The whole process was pretty smooth. Battersea DH is another story....
James, High Wycombe, UK
Yet we're an animal amongst the others..(Read the latest Amnesty Intl reports).We've just evolved to be destructively clever (Read any informed environmental report). Are we prepared to bridle our breeding instincts? You may say "I only have 2 kids" but what is their carb. footprint? Not engh space.
Esther Phillips, Leatherhead,
Think about it. If every animal was found a home, the RSPCA would no longer need it's massive charity funding. To exist, they cant actually give out any animals, or they will be out of a job. They need us to feel guilty about all the unloved animals, so we give more money.
Arthur, Newcastle,
I give to the RSPCA every month (even after they keep hounding me to give them more), though after reading this I might direct my funds somewhere else instead. If you want a cat I would recommend the Cats protection league, so much easier.
Natasha, Northampton,
My God, expecting you to make a three hour round trip to adopt an animal who could be with you for the next 15 years. Do they not understand what a busy person you are, you can't afford to waste your day like that. Of course a dog requires about that much time on a daily basis.....
Sandie, Auckland, New Zealand
I once had the misfortune to sit next to 2 RSPCA senior fat cats at lunch in Horsham. Their conversation covered nothing but their bonuses, what extra incentives they we're going to pay senior staff and how much their sparkling new offices were costing.
Their dedicated self interest was shocking.
Una Lowrey, littlehampton, UK
This is painful to read. I wonder how many pets have been put down by the RSPCA after prospective rescuers were intimidated out of all ambition to help. This kind of cloddish meanness seems to be all to common in the UK these days.
jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/USA
This arises from obsessions with targets, expanding the role of the organisation, climbing career ladders via 'initiatives' .
The rich RSPCA's mandate is to prevent CRUELTY to animals - entirely laudable. Not to stop people re-homing a sad old dog because they smoke, saying cats can't roam etc .
monica, guildford, uk
I've been donating monthly to the RSPCA for a few years since being stopped by a chugger who coaxed me into signing up (it's only the cost of a few beers, think of the poor little animals etc.). I'm now cancelling that - I want to help animals, not prop up a bunch of bureaucratic jobsworths.
Chris K, Cheltenham, UK
The kindest thing the RSPCA and the world's humane Societies can do for pets is find them good homes.
Sadly, petite bureaucrats (would-be Hitlers) care more about maximizing their power than the good of the animals.
In Canada our humane societies are being replaced by other animal charities.
Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada
Until I got two pedigree cats last year, I'd previously 'adopted' kittens that our local vets put me on to. The vet knew my history in respect of caring for the cats, and there was no problem at all.
The pedigree car breeder would have preferred me to cage my garden, but I think cats should be cats
Chris Palmer, Southampton, England
The RSPCA is in fact not at all concerned with animal welfare, only money and politics.
When I called them (repeatedly) to free a deer that had trapped itself behind my fence, the only solution they had was to kill it! Watch the RSPCA kill Bambi and then see if you want to give them money.
Geoff Brough, Binfield, UK
Many animal rescues and shelters in the US have the same attitude as the RSPCA. Their adoption rules are so strict that very few people qualify to receive a pet. I wonder if they realize that these draconian rules just drive people to buy pets from puppy and kitten mills?
Kelly, Denver (formerly), USA
No more weird than the Japanese Tom, a nation that thinks Whale meat is edible.
edwina langton, blackburn,
The trouble is they are so well funded and attract people hating types. I tried to adopt once. Because we lived in a falt it was a no go! I have a dog who is now 8 years old courtesy of the local pound. He does a munro each week and loves it. social disfunctionals trying to choose who's right
John Kerr, Edinburgh, SCOTLAND
RSPCA must be battle weary and worn down by a very thankless task of caring for mistreated animals,it is the public that produce the problems for the charity to sort out. It must make them very cynical and angry with feckless animal owners! They are very protective, you see!
Mrs Maggie Snook, Wareham, Dorset UK
It is my experience that animal lovers/activists tend to exaggerate their care of animals to disguise their loathing of their fellow humans. Quite sad really.
Rohan, Brisbane, Australia
We have a cat shooter in our area. The RSPCA didn't visit at all, despite a number of shootings being reported to them. All they did was phone the local paper and get a small report in & a donation form for themselves. But absolutely no investigation.
Tim Walker, Brighton, East Sussex
The definition of Britishness: someone who loves their dog more than their children or parents - and thinks that this is normal.
You are a weird lot.
Tom, Sapporo,
I obtained to two lovely dogs from RSPCA but it was uphill with negativity all the way. I eventually complained to the person in charge of the RSPCA ....Lady someone and she reluctantly saw my point and allowed my application if I built a fence. I lived in 8 Acres on the New Forest! Dog lived to 18!
Anne Kent, Dorset,