I am uncertain if this information has been place in the public domain in its entirety before. Whilst the RSPCA will be displeased I think it is time this was made public and people are aware of the facts. In 2004 at the height of its political campaign to restrict/prohibit private ownership of reptiles, and at the height of its persecution of reptile keepers by means of private prosecutions we were working behind the scenes with the RSPCA to try and find solutions.

At one meeting a very senior member of the RSPCA accepted some of our criticisms, and suggest that the RSPCA enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with reptile keepers to improve reptilian welfare. The RSPCA proposed this memorandum and there legal department drafted the document (below). However, the RSPCA Ruling Council refused to allow the RSPCA Inspectorate to sign up to this document, despite the overwhelming majority of the Inspectorate wishing to do so! Why, well here is the text of the letter:

The RSPCA Council met on 25th January (2005) and decided that the RSPCA should not enter into the Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of British Herpetologists, International Herpetological Society, British Herpetological Society and the UK Reptile Trade Association.

No other reason was given, so we can only draw our own conclusions. My own conclusion is the RSPCA Ruling Council did not want the RSPCA to sign up to this as they did not wish to any improvement in reptilian welfare as it would be detrimental to there objective of seeing a total ban on private ownership of reptiles, just as they are do today in terms of private ownership of primates. Perhaps others have a different interpretation, if so I would be very interested to hear!




Memorandum of Understanding


This is a memorandum of understanding between the Federation of British Herpetologists, the International Herpetological Society, The British Herpetological Society, the UK Reptile Trade Association and the RSPCA Inspectorate.

AIMS

The aim of the document is to outline a constructive relationship between us all, which reflects our mutual desire to work together to improve the welfare of reptiles in England and Wales.

1:1 The number of reptiles owned as pets in England and Wales continues to rise.

1:2 Due in part to the diverse and specialist nature of some reptiles, RSPCA Inspectors are increasingly facing challenges which they are not fully equipped to deal with.

1:3 There is a clear need and opportunity for us to co-operate to improve the:

A. Rehabilitation of sick reptiles
B. Re-homing of species specific reptiles to knowledgeable keepers
C. Boarding of reptiles in appropriate environments with knowledgeable keepers
D. Dispensing of appropriate advice and information to the public, especially at the point of sale.
E. Development of a robust register of independent expert witnesses who are prepared to appear for both defence and prosecution sides without bias.

Initiatives


2:1 Telephone Advisors

Working together we will develop and co-ordinate a national list of experienced reptile keepers who are capable and prepared to give species specific telephone advice to members of the public, when referred to them by an RSPCA Inspector.

2:2 Carers and Re-homers

We will develop a national network of individuals who are capable and equipped to receive healthy stray or unwanted reptiles from Inspectors and Animal Collection Officers, for the purpose of re-homing. When re-homing animals we will exploit the existing network of people within the wider reptile community. No animal will re-enter the retail trade or be sold for profit. The RSPCA will not fund this activity other than exceptionally. The RSPCA will enter into a formal agreement with each establishment.

2:3 Boarding and Rehabilitation

We will work together to develop a national network of expert keepers who, with appropriate veterinary assistance, will receive unwell animals from Inspectors, including those animals subject to pending prosecutions. The RSPCA will fund this activity at an agreed daily rate. Veterinary costs will be covered. The RSPCA will enter into a formal agreement with each establishment.

2:4 Expert Witnesses

We will aim to develop a national register of qualified experts in the field of herpetology, who are prepared to offer their independent opinion in court. These experts must be prepared to appear for both sides, embracing the true and independent nature of an expert witness. It is desirable to have experts available to cover both the clinical and husbandry aspects of herpetology. Whilst it is accepted that qualified veterinary surgeons who posses significant reptile experience are most desirable, it is acknowledged, due to the nature of the hobby, that experts may become established based on experience and therefore without formal qualification.

