RSPCA

Comments

• saffroncat November 18, 2008 at 6:50 p.m.

  Animal cruelty is disgusting!!! It needs to be stopped immeidiantly!!!! Why would you want to buy an animal just to bully it?

• Genie November 14, 2008 at 2:50 p.m.

  This country is not fit to be called a nation of animal lovers! Alot of people just use animals as a fashion accessory or something to boost their image!! They don't actually care how the animal is treated they just wanna look good themsleves and that is WRONG!

  I mean as a nation we're more concerned on the latest technology and what's on tv more than anything else! we're a nation of obesity. we're in no condition to look after ourselves let alone animals. We'd rather stuff our faces with burgers rather than take our dogs out for a walk!

  As a society we do nothing to help each other. i mean kids see their parents hitting animals and they think it's okai to do the same so then they go outside see a cat or a dog and decide to kick the life out of it and walk away. then who's left to pick up the pieces? In some cases people who actually care help but sometimes animals aren't so lucky.

  Is this realli what being animal lovers is about?

  Until we can sort ourselves out and learn how to care for animals properly we don't deserve to have the title "Nation of animal lovers!"

• vigilante-designs November 13, 2008 at 1:45 a.m.

  I dont see the point of buying an animal just to beat it up or treat it badly, its like buying a car just to key it!

• chesterlad November 12, 2008 at 6:02 p.m.

  hi there
  i just like to say that we do not deserve to be called a nation of animal lovers!!!
  as there is alot of people out there that keep their animals in rotton conditions.
  if i was one of the people to deal with these people i would treat them the way they treat their animals then they would feel how their animals feel!!!!
  i am pleased there is the people like the R.S.P.C.A to do the good work that they do
  but i think the goverment should listen more to them and to the common people and set some more laws for the animals welfare.
  as they must feel sick when they goto some cases but cant do nothing as of goverment so called "red tape"
  as you can tell i feel anger towards the people that hurt and abuse animals!!!!
  i hope all you animal lovers out there would agree with me!!!
  as i know for a fact that myself and loads of others out there would do anything for their pets.

• animalmad November 10, 2008 at 4:35 p.m.

  I just don't understand why people have to be so crul
  In most casses the animal has done nothing wrong,so why harm it if it's done nothing to you.Plus i agree with ginag!!!

• Mags53 November 7, 2008 at 8:13 p.m.

  Dudley - went onto the website as advised re vegan dog and cat food. Although I respect your choice in this I would never feed such processed, chemically enhanced food to my pets. I would never have fed my children like that and will never feed my pets like it. I don't feed my pets on all-in-one food now - I feed them as they would feed themselves if they were still wild animals, the natural food for their species. I think that to keep an animal captive and then to subject it to human beliefs and constraints is wrong. If you don't want to feed your pet on meat then just keep herbivores as pets. Seeing the enjoyment that my dogs get from eating a whole breast of lamb for their tea proves to me that it is wrong to feed them any other way.

• Tabetsey November 5, 2008 at 10:42 a.m.

  I am totally disgusted when hearing about the terrible abuse being carried out on animals. Everybody I know who owns an animal loves that animal and would never dream of hurting them. I know that this is not always the case. Until this country tightens the law on animal cruelty and inflicts much, much harsher sentences rather than the slight slap on the wrist imposed currently, animal abuse will still go on. We need to get tough with people who abuse animals. If we don't - what is the deterrent? These sick minded people will continue to carry on.

• ginag November 4, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.

  I am horrified with some of the recent reports of cruelty to animals. I adore animals and think they should be treated with the same love and respect as humans. Im not saying that everybody should love animals. If people don't like them why can't they just leave them alone. There should be tougher action against these evil people who commit these vile acts on innocent animals. They are mindless cowards and deserve long prison sentences.

• sheila11 November 2, 2008 at 10:11 p.m.

  mistreatig all animals is very very wrong i curse all those people who hurt the animals its not right. how can some of these so called human beings be so damn cruel? i have 2 dogs myself i look at them and think they are some of the lucky ones.how do they have the heart to hurt them what did they ever do ? i want my voice heard no more cruelty to animals.

• rachelinwonderland November 2, 2008 at 7:43 p.m.

  Thank goodness some of us are animal lovers - where would we be without the RSPCA and its supporters? Or the ASPCA for that matter? There's a lot of talk in the news about the rise in violent crime - sadly, attacks on animals are probably growing too. Nearly every week there's a newspaper report on "sick yobs" being cruel to animals. I wouldn't even leave a dog tied up outside a sweetshop. The dog is helpless tied up outside - I read about a case where these sick yobs blinded a dog in both eyes, just for so-called fun...the law isn't tough enough. Physical pain is something all animals share, whatever one's belief in heirarchy on this planet. By reason of physical pain, I believe we should tighten the penalties for animal cruelty.

• dudley November 2, 2008 at 12:35 p.m.

