Can Anyone Recommend A Good Solictor To Counter The Rspca

[Arimus]

A very close friend has had her cats poisoned over night on a couple of occasions (she breeds them) and we suspect the same barsteward called the RSPCA on her... anyway to cut to the chase she's been accused of not providing adequate vetinary care for her cats (her vet bill and record can dispute that claim) and inadequate nutrition (if anything her cats while not obese are on the fatter side - a number of cat judges at various shows have remarked upon).

I know some people have had unfortunate dealings with the RSPCA so wondered if anyone has got a solicitor they can recommend who can deal with the RSPCA.

Background: The first visit the inspector was abusive and threatening (- she refused admission to him (he then said if you don't let me in now I will make sure yo lose all your animals - she still refused) until she had a friend around. After he tried to force her rear gate open. She complained to the RSPCA about his behaviour and arranged a proper visit from the RSCPA (without the abusive inspector). The RSPCA called around together with enviromental health - EH made some recommendations (suspect more for show than any real purpose) - since the EH have confirmed the work has been carried out to their recommendations. Since then the incident with poisoned cats occured. The name on the court summons is the same inspector as she made an official complaint ab
out so this looks to be more about revenge/malicious prosecution.

IF anyone can recommend a solictor we'd be grateful...

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Firstly;
a. Did she have a witness when the first rspca person came around?
b. What exactly poisoned the cats (what did the vet say)?
c. How overweight are they exactly (what do they weigh and what breeds/crossbreeds are they)?
d. Has she politely explained the poisoning situation to the rspca and what have they said?
e. How long did she leaves things after the cats were poisoned to seek and see a vet and what did the vet do for the cats exactly?
f. What condition are the cats in currently (health wise, living conditions, care they are receiving etc)?


I can't advise a solicitor for you, but i have some advice none the less for your friend;
a. Always have someone present whenever you have any contact with the rspca to act as a witness in case any issues arise between you and the rspca.
b. Start dealing with the cats weight problem- it doesn't look good in the eye's of others when dealing with such situations, and is not good for the cats health/quality of life.
c. Do you have any idea who called the rspca on you (anybody that you know of that holds a grudge or something against you who might do something like that etc)?
d. Are you absolutely positive that they were deliberately poisoned by someone and there is absolutely no chance, no matter how slight, that the cats didin't consume something which poisoned them (like a rat which had consumed rat poison and was on its last legs which then got caught and eaten by the cats, causing second hand poisoning from the rat poison etc)?
e. Things may not be too great with your communication/contact with the rspca, but keep in mind that they do have the power to take away your cats if they strongly suspect you havn't been looking after them well. So you should be polite and patient as posible- keep your anger/hurt/emotions and other issues in check, be straightforward and don't go off-topic when talking the situation over with them, explain your situation thoroughly and don't be too confrontational or make accusations at anyone (like a poisoner suspect for example) with no well-grounded evidence/facts etc etc.


Are you positive nothing has been exagerated here/blown out of proportion at all Arimus? For anyone, having your beloved pets being poisoned is a tough and very stress-full experience to go through for anyone, emotions are heightened and people can blow things out of proportion in the heat of the moment etc.
I've always stuck by my friends especially when they are in need of help and/or comfort, but have had to go through tough situations when dealing with other peoples issues/problems and have had to deal with things like peoples experiences of things being blown out of proportion/exagerated when told to me because the person is going through a tough time etc etc.

 

[l.michelle]

I can't reccommend a solicitor, but I work for a solicitor in Ontario Canada, and a few suggestions I can add:

a.Tokis is right, have a person with you at all times that they are there
b. Have her keep a log of what occurred when they were over, written as soon as possible after the visit. Keep it in a journal.
c. Write the RSPCA a letter detailing what occurred during the visit and mail it to them (keep a copy for your records). Always keep a paper trail of everything that happened.
d. I am unsure but I suspect the RSPCA people will take photographs? Perhaps she should take photographs as well before they arrive. I don't know if the RSPCA will alter the photographs depending on how they seem to have behaved there before.

Make sure she documents everything, and anything she sends to them make sure she has copies. You can also see ( i am not sure how the rspca works there) if they can give her a copy of the records there they made on her, I am sure she should be able to obtain them. I am not sure how sleazy these people are, but just be careful!

If you have any questions i don't mind helping.

