RSPCA inspectors found breaches of animal welfare laws at a crisis-hit charity sanctuary just days before it closed its doors to the public, the Daily Echo can reveal.
Officers issued eight notices to the management at St Francis Animal Welfare in Fair Oak relating to conditions some of the rescued pets were being kept in.
The shelter has been closed to people without pre-arranged appointments since April 25, following the inspectors' visit, which came after complaints from the public.
Some of the animals have been moved to specialist sanctuaries.
Read the full story in today's Daily Echo
The shelter has also been inspected by animal welfare officers from Eastleigh Council who were investigating allegations that it was offering a boarding service for pets without a licence - an offence that could have led to it being closed down.
St Francis' live-in manager of nearly 30 years, Ann Hillman, is currently suspended on full pay by the charity's ruling committee and is still waiting to learn her fate.
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As reported earlier, the charity has been the centre of an internal power struggle. At its annual meeting in March, about 50 apparently paid-up members were refused entry.
Six police officers attended Fair Oak Village Hall after being called in by the committee, who said they feared for the safety of genuine members.
The Charity Commission has
since been investigating
a deluge of
complaints from
those kept out of the
meeting, at which
the committee was
re-elected.
It is thought that
most of those refused
entry were supporters
of Mrs Hillman,
some of whom had
launched a bid to join
the committee a
month earlier.
The arguments have
focused on how the
charity is being run,
but until now the care
of the animals had apparently not
been called into question.
The RSPCA carried out an
inspection of theMortimers Lane
shelter at the invitation of the
committee, after it received complaints
from the public.
"Two officers went to the shelter
and eight Animal Welfare Act
forms were issued to the management
with pieces of various welfare
advice," said an RSPCA
spokesman.
"Since the visit we have been
working closely with the committee
to achieve its aim of reopening
to the public as soon as possible,
and will continue to offer
them support as necessary.
"The advice we've given has
been taken seriously and
issues have been addressed and
people should be confident that
they can continue to support the
charity."
As well as moving some animals
from the shelter, it is understood
St Francis has employed new vets
and changed all locks.
A spokesman for Eastleigh
Council confirmed that its officers
had inspected the shelter to
see if it was operating a boarding
service for dogs and cats without
a licence.
"They found no evidence of animal
boarding taking place at all,"
he said.
St Francis' chairman David
Whitmore said he was unable to
comment on the RSPCA or council
inspections because of the
ongoing internal investigation.
But he said he is hopeful the
issues will be resolved soon, and
the shelter will fully reopen to the
public soon.
Mrs Hillman was suspended on
April 25, and was initially due to
have her internal disciplinary
case held this week, but this has
now been postponed while the
committee takes expert advice on
the situation. It is not yet known
how long that process will take.
A second member of staff who
was suspended at the same time
but over a separate issue, Sarah
Eckton, has since resigned from
her post.
Posted by: David Tyne, Amersham on 11:25am Sat 10 May 08
This story is consistent with the RSPCA's attacks on rescue charities and farmers who don't pay the RSPCA's tithe. The experience of Pat Seager (all many of the others) was that the "welfare breaches" are likely to be keeping animals in enclosures which don't meet the RSPCA standards for centres other than its own. Another boost for the number of animals that the RSPCA can claim to have seized too.
This story is consistent with the RSPCA's attacks on rescue charities and farmers who don't pay the RSPCA's tithe. The experience of Pat Seager (all many of the others) was that the "welfare breaches" are likely to be keeping animals in enclosures which don't meet the RSPCA standards for centres other than its own. Another boost for the number of animals that the RSPCA can claim to have seized too.
Posted by: Dubious of dodgy claims on 11:34am Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]David Tyne[/bold] wrote:
This story is consistent with the RSPCA's attacks on rescue charities and farmers who don't pay the RSPCA's tithe. The experience of Pat Seager (all many of the others) was that the "welfare breaches" are likely to be keeping animals in enclosures which don't meet the RSPCA standards for centres other than its own. Another boost for the number of animals that the RSPCA can claim to have seized too.[/quote] So what about the council also investigating it?