  We are thought of as a nation of animal lovers because we are obsessed withour pets. However, when it comes to the welfare of farmed animals, most people look the other way. I cannot understand how people can love their cats and dogs, but don't think about the feelings of pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens and other farmed animals. All animals have feelings. Farming is inherently cruel and I find it hard to stomach the untold suffering that the human race is causing to farmed animals in all countries of the world, including the UK. People say that eating free range or organic is better but the animals still go through the same process. If people who eat bacon and pork met a sow that had just had her piglets taken away from her and saw the mental and physical agony that she was in,they might think twice. This happens to breeding sows at least twice a year until they no longer produce enough piglets to be economically useful and are sent to slaughter. Usually at around age 3 or 4 (i.e., still very young). This happens to all pigs, no matter whether they are factory-farmed or free-range, so free-range is only better in as much as the animals are not kept in confined spaces indoors. Obviously, free-range is better for that reason but people should understand that it is the farming process that is inherently cruel, including of course the final, terrifying journey to the slaughterhouse in a trailer or transporter, to be killed with a huge electric shock to the head or bolt through the brain, followed by having their throats slit. Vegetarians should give up dairy produce for the same reasons. The whole process of farming dairy cattle is incredibly cruel.Giving up meat and dairy products would also be better for the environment, as well as better for everyone's health. Giving up meat and dairy is easy. There are plenty of alternative foods that can be eaten and people will lose weight and be healthier. For those who are really interested in helping farmed animals, check out the websites of organizations like Viva! and Compassion in World Farming.

  And for those with pet cats and dogs, please, please think about the desperatately awful lives of the animals raised to feed them. Dogs and cats (contrary to popular belief) can live off a vegetarian diet. Try your pets out on Veggie Pets (.com) food. If only they eat some of it, it's going to reduce the demand for meat. Vegetarian shoes are also getting better. Do some Google searches and see what you can find.

  And finally, to all those people who think rats are vermin—think again about which species is really the vermin of this planet.

• ZoeE November 1, 2008 at 11:34 p.m.

  People dont seem to even think they are cruel. Its a throw away society & unfortunately pets seem to be part of that.
  I adore my pets & just cant comprehend these sick people.
  There should be tighter laws & restrictions. Perhaps people who mistread their animals should be put in a room full of animal lovers and torture tools!

• Babycakes...x November 1, 2008 at 7:21 p.m.

  No, we dont deserve it at all as loads of people are abusing and torturing animals when they haven't done anything wrong. People should be ashamed of themselves if they even think about harming an animal.Animals only do what is in their nature and if people cant handle it then they shouldn't get the animals in the first place and if the animal isn't even theirs then think of how the owners feel.
  Just think before you act...x

• <3 Animalz <3 November 1, 2008 at 2:48 p.m.

  Why should we be called 'Nation of Animal Lovers' if people mistreat their animals everyday? You hear about dogs being beaten, squirrells being shot and killed for eating nuts that people put out for the birds and so on. Squirrells need to survive too so why cant people just deal with it? I think its dreadful that there are so many people out there who are making animals suffer right now. If you buy a puppy or kitten and cant look after it properly, then give it to the RSPCA or an animal shelter, at least somewhere where you know they'll be looked after properly. Even hamsters and small animals are abandoned several times each year. I think we need to do something about it

• CoNnIe November 1, 2008 at 1:57 p.m.

  I dont think we can be called a Nation Of Animal Lovers because if yhoo listen on the news peolpe are beating kicking killing neglecting and torchering their animals it is just ridiculous that people think we are and their needs to be more law about doing this to your animals.

• SOFA November 1, 2008 at 8:02 a.m.

  No, I don't think we should be called a 'nation of animal lovers'... There are lots of individuals and groups, (thank goodness) who do fantastic work and are genuinely animal lovers. Unfortunately we live in a 'throw away' society and animals are all too often the victims of this. It is far too easy for anyone to own an animal. It should be much harder.

  I also think this country is hypocritical in that we don't allow veal crates here but are quite happy to send the poor calves to other countries where rules aren't as strict. So, not only do they suffer in the awful crates but have to endure long, extremely stressful journeys as well.. There is a simple answer, if everyone gave up milk, cows wouldn't have to produce calves in order to produce milk. That in itself is cruelty. A cow, like a woman, produces milk for her young. In the case of the cow, her calf, at a few days old, is taken away from her! How cruel is that??

  Soya milk is much healthier too! I used to have severe sinus trouble; I don't now..

  Back to the question.... On balance, we (the UK) are not a nation of animal lovers... a nation of animal keepers might be more appropriate...

• Dovey66 October 30, 2008 at 7:09 p.m.

  It's people like myself who take on unwanted/abandoned or abused animals that pick up the pieces from the irresponsible people who abuse animals. I will never understand why or how people hurt animals it's barbaric and disgusting.

• hello_kitty_ October 28, 2008 at 10:05 p.m.

  well i know there are worser countries ; iloveanimals i bet it must be hard for you to have to see that. i think the majorory of the UK probably could deserve to be called animal lovers. but i think a small propotian don't even have enough respect to them selves never mind other creatures. they need to get a life and not take things out on animals. it makes me sick.

• iloveanimals October 27, 2008 at 5:40 p.m.

  I live in Egypt and in my point of view, England really is the 'nation of animal lovers'. Where I live, you see people in the street beating up donkeys with sticks, throwing stones at dogs and much worse. I love animals and my ambition is to save them and seeing this happen to God's creatures gets me angry, upset and hurt. I have 3 dogs who I rescued and hurting them would be like commiting the worst crime on earth!

• whippet October 5, 2008 at 7:53 p.m.

