How hard are the RSPCA pushing their "no reptiles" campaign, im interested in knowing because I see it talked about regularly, but never reallly see much direct action from them, or anywhere they have said it, I have read their policy saying reptiles dont make good pets and calling for people to think carefully before buying one. im not asking for people to jump down my throat and shout id just like to know facts.

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I'm curious too.

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I have never personally seen any anti reptile propaganda from any group other than the links/pictures posted on this very site. I think the RSPCA get alot of stick as people seem to think they are supposed to be experts in every animal kept as pets (which they maybe should be if they are going to investigate claims of cruelty against these animals). In reality, the general everday RSPCA worker at your local centre is probably as much an animal lover as you and me and probably has pets of their own and I think should not be demonised by every person who believes everything they read. My opinion.

thats what I think as well, the inspectors and rescue centre workers do their job because they love animals, not because they have some hidden agenda.

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.....that the landbased RSPCA inspectors are not out to get 'you', to be read in universal terms and not specifically geared to one reader. Most will join with a view to improving the health and welfare of all animals.

The main battle lies with those to whom the main amount of funding actually lands up with and that is the heart of the RSPCA, the headquarters.

Would you all feel much better if the RSPCA were to have placquards scattered around that stated 'WE ARE AGAINST THE KEEPING OF REPTILES AND AS SUCH OUR MAIN PLAN IS TO CEASE THE KEEPING OF THEM WITH A FULL FRONTAL BAN'..?

This would of course have more of an immediate impact upon those whom disbelieved that the RSPCA are against reptile keeping.

But the fact is that, the RSPCA can not do this - its too obvious guys.

So that is why there is the hidden agenda.

If perhaps the RSPCA HQ were more willing to train their inspectorate correctly in the handling of reptiles and other exotics then perhaps we would not be as concerned both politically and legislationally with them as a charity.

But they do not.

Do they listen as a main body to the knowledge of others?

No.

Political battles are not against land based crews, they are against those that do have the political hidden agendas, and they are the ones that are the 'pushers' of legislation to make life more difficult for those whom just wish to keep something a tad more exotic than a Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Cat or a Dog.

The landbased crews, must because of their bosses put up with the demonisation.

I have met some very good RSPCa inspectors whom are willing to learn and listen - and l have met some that do not wish to be seen as 'willing to learn'.

This is a charity who has political concerns, interests, wishes and desires.

In the main, perhaps the underlying cause is more frightening than the all too visible blue uniform represents? But then that is not visible, hence why it is refered to as the hidden agenda.

If you wait for things to happen, and they do not, then you think there never was/is a problem, if they happen, you all want to know why something was not done about it in the first place.

A catch 22, do we politically battle them? Or Not?

If we do, is it wrong, if we do not, is it right?

R
PKL

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Thre truth is that the RSPCA commisioned reports some 5 or 6 years ago claiming that reptiles were impossible animals to keep. The report was called "Far From Home" and although discredited the report is still available and makes up most of the RSPCA's stance on the keeping of reptiles.

The RSPCA have also stated that it is impossible to keep reptiles alive in captivity for longer than a year. I cannot remember if this is in the same report though.

It is also a fact that the RSPCA inspectorate were in the process of working out a Memorandum Of Understanding with the FBH with regard to the keeping of reptiles and it was the RSPCA that put a stop to it. I very much doubt you will find this written down anywhere, it was more of a case of you had to be there... But I am sure Chris will give you the details if asked.

Andy, if this is the only place on the internet that you have seen anti RSPCA information linked to, it would be a good idea to have a look at the Livefood forums and the CViewmedia forums ( if CView still exists )... and obviously the Self Help Group although that has been linked to on here so you have probably already seen it.

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the reason I ask this is because on the site they have lists of all their active campaigns and they dont even mention reptiles that I can see.

But all the time we hear the RSPCA is fighting against us and our hobby, but they dont seem to be publically fighting it, other than sly articles and remarks, but they are very outspoken with their other campaigns so why not this one??

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When the "Far From Home" report was released, it was an "Active Campaign". It no longer is active I guess, but it has not been replaced and therefore constitutes their stance on reptile keeping. They are against it.

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Also remember that with the AWA and their very loud voice within the AWA, they no longer need to actively campaign against animals.

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if there out to ban reptiles how come theres some in rescue centres???? not so long ago i rang up enquiring about a dog, ended up on the subject of reptiles an the person i spoke to was very nice and knowledgable to an extent. and they even had a small selection in the rescue centre