 

[fry_lover]

Hi

i just wanted to say that i think its fine if someone calls the RSPCA, i wish more peeps would. Thats not a remark against you, i feel if you have the RSPCA called and you are treating your animals well then you should have nothing to worry about, but i repsect what you are saying, if you say you are being "shafted" then i do not dis-believe you

its just on a side note, i dont think the person who called the RSPCA should be "condemed" LOL, unless of course they did it malicioulsy and without due reason.

If in doubt , report, thats what i say. Not that i have had need to, thankfully, but i wouldnt hesitate if i thought it was required.

 

[Arimus]

Hi

i just wanted to say that i think its fine if someone calls the RSPCA, i wish more peeps would. Thats not a remark against you, i feel if you have the RSPCA called and you are treating your animals well then you should have nothing to worry about, but i repsect what you are saying, if you say you are being "shafted" then i do not dis-believe you

its just on a side note, i dont think the person who called the RSPCA should be "condemed" LOL, unless of course they did it malicioulsy and without due reason.

If in doubt , report, thats what i say. Not that i have had need to, thankfully, but i wouldnt hesitate if i thought it was required.

Given the ****er called when she'd had cats poisoned in her out door runs overnight its either a big coincidence or deliberate.

I am all for people who neglect/are cruel being caught and prosecuted but the RSPCA in this instance kept the corpses for months and refused to release them until threatend with court proceedings to her vet for him to carry out a PM.

 

[Bloo]

I myself have had the "privilege" of someone reporting me to the RSPCA. I know it's highly annoying, but honestly, if you have nothing to hide and can justly prove otherwise, they really aren't just going to confiscate animals for no good reason.

People saw my rescue case dog (that I took on as a veterinary nurse instead of having it put to sleep). It was in horrendous condition and I can completely understand why someone might report it. But I explained the situation to the officer - showed the medication and explained that I was actually a veterinary nurse.
Case closed.

So really - if there is nothing to hide, why threaten with solicitors?

Edit: and just think about this: if someone is concerned enough to report the cats to the RSPCA, then why on this earth would the actually poison the animals. It makes absolutely no sense really.

 

[Arimus]

One of her neighbours just before this all blew up complained about the noise and 'smell' - enviromental health told him to get stuffed (in rather more polite terms, but basically told him to stop complaining about nothing). He then went very very quite - didn't say a word then this started to happen.

 

[Bloo]

So this is all accusations and hearsay ? I'm sorry - but that itself sounds entirely unjust and wrong.
Every story has two sides.

 

[AndreaC]

Sounds to me like the neighbour just doesnt like the cats.

I have a neighbour (next door but 1) who hates cats and Ive had no end of run ins with her. She tried the reporting me to RSPCA for neglect and stavation of all my pets. I was furious whne they called round. I showed them every single pet I had, all the foods (one huge store cupboard is full of pet foods) showed them all medical cards and everything. They actualy turned round and said that these animals are loved and spoilt and in tip top condition and praised me for the good care I give them, then said it would be nice to do more visits and find such loved and well cared for pets.

Have to say thats the only good I have to say about the RSPCA, many a times Ive disagreed with them when they have refused to help mis treated pets, it resulted once in me taking them all instead, treating them and paying vet bills and re homing. I did this for 3 years.

 

[raptorrex]

A very close friend has had her cats poisoned over night on a couple of occasions (she breeds them) and we suspect the same barsteward called the RSPCA on her... anyway to cut to the chase she's been accused of not providing adequate vetinary care for her cats (her vet bill and record can dispute that claim) and inadequate nutrition (if anything her cats while not obese are on the fatter side - a number of cat judges at various shows have remarked upon).

I know some people have had unfortunate dealings with the RSPCA so wondered if anyone has got a solicitor they can recommend who can deal with the RSPCA.

Background: The first visit the inspector was abusive and threatening (- she refused admission to him (he then said if you don't let me in now I will make sure yo lose all your animals - she still refused) until she had a friend around. After he tried to force her rear gate open. She complained to the RSPCA about his behaviour and arranged a proper visit from the RSCPA (without the abusive inspector). The RSPCA called around together with enviromental health - EH made some recommendations (suspect more for show than any real purpose) - since the EH have confirmed the work has been carried out to their recommendations. Since then the incident with poisoned cats occured. The name on the court summons is the same inspector as she made an official complaint ab
out so this looks to be more about revenge/malicious prosecution.

