Some save more pets
12 Jan, 2012 08:14 AM
THE report “Record for RSPCA adoptions” (Herald 10/1) gives more cause for concern than for celebration. I believe that rehoming 40 animals on a “record” weekend is an inadequate result when there were 1200 animals dumped at the RSPCA shelter over Christmas/New Year. What happened to the others?
Why does the RSPCA actively pursue council contracts to increase the number of animals “dumped” in its shelter (such as last year’s takeover of the Cessnock Council contract), when it has no chance of saving them? In the process, the RSPCA shuts out the community rescue groups that routinely achieve great results with limited resources and a small band of dedicated volunteers.
The Facebook page of Dog Rescue Newcastle [co-founder Anne Ward is pictured above] lists 13 adoptions last week for dogs alone, and Hunter Animal Rescue’s Facebook lists other adoptions – all achieved without the promotional might of the RSPCA.
Geoff Davidson, Ourimbah
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinio … 17587.aspx
Yes a big thumbs up for the local rescue groups who battle away, usually without any fan fair, & help save hundreds of animals every year who ensure they get a loving forever home. And all this without any major contracts, worth millions, nor huge amount of donations. Instead they use their own resources & money, with some donations offered by general members of the community. Meanwhile I think the way Cessnock Council treated these groups, after years of helping out at Kurri pound, was nothing short of pathetic. Not one thank you as the RSPCA took over the $2.5 million contract without even a tender!
Posted by DMA, 12/01/2012 8:48:37 AM, on The Herald
Well said Geoff. One would assume with the resources of RSPCA (NSW) their rehoming figures would be much higher. Indeed, what happened to all the other poor animals that were surrendered/dumped to RSPCA (NSW) during that period? The local small non-for-profit rescue groups are doing much better with practically no money and they do it solely for the love of the animals. The foster carers in the smaller rescue groups use their own very limited finances to save animals in need.
Posted by Maxijj, 12/01/2012 8:57:01 AM, on The Herald
Local rescue groups are the way to go, they have vast networks of people on social media sites and in other places, they get the word out , pictures posted and and get the job done. If the RSPC is in the business of saving lives then they need to look at utilising this great resource and work closer together with them rather than shutting them out.
Posted by Ima Adey, 12/01/2012 9:49:18 AM, on The Herald
It saddens me to know that out of 1200 animals only 40 got homes. Where are the others? The RSPCA has millions of dollars in assets, it is about time they started to use it for what it was intended – the animals lives.Rescue is voluntary and no money is exchanged, so ALL money donated is entirely for the ANIMAL, as it should be, that is what people donate it for.The RSPCA should have a free desexing program to stop the unwanted litters being born. Use some of the millions of $ on that
Posted by Angel Dust, 12/01/2012 10:38:34 AM, on The Herald
Bravo Geoff Davidson. And well said Maxijj.It is very misleading for organisations to promote themselves as “animal welfare” when their core business clearly is animal control.
The community should support the small rescue groups whose core business is truly animal welfare.
Posted by Anne Greenaway, 12/01/2012 12:14:15 PM, on The Herald
Thank you Geoff (and thank you Newcastle Herald for publishing Geoff’s comment). How can any organisation possibly call themselves advocates for animal welfare when they see the killing of healthy, rehomable animals as a viable solution to over supply? Wake up RSPCA. Those save rates are an absolute disgrace. The problem is too big for you alone so why not try working with local groups. No amount of cutesy TV shows can re-establish your credibility until you start to actually work for animals and not for $$$$$$!
Posted by Bramblewood, 12/01/2012 1:09:45 PM, on The Herald
RSPCA – Put some of your many millions into a high/volume low cost desexing program like the rest of the pro active world is doing. Much cheaper to prevent then cure.For many years small reg animal rescue charity’s have worked at the coal face of animal rescue, saving dogs and cats on Deathrow from the many pounds around the country, many have also been assisting low income people with desexing their animals and working within their communities, they do all this on very limited funds and most involved are volunteers. AND, in my opinion, they do it better.
Posted by pam holmes, 12/01/2012 3:14:53 PM, on The Herald
The RSPCA needs to start spending its money to help the small rescues who are doing the bulk of the work. A good start would be a wide-spread, free desexing program, targeting the areas that all small rescues know as the ‘problem areas’. And yes, they could get a camera crew to document it – seems to be the only way the RSPCA really helps, if they can get good publicity from it.
Posted by Juta, 12/01/2012 3:18:31 PM, on The Herald
The NSW RSPCA have funds and assets of over $73million. When will they start spending it to help reduce the numbers being born? We have waited year after year. Put your money where your mouth is RSPCA, with 250,000 dogs and cats being killed each year you are a dismal failure at protecting animals. SHAME!
Posted by pam holmes, 12/01/2012 3:34:23 PM, on The Herald
Please do all that you can to support any rescue organisation that you have within your local area. These rescue organisations are the true back bone to most local areas and often operating on a minimal budget supported by loyal foster carers who gladly open up their homes. These dedicated people work at the grass roots level, utilising their own time, spending a lot of their own money, networking, advertising, and going the extra mile for our companion animals. Please support your local rescue group, whether it be by donation, bequests, fostering, transport.
Posted by Annelies, 12/01/2012 3:43:51 PM, on The Herald
All I can say is irresponsible owners allowing their animals to breed. The cessnock council should hide it’s head in shame you are pathetic, glad I don’t live in your electorate.
The RSPCA should be condemmed with figures like this, you are a pathetic joke. I have been donating monthly to the RSPCA, this will now cease & be given to a NON profit local rescue organisation that get by with wonderful foster carers
Disgraceful!!
And well said Geoff Davidson.
I am a foster carer with DCH Animal Adoptions, and it sickens me that the general public assume greatness of the RSPCA.
I have rehomed about 50 or so kittens/cats, and an 11 year old dog in the short time I have been fostering.
Donna.
Davistown.