  In response to your comments scorpioblue1957,
  every thing you say is true about IAMS. Cutting flesh from healthy dogs (to test their food, although not a requirement by law) to measure muscle growth is obscene. Everything that IAMS does is unacceptable....Bastards...Visit this site for more details. http://www.iamscruelty.com/?c=iamsbanner02

• scorpioblue1957 October 4, 2008 at 1:39 a.m.

  Has anyone seen the footage on You Tube regarding the Iams pet food range . All I can say is thank god I dont buy the stuff after seeing what they do to animals on there for the purpose of improving their range I think the should have a world wide ban , and they have the audacity to show fluffy cats and cute dogs in their adverts nothing but sick vile evil B*******s they should all be locked up and forced to live the way they are treating those poor animals

• bree September 25, 2008 at 10:55 a.m.

  In a word? No. If we were then there would be no need for organisations such as the RSPCA, all we would need are simple rehoming centres for those pets that through no fault of their own or that of their owners must be rehomed. Sometimes you just simply can't keep a pet however much you would love to. Having to recently rehome two cats following the unexpected death of my mother-in-law I know what a hard decision it can be and just what a wonderful job these organisations do. There is never any excuse for cruelty, for reckless animal breeding or ignorance of any animals most basic needs. I have a cat and a dog and they are my world. I would no more harm or neglect them than I would a child. They are totally innocent and reliant on you. Animals have no voice so we must be that voice for them and cruelty must stop.

• whippet September 19, 2008 at 9:19 p.m.

  In my opinion, it is not just those that give their life's work to saving animals, people like the RSPCA, it is those that stop eating animals/animal products that can make a difference, for this is surely the best way to stop animal cruelty. By just adding that splash of milk to your cup of tea, you have been party to one of the cruellest forms of animal exploitation - dairy farming. If you really want to stop animal cruelty , think about what you consume.

• rspca under 8teenz September 19, 2008 at 8:52 p.m.

  My mum once went on a show called magpie to petition against seal culling she got loads of people to sign the petition then showed on TV.This culling mostly happens in Canada.So these cruelty issues have been going on for a long time.I think we need to start doing more petitions public not on line.Or the other solutions are make posters and leaflets maybe then more people will notice these issues.

• hannah September 16, 2008 at 12:07 p.m.

  we could be called animal lovers beause we help and there are many different people who
  hurt animals so i would say we are called animal lovers

• sammyvanstaden September 15, 2008 at 7:25 p.m.

  One of the many terrible,distressing,sick,wrong and cruel things that happen in the world is seal clubbing. People say they do it to keep seal numbers down, BUT THEY WERE HERE FIRST! Technically, a translation of 'keeping numbers down' is 'they're getting in our way so we kill them'. NO nation on earth is a nation of animal lovers.

• Eleanor September 13, 2008 at 12:18 p.m.

  Evidence that we are not a nation of animal lovers exists in the form of the RSPCA and other forms of animal rescue/welfare society's, we would imply not need these if we were a 'nation of animal lovers'.

  Cases of animal neglect and abuse shockingly outweigh the amount of stories you hear where an animal's life is saved. It seems that as time goes on animals are losing their battle to earn a life of respect and happiness, alongside us humans. This will never happen whilst there are still people out there who think they can mess with an animals life like it is something that comes natuarlly to them. Animal abusers are barbaric and cowardly, to inflict pain or distress in a deliberate manner on an animal is the lowest act of cruelty in my opinion. Offering love to our pets, taking care of them properly and giving them a good life is such an easy, and enjoyable thing to do, so why do countless numbers find it such a difficult task to adhere to??

  So, true animal lovers - in my opinion these are the poeple who make it their life's work saving animals. People in the RSPCA and all rescue groups alike - are inspiring, and should be supported in any way possible. They are the people, as well as everybody on this site, who can be called TRUE animal lovers.

• Sophie. September 12, 2008 at 2:51 p.m.

  Even though most of us love animals, there are sick, twisted people out there who ruin it for us, and for that, we can't be called a nation of animal lovers. Wherever you go, wherever you look, there are always stories popping up about animals being treated wrongly. To all the creeps out there who may be reading this, THERES NO EXCUSE! there is no good enough reason to abuse animals (or anyone for that matter) i read a few weeks back on the internet about a woman who put a kitten in a microave and cooked the poor thing alive...how sick can you get!?!?! We are the only things on earth that kill for the sake of it - we are the only things on earth that can put a stop to it! Peopl who abuse, kill, neglect whatever they make me sick to my stomach - they deserve to rot in hell.

• WolfGirl September 9, 2008 at 3:24 p.m.

  We can't be called 'a nation of animal lovers' because there our some sick people out there who do some horrible things to animals. They kill animals that have done NOTHING to them, which is cruel. I had lots of pets (a snake, a few hamsters, fish...) and I would never have harmed any of them. If I did guilt would drive me crazy! I just don't get why people just kill animals! Everyone needs to help stop this madness,because if it continues one day there will be no animals, and that would be horrible.

• Mags53 September 4, 2008 at 5:57 p.m.

  I think that with all things there are two sides to this - there are many animal lovers in this country (I know farmers who love their cows and who were broken hearted when they all had to be killed because of foot-and-mouth) BUT there are also many people who are so sick that they are cruel to any animal or, for that matter, anything that is weaker than they are. They are a result of our society that doesn't hold people accountable for their actions and allows excuses for all sorts of behaviour - the offender more important than the victim. Until we as a society start to do something about this it'll just get worse - all it takes is for good people to stand by and let it happen - to be too afraid to intervene directly or to inform someone else about their concerns. Also, we have become such a throw-away society that animals are implicated now in the "consumables" - and I'm afraid to say it, but the younger generation are very much at fault, no loyalty and staying power, but then that's my generations fault for allowing values in our children to slide!! How did we as a nation get to the stage where so many of use have such a lack of empathy with the suffering of living things?

