I am located in British Columbia Canada, and I am trying to fully understand how animal welfare and animal control are handled in the UK, to see if it's more effective than how we do it here. I was hoping to ask a few questions, so I will try to be brief and I do appreciate your taking the time to respond.
1. Does the RSPCA handle any form of dog control or is that ONLY Dog Wardens who do that?
The RSPCA pulled out of helping with stray dogs several years ago. What happens now, is that Dog Wardens seize the dogs and after seven days if not claimed, they can go to the RSPCA and other animal welfare charities for rehoming.
2. When Dog Wardens bring in a stray dog, and it's not claimed, do they assess the dog or offer any rehab, or is the dog turned over to another group for that? In other words, if an impounded dog has behavior issues or shows some aggression, is it given a second chance at rehab, or is it automatically killed? What, if any, is the RSPCA's role in this situation?
Some Dog Wardens will rehome the dogs themselves, others pass them to the RSPCA and other charities for rehoming. Dogs are not 'automatically killed' though, it does vary from region to region how the dogs are dealt with. In the more affluent areas of the country more time and money can be spent on looking after the dogs, in other areas however it depends on the situation on the ground..
3. Are Dog Wardens paid by the local government or are they a charity paid for by the public?
Dog Wardens are Local Government Officers, although contract ones who work on behalf of the Local Authority are paid by their company.
4. From what I've read, the RSPCA is the group who inspects animal care conditions, but it says on your web site that Dog Wardens license pet stores, etc.. Can you distinguish the difference? Do Dog Wardens inspect facilities too?
The RSPCA does inspect animal care conditions, but as a charity they do not issue licenses, they lobby Government and launch campaigns etc. It is the Dog Wardens and Animal Welfare Officers who do the Licensing.
5. Do you take owner surrenders at your local pounds? Or do people take unwanted dogs to the RSPCA?
The RSPCA do take dogs from some members of the public and when they are dealing with cruelty allegations will get the owner to sign animals over to their care. Some Dog Wardens take sign-overs, especially from areas where they know the dog will end up being dumped or given to perhaps an unsuitable person. Sign overs can resolve a situation before it gets out of hand, or the animal starts suffering.
We have a real dilemma here in BC, because our SPCA is authorized to do what I think your RSPCA does (humane work, cruelty investigations, education and advocacy) but it has also become the paid dog control pound in many places. It claims it can do both, but most disagree because they feel the one who is supposed to save dogs, should not be the one who also kills the unwanted dogs.
The RSPCA here stopped dealing with stray dogs for political reasons, they lobbied Govt to pass responsibility to the Local Authorities. We are now approaching 24-7 provision in the next 12 months. This is not good as most councils do not have the staff, the resources or the money!
I'd really appreciate it if you could clarify the differences between your two groups, and perhaps point out any cross-over of services between you, as I'm sure there must be some?
Dog Wardens enforce legislation, issue Fixed Penalties, promote responsible dog ownership, deal with barking, dangerous, fouling and stray dogs.
The RSPCA as a charity reports cases of animal cruelty to the courts and the police in the same way as a member of the public would. They have Police type uniforms so people assume they have the legal authority to deal with such cases.
Dog Wardens have far more powers than the RSPCA, it is the public perception that the RSPCA are a 'Royal' body that makes people think they have more power and 'clout'.
Neil Burton
Membership & Distribution Officer