IF anyone can recommend a solictor we'd be grateful...

over feeding can be inadequate nutrition, too much food of the wrong type. if her vets bill solve the vets problem, and she sorts the food things should be ok. however if the RSPCA insist they have a case. i would be inclined to agree with them. they, as an organisation, will have no axe to grind, just rules to follow. lol if your neighbour,, pissed the inspector off, IMO she will get the treatment she deserves. decent people doing a hard job. and have you ever heard someone saying that they were guilty, of any offence in respect to animals? even if they were.

as someone said there are two sides to a story, and you probably have less than half of one side now.

unless you can back up your claim, i suggest you think again about abusing, such a worthwhile organisation. it could also be seen as liable. IMO

 

[LisaLQ]

Just out of interest, why did she refuse permission for them to come in? Surely if she didn't have anything to hide, letting him in and letting him see the cats would have made more sense - then it wouldn't have come to this? Unless there is a reason why she didn't want them to see her cats (obesity is a cruelty issue IMO).

 

[K.J.]

A very close friend has had her cats poisoned over night on a couple of occasions (she breeds them) and we suspect the same barsteward called the RSPCA on her... anyway to cut to the chase she's been accused of not providing adequate vetinary care for her cats (her vet bill and record can dispute that claim) and inadequate nutrition (if anything her cats while not obese are on the fatter side - a number of cat judges at various shows have remarked upon).

I know some people have had unfortunate dealings with the RSPCA so wondered if anyone has got a solicitor they can recommend who can deal with the RSPCA.

Background: The first visit the inspector was abusive and threatening (- she refused admission to him (he then said if you don't let me in now I will make sure yo lose all your animals - she still refused) until she had a friend around. After he tried to force her rear gate open. She complained to the RSPCA about his behaviour and arranged a proper visit from the RSCPA (without the abusive inspector). The RSPCA called around together with enviromental health - EH made some recommendations (suspect more for show than any real purpose) - since the EH have confirmed the work has been carried out to their recommendations. Since then the incident with poisoned cats occured. The name on the court summons is the same inspector as she made an official complaint ab
out so this looks to be more about revenge/malicious prosecution.

IF anyone can recommend a solictor we'd be grateful...

Well, if the real thing is anything like Animal Cops (excuse me, I watch too much TV ) they have a right to enter if you refuse them, so I wouldn't all it abusive. Sure, he might be a bit forward, but it all drops down to that...

 

[timmystood]

Sorry to put it like this arimus but it does sound like she has something to hide. Does sound like she's guilty too seeing as your so angry and upset, give me a solicitor we'll fight... but for what reason? If you have done nothing wrong then you have nothing to hide.. remember we live in a country that follows the idea of 'innocent until proven guilty'. If anything the RSPCA are normally the opposite way round.. they struggle to get prosecutions when they really need too.
Coming onto a fish forum shouting about your innocence doesn't do anything to pursade people to back you up.
Sorry but I can't support you on this one... because I can't trust what your saying and to me it sounds like the RSPCA have a case. If the cats were poisened.. why aren't the police invovled?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Just out of interest, why did she refuse permission for them to come in? Surely if she didn't have anything to hide, letting him in and letting him see the cats would have made more sense - then it wouldn't have come to this? Unless there is a reason why she didn't want them to see her cats (obesity is a cruelty issue IMO).

Good question .
And i agree it does make her look suspicious, like she's got something to hide- otherwise why else would she go to such efforts to prevent the RSPCA from entering? She might be completely innocent, but she's definately not doing herself any favors to make herself look so in this case if she really is innocent.

And with the poisoner suspect person thing, the person is really only a suspect at the moment and nothing more. She has no solid evidence/proof against him/her, so she should treat him/her innocent until proven guilty (afterall, wouldn't she want to be treated that way too by the RSPCA?).

Hey Arimus, anymore news on the situation? What about the questions i asked you at the start of this thread?

 

[Neon.Tetra]

I'm not to impressed with the RSPCA either.
I called them one time to rescue an injured animal. Gave them the exact directions, the woman on the phone confirmed the location and that they'd arrive within twenty minutes.
We waited.
The Van never turned up.

I would have taken the bird to the vet myself, But i can't drive, the centre was in the next town over and I'm sure the Bus service don't approve of wild animals.