• mona September 2, 2008 at 11:06 p.m.

  Im 16 and im at college doing animal care iv jus started. When iv done my time at college i would like a job with the r.s.p.c.a. I think people who hurt animals should be treadted how they treated the animals. Animal cruelty is sick!. You should treat animals like there your family. I have a jack russel called shandy and i love her to bits. I love animals thats why im doing animal care plus id love to save some animals because they dont deserve what appens to them. I think if you carnt offerd or you no you aint got the time for a animal then dont get one. If you have a animal then juss think how would you like to be treated. Anmlas hvee feelings to. Im glad the r.s.p.c.a is eya. People who can hurt animals make me SICK!!

• lil_los@hotmail.co.uk August 31, 2008 at 7:52 p.m.

  i no im not commenting on the programmes but i am commenting on how man-kind has become so low they have to harm other creatures for fun. its the lowest of the low. i am extremely passionate about how animals are tret, and for animal cruelty to take place is just surreal. i dont understand what goes through peoples mind as they hurt animals for pleasure, fun or i dont know something as pathetic as boredom. if you are one of those people i hope you realise that an animal doesnt inflict pain for that (apart from whales sometimes, but thats just nature), an animal inflicts pain on another to survive as they need to eat it. i do disagree sometimes about why we kill animals for food, but then again it is the quickest way to kill the animal without putting it through pain.

• Romy August 29, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.

  I am a Head Veterinary Nurse that has been living and working in Darwin for nearly a year. I TOTALLY disagree we are a nation of animal lovers. We are a nation of people who choose to keep animals without thinking about the responsibility, care and lifetime commitment needed when we accept animals into our lives. I've never seen so much animal neglect and abuse as I do in the Northern Territory, and not only in the Indigenous camps. Some of the worst neglect and abuse has come from inner city "owners" who think it is a right and not a priveledge to own an animal. If people need permits to keep Lizards and snakes, they should have permits to keep cats and dogs. Note: I also think people these "owners" should need a permit to breed if they want kids. That way we might weed out the dropkicks.

• Sue August 29, 2008 at 11:52 a.m.

  I know what you mean Secret (last post) but I can't wholly agree. Being an animal lover unfortunately does not necessarily always equate with responsible ownership. Not all people who claim to love animals treat them with the respect they deserve. Sometimes this is out of pure ignorance or stupidity. For example, the people who leave their "beloved" pets in a hot car thinking they will be OK for a while. What about people who allow their pets to get so overweight that they can barely waddle around because they think it is kind to give endless treats? I have no doubt they all "love" their pets, but they are just seriously misguided about what is good for them, and this is where the RSPCA can educate people. Some people feed their dogs chocolate, thinking they like it - well, of course they do! But in excess it will kill them. Many people who are reported for cruelty claim to be animal lovers but blame something or someone else for the suffering they have allowed. Most people if asked would probably claim to be animal lovers, but a lot of cruelty is inadvertent and unintentional because people don't understand what an animals' needs are. Some people take on exotic species without a basic understanding of how to care for them, and some people take on a cute puppy without taking account of the long term responsibility of caring for it when it reaches adulthood. Quite a lot of these people would probably call themselves animal lovers, because who but an animal lover would entertain an animal in their home to begin with? I'm afraid love is not enough, and for this reason, we will always need organisations such as the RSPCA. There is a lot of misunderstanding about animals. People may love them but don't really understand their needs and therefore how to meet them. The RSPCA helps to educate and promote responsible ownership. I wish, just like the rest of us, that this was not necessary, but the statistics tell us otherwise.

• Secret August 29, 2008 at 9:39 a.m.

  if we were a nation of animal lovers we wouldn't need the RSPCA

• janey August 28, 2008 at 10:05 p.m.

  "Nation of animal lovers" is a joke,many people throw animals away like rubbish, they are no more important than the morning left over breakfast. Whilst I do appreciate that in present money climate it is hard, but just like I would not get rid of my son, neither would I my animals that I love, care for very much, and give them the love & respect they deserve, But I do love animals truly like many of us that cannot even begin to think of abdoning our animals..........we kill each other for no reason, not surprising animals are also part of throw away society.

• cloudy-jai August 27, 2008 at 6:26 a.m.

  L am 14 years old and think that "animal cruelty is very SICK.....people who treat animals with such cruel behavor should go to prison, should never be able to have a animal ever ever again and should do community service for the rest of there life.

  My pet dog 'CHARLIE' came from the RSPCA, luckly the RSPCA looked after 'CHARLIE' and he got a home with us in 2004.......but l know there are some dogs/animals that dont have homes, live on the streets or get locked in a cage for life,,,,l am so happy that l could just save one of the millions out their.

  THANKS TO THE RSPCA!!!!!!!!!

• sam150150 August 25, 2008 at 4:38 p.m.