2:4 Public Information

We will work together to improve the information available to the public at the point of sale. In accord with the recommendations outlined in the proposed Animal Welfare Bill we will develop species specific care sheets which describe the minimum care and equipment requirements for each animal. We will seek industry sponsorship for this activity.

Signed for and on behalf of:


Federation of British Herpetologists


International Herpetological Society


The British Herpetological Society


UK Reptile Trade Association


RSPCA

How can an organisation that is set up to prevent animal cruelty not take on the memorandum of understanding which would do so much good for both sides.The only possible answer is that politically they want to keep the antagonism between themselves and reptile keepers going.As their decisions are getting so far away from animal welfare I would suggest a campaign directed to the charities comission to question these dubious decisions and ask that their status as a charity be looked at. Harry

lol....I remember this Chris when Mr Wass was at all the meetings. I'm suprised you have never posted this earlier.


So has Tim moved up the ranks now?

It's very telling to see the Ruling Councils response to what was drafted by their own team. I completely agree with your thoughts on why they would not sign to it.

Still, I think it's for the better as it demostrates quite clearly what their long term objective is....and that's NOT to help pet reptiles.

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Email any questions..DO NOT PM, Prices coming soon. (add the word PYTHON to message title to beat my spam filter!) scott@captivebred.co.uk

Well, I haven’t posted this in its entirety before because foolishly I had hoped the RSPCA would reconsider and implement this document, which would have been instrumental in improving welfare for reptiles. What has prompted me to post now is the support shown for the RSPCA from a couple of police officer. I was quite shocked at there views that we (keepers) were the ones being unreasonable!

As for Tim, well as of the 5th March he is now head of the Inspectorate. I have a lot of time for Tim, but sadly I suspect nothing will change. The Ruling Council are responsible for the direction of the RSPCA and I simply cannot see the Animal Rights agenda replacing a ‘welfare’ agenda in the foreseeable future…..

I've said this for years Harry, never have been able to understand why someone hasnt yet!!!

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Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.

Rory, what is your opinion on the Memorandum of Understanding?
You seem to be political the same as Chris is, i just wondered what your take on it was?

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Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.

Hi all,

If the above is true, then the RSPCA are political and should not have charitable status.

I feel sorry for the many people in the RSPCA that do a good job and are beign waisted by a few in power with political motives

I belive an investigation into the RSPCA has just beign stopped.

I wonder if Chris knows anything about this investigation.

slither61

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My Reptiles1.1.0 Royal Pythons0.1.0 Cal King
2.2.0 Western Hognose1.0.0 Caramel Corn1.0.0 Anery Corn1.0.0 Amel mot het butter0.1.0 Butter Corn0.1.0 Creamsicle mot het Butter1.0.0 Ultramel Corn1.0.0 B C I1.0.0 Tri Couour Hognose1.1.0 Albino RO Corn0.1.0 B R B1.0.0 Trinket Snake1.1.0 White sided texas Ratsnake1.1.0 Radiated Rats H Yellow0.1.0 Sumartran Blood P1.0.0 Argentine L Nosed Snake[option]

My Pets
0.0.0 S Parrot
0.1.0 German Shepherd
0.0.2 Hermans Tortoises
Tropical Fish
1.1.0 Green Anoles
0.0.2 Gerbils
[option]

My flickr gallery- http://www.flickr.com/photos/konkid/

Hi Pam,

Yes, l too am fully aware of the M.O.U, and all that it implicates.

It shows the RSPCA in bad light, there is no denying it.

My recent thread, just simply requires people to explore further and ask questions in a deeper mode.

But my take on this as you so say, is the same as those who read it here.

R

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Was there any formal response detailing why they wouldn't accept this? If there's some written response I'd love to see it!

They shot themselves in the foot big style not accepting this offer of help IMO.

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My current collection1.0 Purple phase albino retic0.1 Malaysian blood python0.1 Macklott's python1.1 Royal pythons0.1 Argentine black & white tegu

The RSPCA could of course try to help themselves by "stating their reasons for the answer given", as they used to say in school essays.....