Watchdog

teddysmum

How pleasing that this programme, tonight, highlighted the terrible suffering caused by 'puppy farms'. One such, in Yorkshire, checked by the programme has been exposed and prosecuted by the RSPCA (footage of what the RSPCA found is heartbreaking and the scum have been give a suspended sentence).

One big problem is that, like a lady interviewed, any dog lover could not bear to leave a dog in such an awful situation, so would buy it, but that dog will be replaced by dozens more , as the breeder finds the sympathy buys profitable.

andromedean

From what I remember they didn't receive a custodial sentence or even a fine, just a ban. Unfortunately, puppy farm businesses will see this as an acceptable risk which won't dissuade them from this behaviour.

This government will be keen to encourage anything that makes a profit and protects businesses. Poor breeding, leading to behavioural problems, injury and illness increases demand for veterinary services and yet more pups to replace ones which have died which increases business activity and economic growth! This shows what an !!! our legal and economic system is. I see this as another example of selfishness in society which is encouraged in the name of profit. Everything is going in the wrong direction.

Meanwhile, I understand there is pressure to reduce the powers of the RSPCA.

teddysmum

andromedean wrote: »

From what I remember they didn't receive a custodial sentence or even a fine, just a ban. Unfortunately, puppy farm businesses will see this as an acceptable risk which won't dissuade them from this behaviour.

This government will be keen to encourage anything that makes a profit and protects businesses. Poor breeding, leading to behavioural problems, injury and illness increases demand for veterinary services and yet more pups to replace ones which have died which increases business activity and economic growth! This shows what an !!! our legal and economic system is. I see this as another example of selfishness in society which is encouraged in the name of profit. Everything is going in the wrong direction.

Meanwhile, I understand there is pressure to reduce the powers of the RSPCA.

The RSPCA man interviewed did ask that any viewer having even an inkling that they have any pets, should get in touch and the sentences will be implemented.


The sad thing is that it's government that encouraged puppy farms in Wales. Farmers were told to diversify and were offered grants to do so. Breeding dogs is diversification, so they were even paid to do so.

Undervalued

andromedean wrote: »

Meanwhile, I understand there is pressure to reduce the powers of the RSPCA.

That is a different issue but technically they do not have any "powers" at all.

Some would say they dress up, give themselves "police sounding ranks" and act as if they have special legal powers! Others would disagree.

Like you and I they can bring a private prosecution. No more and no less, the only difference is that they have the money to fund it!

What is currently being discussed is a specific ban on them bringing private prosecutions meaning that they would have to present their evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. As I understand it that would put the RSPCA in the same position as the equivalent bodies in Scotland and N. Ireland.

sheramber

Nobody polices the ban or checks up on them.

They move to another part of the country where nobody knows them or their background.