Or are they also in on the conspiracy?
David Tyne wrote:
This story is consistent with the RSPCA's attacks on rescue charities and farmers who don't pay the RSPCA's tithe. The experience of Pat Seager (all many of the others) was that the "welfare breaches" are likely to be keeping animals in enclosures which don't meet the RSPCA standards for centres other than its own. Another boost for the number of animals that the RSPCA can claim to have seized too.
I have helped out at the shelter a number of times and I would say that the animals are all cared for in very good conditions, my concern is now for the animals and what will happen, I will still be helping out when I can.
I have helped out at the shelter a number of times and I would say that the animals are all cared for in very good conditions, my concern is now for the animals and what will happen, I will still be helping out when I can.
[quote][bold]Dubious of dodgy claims[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]David Tyne[/bold] wrote: This story is consistent with the RSPCA's attacks on rescue charities and farmers who don't pay the RSPCA's tithe. The experience of Pat Seager (all many of the others) was that the "welfare breaches" are likely to be keeping animals in enclosures which don't meet the RSPCA standards for centres other than its own. Another boost for the number of animals that the RSPCA can claim to have seized too.[/quote] So what about the council also investigating it? Or are they also in on the conspiracy?[/quote] Not directly - but the RSPCA isn't the organisation it was 15 years ago. It is an unelected, private regulator with an over-arching role for animal welfare which Parliament dare not touch.
A bit like the NSPCC.
Both organisations need to be broken up.
Dubious of dodgy claims wrote:
David Tyne wrote: This story is consistent with the RSPCA's attacks on rescue charities and farmers who don't pay the RSPCA's tithe. The experience of Pat Seager (all many of the others) was that the "welfare breaches" are likely to be keeping animals in enclosures which don't meet the RSPCA standards for centres other than its own. Another boost for the number of animals that the RSPCA can claim to have seized too.
So what about the council also investigating it? Or are they also in on the conspiracy?
Not directly - but the RSPCA isn't the organisation it was 15 years ago. It is an unelected, private regulator with an over-arching role for animal welfare which Parliament dare not touch.
i went there last summer when they had there summer open day, i had never been befor, but i was hoping to go again this summer, all the animals seemed well looked after , olso i phoned the rspca 2 years ago on a hot summers day as there was a dog left in a car out side my house with only a 1 inch gap in the window and a bowl of water, there car had been there the day befor olso, it was a student who didnt come back till mid afternoon, the rspca was not intrested as there was water and a small gap in the window, so i put a note on the window saying i would force entry if i see the dog left in there on a hot day again.
i went there last summer when they had there summer open day, i had never been befor, but i was hoping to go again this summer, all the animals seemed well looked after , olso i phoned the rspca 2 years ago on a hot summers day as there was a dog left in a car out side my house with only a 1 inch gap in the window and a bowl of water, there car had been there the day befor olso, it was a student who didnt come back till mid afternoon, the rspca was not intrested as there was water and a small gap in the window, so i put a note on the window saying i would force entry if i see the dog left in there on a hot day again.
"RSPCA inspectors found breaches of animal welfare laws at a crisis-hit charity sanctuary just days before it closed its doors to the public, the Daily Echo can reveal ".
The RSPCA have no comprehension of animal welfare law, they are are now an animal rights political party. If the RSPCA can ill advise people to feed birds of prey "cereals" such as Weetabix... Which will kill if given, then how can they be taken seriously ? They use these independant sanctuaries to off load animals and then in time proceed to over load them then raid them. This has happened far too many times to be just coincidence. And for ALL those RSPCA supporters are you aware that the RSPCA have a criminal conviction. They should be returned to being an animal charity not ill conceived pet police.
"RSPCA inspectors found breaches of animal welfare laws at a crisis-hit charity sanctuary just days before it closed its doors to the public, the Daily Echo can reveal ".
