When loving homes aren't up to scratch

Stories of undernourished and abused animals hit the headlines every few months and behind the scenes are organisations such as the RSPCA which aim to give these animals a second chance at a loving home.

Although animals are taken to centres across the country because of cruelty, there are a whole host of reasons why RSPCA workers become surrogate carers for the unlucky few.

Allergies, the break-up of marriage and financial difficulties are among the circumstances leading to people forfeiting pets. RSPCA volunteers in South Buckinghamshire see around 1,000 animals annually coming into their care.

Over the past few weeks the Free Press has been inundated with letters from readers who are outraged with the RSPCA because they claim unfair treatment when they have tried to adopt an animal.

Reader Wendy Clayton, from Park Lane, Hazlemere, told the Free Press' sister paper The Star, how she was turned down for cat adoption because she lived on a busy road.

It prompted letters from readers who claim stiff regulations have meant they could not take on their chosen pet, despite having 'loving and caring' homes.

RSPCA branches nationwide have different criteria when it comes to housing animals but across the charity, regulations about issues such as living on busy roads and whether potential owners work full-time are firmly in place.

Pat Edgar, spokesman for RSPCA South Bucks Branch, explained why volunteers sometimes decide against placing an animal in a family home.

She said: "I think it must be emphasised that behind all of our decisions lies a fundamental concern for the safety of our animals.

"Regarding cases where people wish to home cats near a busy road I can only say that although we do make allowances for older cats or if the house is set back from the street, we have firm guidelines about the risk posed to cats on busy roads.

"Dogs are different in that we usually require them to have back garden space but when it is judged that fences or barriers are not safe enough we like to try and remedy the situation by discussing alterations and other measures.

"Some people may say cats often live to an old age near busy roads but we minimise risk as much as we can and do not gamble with the safety of any animal.

"Regarding cases where people may work full-time, we know that cats do not require owners to be home all day or even most of it but we draw the line when it comes to kittens."

She said: "They are so vulnerable to infection, their litter needs regular changing, feeds are four times daily. We would consider someone who worked part-time but full-time is out of the question for kittens. They are better off with our kitten fosterers who can give them the necessary care.

"It is not a reflection of the person's character or home when we refuse to let them adopt an animal but merely strict conditions that must be adhered to if we are to make sure the animals do not end up back with us or worse. Safety is paramount and our stringent policy reflects this."

Many of South Bucks RSPCA's animals are cared for by volunteer animal fosterers. Privately run kennels and catteries are used when needed.

More than £100,000 is needed to cover costs annually. With no government or lottery funding every volunteer is invaluable.

For information call South Bucks RSPCA on 01494 784685.

Harbouring resentment after RSPCA refused a cat

CONVEYANCING assistant Sarah Harbour, 27, was devastated after the death of her cat Tia in February.

She decided to take on another kitten and contacted South Bucks RSPCA in March.

But she couldn't believe it when she was told over the phone that as she worked full-time, she was not eligible to take on a kitten.

"I was so shocked that they didn't even come out to visit me in my home as if they did they would have surely realised that she would be cared for," said Ms Harbour, of Upper Riding, Beaconsfield.

"I explained to them that I had neighbours and friends to check on the kitten during the day, including my partner, but they did not want to hear. Even after looking after Tia, who I got as a kitten, for 14 years, didn't seem to make them reconsider."

She contacted the Cats Protection League and The Blue Cross but they also refused to house kittens with full-time workers.

"The RSPCA suggested I take an older pair, one of whom had difficulty with her back legs. In my consideration it is these cats who would require as much if not more attention.

"I know my situation is not ideal but surely a good home where the animal is loved, cared for, fed, warm and more-over wanted, is better than being sat in a cage with dozens of others and not getting one to one attention?"

She has now given up on the idea of taking on a cat.

Dogged by rules which halted adoption

RECRUITMENT consultants Ian and Natasha Wilson decided to write into the Free Press after a story about the RSPCA reminded them about their treatment when they tried to adopt a dog in March.

The couple, of West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe, decided to take on a second dog after their cat died earlier this year.

They thought the fact that they both worked from home would stand in their favour but were taken aback when other RSPCA criteria took priority.

"Our dog Pablo, who we've had for seven years, was pining for another mate after the cat died so we called the RSPCA," said Mrs Wilson, 33.

"Following a telephone conversation we visited a local centre and were introduced to a two-year-old mongrel who had been awaiting a new home for some time and we all got on brilliantly, including Pablo."

Mr Wilson, 35, added: "We were disappointed and angry when an officer visited and told us plainly that she thought we would not be able to cope with two dogs and a young family and that if we were to get a dog we would have to make numerous alterations to our garden fences and gates."

He said: "It was upsetting especially since Pablo is obviously such a happy dog and it was almost as if we did not have any common-sense.

"We know that the fences needed altering but we almost felt like we were being judged."

Mr Wilson said: "Yes, new homes need to be screened but potential re-housers should be asked open questions to ascertain their views and experience rather than having to experience being talked at about their existing failings."

To tell the RSPCA about an injured animal or an animal being cruelly treated call their 24-hour cruelty line on 0870 5555999.

Anyone in South Bucks who wants to take on a dog should call 01494 481026; cats 01494 819967 and small animals like rabbits 01494 863009.

RSPCA facts and figures

The RSPCA has 328 inspectors investigating more than 100,000 cruelty complaints in England and Wales every year, not including thousands more animal rescues, collections and visits. There are six inspectors working across Buckinghamshire and South Oxfordshire.

Kittens and puppies that come into the care of South Bucks RSPCA are looked after by specially chosen fosterers so that their needs are met properly.

South Bucks RSPCA asks that owners donate £50 to the society for a cat and £75 for a dog, which includes microchipping, neutering and any necessary inoculations.

Home-based animal fosterers, catteries and kennels are used to look after South Bucks RSPCA animals.