rspca & sspca

[missmoore]

I was just wondering, do the RSPCA and it's Scottish equivalent put animals to sleep? I've had a look on the website and couldn't find out, so was just wondering if anyone knew.

[kita1]

Yes the RSPCA definately do put animals to sleep. I actually applied to be manager of one of their animal centres but withdrew when I was told part of the job would be for me to train to actually put animals (dogs and cats) to sleep myself. I would have to give the injection and make the decision on which animals were to be put to sleep. I didn't think I could actually do that to a healthy animal, so I did not proceed with my application.

[kita1]

Or do you mean will they come out to you to put your pet to sleep?

If so then I am not sure, I know their animal collection officers are trained to put animals to sleep, but I am not sure if they will actually come out to do that. I suppose you could contact your local animal centre, speak to the manager and they will tell you.

[missmoore]

No, I was wondering if they put dogs in their care down. I agree with your point of view - it would be very difficult to have to make the decision to put a healthy dog down. I think someone really has to do it, but it doens't make it any less sad.

[kita1]

Yes making the decision would be difficult, but what really shocked me was that they expected me to give the injection! I thought only vets were allowed to do that, given that the animal is not in pain and it is not an emergency.

There are other places who don't put healthy animals to sleep, like the Blue Cross etc. that is why I give those my support when I can rather than the RSPCA.

[Ethel]

This is the RSPCA stance on the destruction of healthy animals by RSPCA inpsectors:

http://www.veggieromance.com/f/49654

But how so called pet lovers buy pedigree pups when dogs are waiting for a home is beyond me.

Stop the breeding!

[pmjblue]

Ethel, I understand what you are saying about dogs needing a home - but by stopping responsible people breeding puppies who want to keep one themself, and ensure the remainder go to good homes will not help the stray dogs needing homes. However, I do think the Kennel Club should have tighter controls on the number of litters a breeder has in a year. Better education in schools would help, and more dog wardens to round up the un neutered strays. Why should someone who wants a sheepdog as their hobby is obedience work suffer because of all the other people who have a dog and then decide they cant be bothered and send it to the dogs home?

[lankeela]

Surely you mean stop breeding the crossbreeds! That is what most rescue homes are full of. I also agree that far too many pedigree dogs are bred. I would make it far more difficult to breed them, by licensing breeders and making them pay a high fee, make them do all necessary health checks/tests and only breed when they have a waiting list of puppy buyers. Well I can dream can't I?