An update on the captive bolt. RSPCA inspectors, we know use this method routinely to kill dogs and cats.

Hi, a reply finally to my question asked in august, they have the reply dated 13/11 but I only got notification of it today. 65 dogs killed by captive bolt.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Please accept our apologies for the delay in response; this is due to an exceptionally high number of enquiries received over recent months and it is taking some time to reply to them all.

Not all the figures you have requested are available and we would normally require greater background and context so that we can understand the purposes for which the statistics will be used. However, we hope you find the following information helpful.

On average the Society rehomes over 60,000 animals every year. It has been necessary for our inspectorate to euthanase 576 dogs so far this year, 65 by captive bolt. The use of the captive bolt is the quickest and kindest approach under certain circumstances, but the Society recognises that it may be perceived as a controversial method of euthanasia for companion animals.

Sadly, the RSPCA is often seen as the charity of last resort and so that an animal's welfare is not compromised further, euthanasia is often the kindest option. No one working for the Society finds this aspect of their role at all easy. Until there is greater recognition of the issues surrounding indiscriminate breeding and irresponsible pet ownership it is likely to remain an aspect of our work.

We have new campaigns and education programmes planned for 2010 that will highlight and address these fundamental concerns.

Other animal welfare charities claim they do not put animals to sleep but say they are unable to assist owners in many more challenging circumstances. The RSPCA does not believe this is an acceptable response as further animal suffering is often the result.

Thank you again for contacting the Society, and we hope the above information has been of interest.

Kind regards
RSPCA HQ Advice Team13/11/2009

This is a supposed animal welfare organisation. We believe the figures to be much higher. This is appalling.
Jayne
GSDR

Please could you publish this on your UK section. This is one of 2 desperate cases, the other one is a dog called Radar in Somerset but I will send you details separately.

In spite of the Animal Welfare act, neither the councils or the useless RSPCA will help either Jack or Radar. Both dogs were out all winter in that appalling weather.

There are clear section 9 offences yet The RSPCA claim that these dogs are living in acceptable conditions.

How can being permanently tethered, allow a dog to exhibit normal behaviour patterns? Their drinking water is frozen.

We would rehome these dogs but nobody will help.

Incidentally, 3 weeks ago, the RSPCA with a total of 50 officers (police, animal welfare and RSPCA) raided Rosedene rescue in Walsall west Midlands. The kennels were not 5 star but the dogs were all cared for and volunteers went in every day to clean, feed and walk the dogs. The RSPCA killed 3 beautiful dogs on the day - 2 rotties and a staffie. They won't however do anything to help Radar or Jack.

http://www.thisiswalsallonline.co.uk/news/Dogs-removed-RSPCA-raid-Rosedene-kennels/article-1772561-detail/article.html

The RSPCA are out of control - their motto is 'it's cheaper to kill than rescue, rehabilitate and rehome.'

Many thanks
Jayne
GSDR

From: john@watchingyou.info
Date: 21 January 2010 19:26:48 GMT
To: S.H.Coombes@bury.gov.uk
Cc: "Penketh, Stuart P Cllr" <s.p.penketh@bury.gov.uk>, "Cummings, Tony J. Cllr." <a.j.cummings@bury.gov.uk>, "Briggs, Sharon Cllr." <S.K.Briggs@bury.gov.uk>, Andrew Greaves <andrew.greaves@theboltonnews.co.uk>, info@germanshepherdrescue.co.uk, MWATTS@rspca.org.uk, Pauline Baines <info@anti-dockingalliance.co.uk>, Laura.J.Jones@bury.gov.uk
Subject: Animal Cruelty
Reply-To: john@watchingyou.info

Sandra, (Bury council Animal Welfare Officer)
There are many dogs and puppies kept locked up in extreme conditions in the ramshackle tin huts on this eyesore of derelict land at the top of Brinks Lane Radcliffe Manchester, Jack the German Shepherd dog has been chained up outside in temperatures as low as minus 12 recently with only a bucket of ice where his water should be. Jack is constantly chained here for most of his life.

As you know I have been told the person doing this is selling these dogs and horses on for profit.
Councilor Stuart Penketh also informs me he could see caged birds also inside one of these tin huts.

I am so sadly disappointed by the way the RSPCA have dealt with this recent complaint and it is not the first time I have heard about them failing to help animals. I have spoken to Nigel Yeo (RSPCA) on the telephone and although he promised to investigate and re-contact me he has failed to do so.

I have cut 'n' pasted various applicable bits from DEFRA's website.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/cruelty/documents/cop-dogs.pdf

You will be able to see here many items taken from DERFA's website that are applicable to Jacks (The German Shepherd Dog) and the other dogs on this derelict land situation.

It impossible to understand how Caroline Hall the RSPCA inspector can say that Jacks situation is acceptable when you take into consideration the guidelines given by DEFRA in relation to the Animal Welfare Act. Her view is not in accordance with the guidelines DEFRA has recently published. It does however raise the question of whether or not she is a suitable person to hold this position within the RSPCA given that she has been aware of this poor set of circumstances these animals find themselves in for many months and has so far condoned it.

DEFRA's Protecting pets from cruelty Animal Welfare Code for the welfare of privately kept non-human
primates
21 January 2010: Defra has launched a code of practice for the welfare of privately kept non-human
primates.

The code provides owners and keepers of primates, kept in private ownership, with information on how
to meet the welfare needs of their animals, as required by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.


Your dog needs a safe, comfortable place to rest, situated in a dry, draught-free area. Living in a cold or damp place can lead to suffering. If your dog lives outside, it will need protection from adverse weather or other threats.

A dog is naturally disinclined to soil its living area and needs regular opportunities to use a toilet area, or it will become distressed. Some dogs may need access to a toilet area more frequently, for example: very young; very old; and those that are ill.

What your dog needs:- Dogs feel pain and have similar pain thresholds to people. However, individual dogs and different breeds or types may show pain and suffering in different ways. Any change in the way a dog behaves can be an early sign that it is ill, or in pain.

o Provide your dog with a comfortable, clean, dry, quiet, draught-free rest area.

o If your dog is kept in a kennel, or tethered, you should check it frequently and ensure it is not in danger or distressed.

o Do not leave your dog unattended in any situation, or for any period of time that is likely to cause it distress.

o Provide your dog with clean fresh drinking water at all times. If necessary carry water, in a suitable container, with you when clean water is unlikely to be available.

o Dogs should be able to reach food and water easily in all situations.

What your dog needs The way a healthy dog behaves is individual and depends on its age, breed or type and past experience. However, most dogs are playful, sociable animals and they enjoy playing together with toys, people and other dogs. Play is an important part of getting along with people and other dogs, and although dogs will spend some time playing alone with toys etc., they should have regular opportunities for interactive playing.
Dogs are intelligent animals and can suffer from boredom. If your dog is bored, and does not have enough to do, it may suffer or engage in inappropriate behaviour. Changes in behaviour may indicate that something is wrong with a dog's health.

What you should do:
o Make sure your dog has enough to do so that it does not become distressed or bored.

o Provide your dog with regular opportunities for exercise and play with people or other friendly dogs.

o Give your dog the exercise it needs, at least daily unless your vet recommends otherwise, to keep your dog fit, active and stimulated.

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