  If we were a nation of animal lovers, then we wouldn't need such a huge organisation as the RSPCA.
  We treat animals terribly in this country, they are more like a commodity than living breathing creatures.
  Pets are bought as passing fads by a lot of people, and then discarded when they become too much trouble. ( They say we are a throw away society )
  I was in a rescue shelter once, and I heard a gentleman, who was enquiring about adopting a kitten, ask the girl working there, " if we get bored with it, say in a years time, can we bring it back? " Thankfully, he was asked to leave.

• Squirt August 21, 2008 at 2:12 p.m.

  I dont think any country should be known for it, arghhhhh it makes me sooooo very angry to here what happens to the ones that end up in bad homes or on the streets, they are living, breathing creatures and have just as much right to be here as us humans, but hey who cares, the people in charged sure dont, hurting or murdering an animal should be taken as serious as if was done to a human, i must be so nieve, i just can not believe how some people can do what they do, the best punishment for these sick twisted souless people is to get the same treated that they should that animal, all animals are so amazing when you treat them right, i love the way my baby bunny shows me affection and i wish that i had all the money in the world so i could look after every animal and make sure they never get mistreated again! I feel so angry now, i hate people who torture animals.

• toni sam August 19, 2008 at 10:24 p.m.

  Goverement needs to get involved and increase punishment & give RSPCA more powers. These People that commit animal cruelity will not stop intil the law truly puts it foot down. Goverment gets invovled in every thing else but doesnt seem that intrested in our animal friends, they will have to as more & more people are becoming more compassionate towards animals its becoming big news always in the news.

• Clairebaz August 19, 2008 at 2:17 p.m.

  i read there has been an increase in animal cruelty cases. they need to hand out more severe punishments to people convicted, in the hope that it mite drop the numbers. i could never accosiate with people who are cruel to poor defensless animals, why do these people buy pets to mistreet them? how do they ban people from owning animals, when they can just go out and buy another pet from a private seller, surely there are more extreme measures they can take.

• smale August 17, 2008 at 9:46 p.m.

  Are you aware that the RSPCA is releasing numbers of urban foxes into the countryside, some showing signs of vetinary treatment, (ergo, one in particular who had had a damaged leg surgicaly removed and had obviously received a lot of medical care and attention) only for them to be shot within days by country residents who wish to protect their livestock!

  Would it not be fairer, and cheaper for all parties if urban foxes were to be caught and sterilised, as are stray cats, and returned to their urban homes? In the city, they have little fear of people, whereas in the country such fear is a lifestyle requirement!

  It is a very mis-guided kindness to remove a city dwelling fox from where he has a veritable fast-food outlet on his doorstep to a situation where suddenly overcrowding is not only dangerous to his health, (least of all from guns, poison and snares), but living is generally harder than the poor animal was previously used to!

  The RSPCA needs to seriously re-think on this subject, as by 'caring' they are actually being extremely cruel.

  By the way, I live in the country, and have twice been given unsolicited details of numbers of foxes released, by those locals who have had to 'deal' with them due to the problems that such releases cause.

  So, I advocate again, sterilization of urban foxes, and definately NOT re-location!!

• zoe louise August 16, 2008 at 10:05 a.m.

  I think people just see animals as a toy sometimes, like celebrities buying animals stupid t-shirts and geting there fur dyed. Animals have no voice so have to be treated the way they are and cant do anything about it. The amount of animals abused and neglected in this country is unreal. I think peoples houses and work situations should be checked out before they get animals as most are just left in all day while there owner is at work, what sort of life is that. Some people just buhy dogs for street fighting to make money, but the people that sell the animals to them wouldnt have any idea that was going to happen,so maybe animal cruelty would decrease if there was house checks to make sure the animals home life is comfortable for it. I have two dogs and my first dog was dumped in a walkers crisp box with two other puppys, they were ill and hungry. I think the biggest problem is some people have no consideration for the animals and act like they don't have feelings and don't no what is going on. I think our country shouldn't be called an "animal loving nation" but then again animal cruelty in other countrys e.g china is in my oppinion and from what ive seen alot worse, animals need to be protected were ever there from.

• thebes1966 August 14, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.

  No way are we a nation of animal lovers and - in some part - Vets are to blame. Why? Because they overcharge with fees that's why and you can only get help if you have absolutely no money whatsoever. How can that be fair? There are millions living on the poverty line. In my opinion ALL Vets fees should be waived and be funded by the millions the likes of the RSPCA make every year. My Mum rang the latter about her lost cat the other day (now found) and was told "we cannot send anyone round as we haven't the resources." Another example was 12 RSPCA Inspectors watching a horse drown at the Appleby Horse Fair last year. I'm sorry but these things have to be said. The RSPCA, like the Vets are not perfect and really should address the growing problem of poverty in this country, not be obsessed with money swelling their own coffers. My Mum's Vets bill? £114...which she has paid (even though she is skint like many others) because she loves her cat dearly...but how many people would just abandon their animals rather than pay up? Interesting thought don't you think? I do not condone such behaviour but there again I think the causes should be tackled more than they are at present.

• gregquimpo August 10, 2008 at 8:53 a.m.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVRXmXOxx9Y

  THE ANTI-RABIES ACT OF 2007 MIGHT JUST END THE WICKED DOG MEAT TRADE!

  Http://www.allaskalsgotoheaven.blogspot.com

• Anna_x August 9, 2008 at 7:35 p.m.

