I have never really been a massive supporter of the RSPCA but have felt they have a place and do a reasonable job most of the time but occasionally problems arise. I am now hearing more and more stories about peoples experiences with them that, quite frankly, makes me feel a little ill.
The latest one was to do with a pair of Korat cats. The owner had died and relatives had signed the cats over to the RSPCA. A member of a breeder group i am on was highlighted to their plight by her niece who was looking for a cat. They were at the Leicester branch and the lady who found them was fairly interested i believe but the RSPCA wanted a very large sum for their rehome because they were full pedigree cats
I believe they wanted around £300 per cat so £600 for the pair. The centre refused to give the pedigree information to anyone phoning to enquire and would only say that the papers would be handed over when they were adopted. I am local to the area so popped in to see if they would give me more information if explained that we could maybe trace their breeder to see if she could help with the rehoming. Again, they refused. These poor cats were terrified and cowered in a corner.
After a lot of effort from breeders the Korat cat club were informed and set up a welfare collection. They were able to raise funds to pay to have the Korats released into a foster carers possession. They had to pay the RSPCA in order to take two scared, petrified and aggressive cats out of the rescue and into an experienced Korat breeders home. These cats could not be handled at the rescue centre. They were not eating. Had lost a lot of weight. They were depressed and were making themselves ill. Still the RSPCA refused to allow an experienced breeder of Korats to foster them without handing over a large amount of money.
It seems the RSPCA only cared about what the financial reward would be and had no care for the health of them. They only agreed to them being fostered because the cats were becoming ill and needed medicating. However they still insisted on money first. Within 24 hours of being at the breeders house the cats were cuddling on her lap and eating. She was able to medicate them with no problem and has found them a home together (which the RSPCA were not bothered that they went together according to who i spoke with). The registration papers were handed direct to the new owner, they were not given to the foster lady as the RSPCA did not trust the breeder.
It really shocked me and i will no longer support them.