  A couple of years ago some of my family went to thailand, we were looking through the photos they had taken and we came across one where my own cousins were photographed with monkeys wearing make-up and clothing and were chained up!!! I felt ashamed of my own family, it is people like them that encourage this sort of unacceptable behavoir. i don't know how they could do this. i would have had to at least try and get some help for these poor poor creatures! At least this doesn't happen in our country but i don't know if it is acctualy any better than some of the cruelty that is inflicted on many "pets" across the UK.

• Polarprincessaroo101 August 9, 2008 at 11:02 a.m.

  I just have one more thing to say which is: Humans are still amimals, but ones that have become more sophisticated, and to say that animals have no feelings is also saying that humans have no feelings. Animals should be helped in every way possible to humans (and animals) and those people who love animals should have their views shouted out around the world. That way, a bigger, better difference will be made!
  X_animals_r_4_eva_X

• Polarprincessaroo101 August 9, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.

  I can't tell you all how many times I've heard someone say that animals have no feelings, no emotion and by now I've had enough. Somebody (or lots of somebodies) needs to stand up and give animals a voice. I had a gerbil and two mice and the gerbil got cancer. It was obvious she was suffering so we had her put down. Lots of people don't. There are loads of people out there that keep their pets alive, even when they are nearly dead on their feet, because they are too oblivious to what is happening. Animals need love and the most important part of that love is knowing when to say 'goodbye'. Also all this thing of leaving unwanted puppies on the streets, etc. It makes me really mad! Britain is NOT a nation of animal lovers at all! X_animals_r_4_eva_X

• uklittle August 8, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.

  When you've been to certain other countries and seen the levels of imense cruelty, the UK seems like heaven for an animal. Of course you're going to have those people who seem to have no empathy for anything other than themselves, but overall this country's ability to care for its creatures is exceptional. The problems in some other countries are not always due to lack of education, from my experience, most of them simply can't be bothered. Try and say that an animal has feelings and worth and they'll just laugh in your face and say you're dreaming (A responce i've gotten on many occasions). Animals are seen as food, and in many cases, just as a way of occupying a child for a few weeks. In the country I was living in, there were many stories of people tying live dogs to the back of cars with ropes and dragging them though the sand untill they were skinned alive. They simply don't care and have no interest in changing. I think the UK is amazing for the amount of animal services they provide and the dedication and love that most people have for their animals. This is definitely a nation of animal lovers. There will always be those who are cruel, you can't wipe them out completely, but it's the actions of the majority that count.

• Horse Love August 8, 2008 at 11:46 a.m.

  I think it's strange that people who are mean to animals aren't banned for life from keeping them. They can't get much pleasure out of keeping them after all if they abuse them. The problem is pets are so dependtant on theyre owners, they haven't any way of protecting themselves.

• linda46 August 6, 2008 at 6:55 p.m.

  I agree with the comments made the punishment should fit the crime- how they tortured the defenceless animal let it be done back to them

• amandacerasale August 6, 2008 at 6:12 p.m.

  I think that people who abuse animals should be either locked up in prison or should be banned from having animals for life.

  This is the 21st century & if we have not learnt anything from the past I doubt that we will now.

  I get very upset when I see animals being beaten up or abused e.g dog fighting over one of my local park & people filming on either their digital cameras or mobile phones.

  THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE SHOULD BE BANNED FOR OWNING ANIMALS.

  Amanda Cerasale Watford Herts.

• Clogs August 5, 2008 at 3:25 p.m.

  On the whole, compared to many other countries, we are a nation of animal lovers. It's just a small minority that inflict cruel and harrowing pain and suffering to animals. These people let society down.

• Wild Card August 5, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.

  I am writing with regards to the petition which has been set up for MAC a Golden Retriever, who was tortured to death in Ireland by a monster, in October 2006. This monster has been released on bail and is due to appeal in September!!! This is the link to the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/j4mac/petition.html PLEASE PLEASE sign it and send it on to as many as you can.
  
  He has a residency at Rainbows Bridge too were people can visit him and leave messages in his guest book: http://rainbowsbridge.com/residents/MAC014/Resident.htm please visit Mac and you will see the outpouring of grief and horror at the way he died and was treated in his short life.
  
  This is the link to the website in Ireland where his so called owners live http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article13880488.ece;jsessionid=567B230FC5E01622D8B042C63B79F1D5?postingType=posting&mode=thanks&postingId=13919628 I know it only tells part of his story but we have to fight for justice for this dog and all the others who have suffered and are suffering at the hands of monsters like these.
  
  Anything you can do to publicise this petition and tell Mac's story would be very much appreciated. We have to put his torturer behind bars and not let him go free. Mac has an ever increasing following all over the world and we need help to get the ball rolling and get Justice for Mac.
  
  Thank you for anything that you can do, we really need some help over here.
  
  Zara and Lelja

• Emma August 4, 2008 at 1:29 p.m.

  i totally second Sue's comments, and Madcatter's.
  this world is not an 'animal lovers' world at all!!
  In fact most of the world are not caring towards animals, they are just seen as food, money, clothes, gaming and sport.
  In England there are alot of people that do care about animals and there level of care and respect, but for every person that joins our cause to fight against this curelty, 10 (or more)animals fall.
  But what i think is worse is the shear level of incompance the people who could really make a change have towards this, the people in power, the poeple in the goverment, have regarding all this. i am a very strong believe that most of the money the goverment have is put into all the wrong things!! sure they do put some money into good causes like schools, disabilty help ect, to help so crime, but what about the charities?? the charities that help put a stop to all the bad in this world? the people that are working to put right what they have let go wrong!?!
  for exmaple, like this great charity, the one they call 'The Royal Society' for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' why are they not goverment funded?? when we then have things like the Olympic Games that they are more than happy to make us pay for in taxes ect. or even one such as the NSPCC?? why animals and childern allowed to suffer when they can go and afford to have games such as that in our country??
  dont get me wrong, i do like the games, but i think the needed such come first... way before the likes of the games.

• char August 2, 2008 at 5:31 p.m.

  I rarely use the word 'hate' but anyone who hurts, maims, injures a defenceless animal is truly HATED by me and my family and friends. Americans have a lot more power than Britain whereby they can get into homes and take neglected or injured animals away, they also have a good court systam whereby the 'villans', for want of a better word, get tough scentences, fines etc.
  The PDSA, RSPCA and other animal organisations in Britain should be able to execute warrants, break into barns, dens, homes etc and get justice on the abusers. I personally think that the people responsible for animal cruelty should be locked in a pen with animal lovers and see what they come out like. I for one would be happy to serve a prison scentence if it meant saving the life of animals.

• madcatter August 2, 2008 at 10:13 a.m.

  I completely agree with Sue's comments. Those who have no respect for animal life do not have respect for life, period. Why isn't more done to highlight how morally reprehensible this is? If someone is capable of starving, neglecting and abusing an animal, then what's a five year ban? Nothing. They should be jailed, and banned from keeping animals for life, without exception. Anyone who can cross that line and purposefully harm a living being is a danger to society.

• Julia August 1, 2008 at 10:43 p.m.

  It is beyond me how some disgusting 'human beings' seem to think they are better than other animals. What gives anyone the right to inflict suffering any any living creature? None. So why is it that the leaders of this world do not do anywhere near enough to protect other species? It truly breaks my heart.

  The RSPCA does incredible work, but it is a real pity that the government does not whole-heartedly follow suit. Five-year bans, fines, etc. are punishments that could never fit such crimes.

  Thank goodness that there are more people who love and cherish other animals than there are sickening abusers.

• Sue August 1, 2008 at 11:32 a.m.

  There is no excuse for animal cruelty. Statistics clearly link cruelty to animals with cruelty to humans, particularly vulnerable humans. The child who abuses a small animal has potentially started on the road to being an abuser. Most of the well known serial killers began by abusing animals. Adults can teach their children to respect animals, and most teaching is done by example. Sadly this does not happen enough. Animal cruelty exists all over the world, and the UK is an animal haven compared to some other places, but one act of cruelty is one too many. Our laws to protect animals from abuse are only as good as the commitment to enforcing them and punishing the guilty. Sadly this is where we are lacking and those who will risk prosecution to abuse an animal know that. In other countries domestic pets are slaughtered in the street using barbaric methods for meat and fur. China for example has NO animal welfare laws (see PETA and Animals Asia websites). In spain Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds) and Podencos are burned, hanged, poisoned and beaten to death at the end of the hunting season (see SOS Galgos and Greyhounds in Need sites). In Spain some dog pounds illtreat the dogs and resist all attempts to rehome them (which is almost unbelievable). Horses and bulls are also ill-treated and abused in Spain. Slaugherhouses there are poorly regulated and the cruel methods of slaughter and treatment prior to slaughter have to be seen to be believed. In the Reunion Islands off the Coast of France they use dogs for baiting sharks by pushing hooks through their noses and dragging them behind a boat. In Egypt stray dogs roaming the street are shot. In Ireland Border Collies are abused (see Border Collie Rescue website and other related Irish sites). In Canada baby seals are inhumanely bludgeoned to death and skinned alive. Cruelty is everywhere, and there are many more examples I have not cited. No, we are not a nation of animal lovers. The only reason we have earned that title is that we pay lip service to being a nation of animal lovers. Until we properly enforce the laws we have to ensure that offenders are severely dealt with, and until we educate our children to respect animals, we are no better than any of the other countries I have mentioned. With any luck, this will change in due course, but lets just say that I am not holding my breath! At the end of the day, we as humans will reap what we sow. I am a great believer in the saying that "what goes around comes around". If we want to live in an increasingly violent society where neither we or our children are safe, then we are going the right way about it. People who abuse vulnerable animals will one day be vulnerable themselves. This is worth remembering before you raise your hand to inflict pain on an animal.

• jms August 1, 2008 at 10:54 a.m.

  It's said that a nation can be judged on the way it treats it's animals. After reading some of the reported animal cruelty cases and the insufficent punishments given its obvious why this country is in the violent state it is. If we cannot be kind and compassionate to animals, who cannnot speak for themselves, what chance do the vulnerable human members of our society have.

• magentadivine August 1, 2008 at 8:54 a.m.

  nation of animal lovers...bull...whats even more frustrating is that the people who do love animals are left extremely angry that these people are amongst on, ive have just seen footage of a woman caught abusing a puppy and my blood boils,have people lost the thing we most want....compassion.we need more education but on the other hand if its in you to be an abuser nothing will change. our laws suck ass..
  no wonder people support direct action...

• glog August 1, 2008 at 8:35 a.m.

  no people dont deserve to be called animal lovers . how any person could inflict such cruelty on something so helpless is beyond me . i could never hurt any animal i even cried when my daughters fish died. i have a dog of my own and have also homed 4 stray cats one of which had 3 kittens . these fines and community services they are given are just a joke and are not enough . banned from keeping pets what a joke so in 5 years time they can go and do the same again . they should be banned for life and a prison sentence enforced along with a hefty fine. this would make them think twice about doing it again . or even better treat them how they treated the animal take food and water from them and chain them up see how much remorse they have . wouldnt be so big now would they

• fangelus July 31, 2008 at 9:25 p.m.

  How can we be a nation of 'Animal Lovers' when such cruelty as i've seen on the news is around..
  I still don't think enough is done to these people that inflict their damage onto a loving loyal pet, it disgusts me that these people get away with it.

  They should have tougher prison sentences. A nation of animal lovers? no its a nation of animal abusers with a fewer percentage of us true animal lovers left....

• Alfiethelurcher July 31, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.

  I feel that we most certainly don't deserve to be called a nation of animal lovers after reading so many awful stories of cruelty. I was heartbroken to read of Tony the lurcher's harrowing story, the sentence that "man" (used in the loosest sense of the word!) received should have been a lot harsher, at the very least he should have been banned from keeping animals for life, not just 10 years!!

  People lke that should be publicly exposed and shamed, bring back tarring and feathering, public walks of shame through town centres and floggings!

• Curlie July 31, 2008 at 12:45 p.m.

  People That Let Animals Die Should Have The Same Done To Them. The Anger I Have In Me When I See The Adverts Come On Tele. I Cant Even Give Any Money To The RSPCA As Im Not Yer 18 But If I Could I Would. Some-One Gets Banned From Having Animals For 10 Years, Who Can Be Sure That They Are Going To Change Within Them 10 Years. They Will Probably Be The Same. It Disgusts Me How People Are With Animals. Real Upsetting. I Turn The Tele Over When RSPCA Or Any Other Animal Cruelty Adverts Come On Or I'd Probably Cry. Seems Sad But Id Never Hurt An Animal In Any Way Like These Sort Of People With Twisted Minds. What Gives Them The Right. Innocent Animals Are Hurt. They Should Have The Same Treatment As The Animals Had. See How They Feel With A Bowl Of Food And A Bottle Of Water To Last Them 5 Weeks. How Foul Is That!

• achimr July 31, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.

  Yeah, read about the report online recently and am sort of dumbfounded as to how people treat their pets...
  I'm all for giving those people the exact same treatment as they gave their pets.
  If they chain a dog to a radiator, so should they be chained. If they give their dog a collar too small, so should they wear a too small collar, etc...

• fifitrixiebelle July 31, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.

  I don't think we deserve to be called a nation of animal lovers, no.
  I watched the report last night on the telly about the rise in reported Rspca cases of cruelty to animals and it just beggars belief.
  How could people do it? What kind of people are they would would leave dogs chained up with no food or water just simply left to die. why?
  I don't have any pets due to where i live in a flat which isn't really appropriate but my mum has animals who i adore and look after when they are away.
  What i can;t understand is if these people decide that they can no longer look after an animal why don't they give it to any animal shelter or organisation who could help re-home it? Surely it must be that easy?
  Nearly every week there is something in my local paper about animals shot with air rifles and badly injured it makes me feel very upset.
  Maybe the idiots that do this need the same treatment to see how it feels.
  Its an issue i feel very angry about. We are supposed to be a civil civilastion, yeah right!

• vickig2 July 30, 2008 at 9:53 p.m.

  The news today just goes to show that some humans in our society today are just disgusting! I just think that although there are so many people in our society that Do take care and responsibility for their animals, there are those that just think their pet is something they can treat with disrespect. It is disgraceful, if people are unable to look after animals, they should not have them in the first place, and if they do get pets and feel they can no longer look after them, don't just dump them, take them to an organization that may be able to help them out. Do you not think that animals deserve just as much care and respect as humans? I can never imagine why a normal sane human being would hurt, dump or destroy an animal. I think it is sick, and believe these people should be seriously prosecuted just as humans would be if they hurt another human, and just as animals are if they hurt humans. Why should dogs be put to sleep if they hurt a human if a human is not prosecuted for hurting an animal? It's very sad.

• suzanneb July 30, 2008 at 2:22 p.m.

  The coverage on the news was just disgusting, Unfortunatley this small minority think they can get away with treating animals like this. I have just filled in and sent off a volunteer application for my local RSPCA so that i can try and give something back that way. Yes we may all have busy lives and other things to do but we should be able to spare a few hours a month or week to look after and protect the innocent animals and at least try to educate the minority.

• mandy123 July 30, 2008 at 1:18 p.m.

  The news i've seen today makes me physically and emotionaly sick,i have had enough of people thinking animals don't have a voice and it's time now that we all spoke for them and said 'NO MORE' to it.It is sick and for me the most horrible thing I could ever see is that a poor animal being hurt for the way they are.I have 2 cats,1 dog and a hamster and I would'nt dream of hurting them.I almost lost my dog last week of septicemia and I went everywhere to save her life and luckily the rspca saved her in time so thank you.But we all need to stand up for these poor inocent animals for doing nothing wrong!!!!

• carly July 30, 2008 at 1:05 p.m.

  From the coverage i've seen on the news I'd say we don't have the right to be named a 'nation of animal lovers'. Can't believe how cruel and stupid people can be! Makes me really angry!

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