The RSPCA have no comprehension of animal welfare law, they are are now an animal rights political party. If the RSPCA can ill advise people to feed birds of prey "cereals" such as Weetabix... Which will kill if given, then how can they be taken seriously ? They use these independant sanctuaries to off load animals and then in time proceed to over load them then raid them. This has happened far too many times to be just coincidence. And for ALL those RSPCA supporters are you aware that the RSPCA have a criminal conviction. They should be returned to being an animal charity not ill conceived pet police.
Posted by: Dave the Dog, NW England on 12:36pm Sun 11 May 08
Oh Dear Suricate, give it a rest about the 'conviction', it is trotted out at every available opportunity. "The RSPCA have no comprehension of animal welfare law" ? Give me a break.
I am no fan of the RSPCA hierarchy and agree with the 'Animal Rights' comments regarding the Headquarters.
Mr Tyne, what has Pat Seager got to do with anything? Were you there? I know you were not. I'm not RSPCA, neither am I part of any conspiracy (as a local Govt Officer) The court will decide that case, no-one else.
Oh Dear Suricate, give it a rest about the 'conviction', it is trotted out at every available opportunity. "The RSPCA have no comprehension of animal welfare law" ? Give me a break.
I am no fan of the RSPCA hierarchy and agree with the 'Animal Rights' comments regarding the Headquarters.
Mr Tyne, what has Pat Seager got to do with anything? Were you there? I know you were not. I'm not RSPCA, neither am I part of any conspiracy (as a local Govt Officer) The court will decide that case, no-one else.
Posted by: paula, winchester on 12:46pm Sun 11 May 08
RSPCA inspectors found breaches of animal welfare laws at a crisis-hit charity sanctuary just days before it closed its doors to the public, the Daily Echo can reveal "
Would it not of made more sense to work with St Francis to help solve the problems they may of been having? .
Sadly instead of supporting St Francis animal shelter the rspca on this occasion have used their powers to bully a small,dedicated team of passionate people-who work very hard to give the animals in thier care a good quality of life-not because they are on a decent wage for doing so, but because they care.
RSPCA inspectors found breaches of animal welfare laws at a crisis-hit charity sanctuary just days before it closed its doors to the public, the Daily Echo can reveal "
Would it not of made more sense to work with St Francis to help solve the problems they may of been having? .
Sadly instead of supporting St Francis animal shelter the rspca on this occasion have used their powers to bully a small,dedicated team of passionate people-who work very hard to give the animals in thier care a good quality of life-not because they are on a decent wage for doing so, but because they care.
Posted by: Dave the Dog, NW England on 2:12pm Sun 11 May 08
Hi Paula
I lived with my partner for nearly ten years as she worked as an RSPCA Field officer. For the hours she had to work and the danger she was regularly in I would not think anyone could claim that she, nor her colleagues, was not dedicated or caring. Her wage was not something to write home about.
Advice notices issued to animal owners/keepers are just that. They state what is wrong and what needs to be done to rectify matters.
'The RSPCA carried out an inspection of the Mortimers Lane shelter at the invitation of the committee, after it received complaints from the public.'
They did and then issued advice notices for specific animals.
How is that not assisting ?
'As reported earlier, the charity has been the centre of an internal power struggle.'
I suggest that rather than people trying to blame the RSPCA for what is happening they look into the working and management of the Sanctuary itself.
Hi Paula
I lived with my partner for nearly ten years as she worked as an RSPCA Field officer. For the hours she had to work and the danger she was regularly in I would not think anyone could claim that she, nor her colleagues, was not dedicated or caring. Her wage was not something to write home about.
Advice notices issued to animal owners/keepers are just that. They state what is wrong and what needs to be done to rectify matters.
'The RSPCA carried out an inspection of the Mortimers Lane shelter at the invitation of the committee, after it received complaints from the public.'
They did and then issued advice notices for specific animals.
How is that not assisting ?
'As reported earlier, the charity has been the centre of an internal power struggle.'
I suggest that rather than people trying to blame the RSPCA for what is happening they look into the working and management of the Sanctuary itself.
Posted by: concerned member of the public!, Portsmouth on 4:26pm Sun 11 May 08
I have visited the shelter many times and can honestly say that the animals are being well looked after... what we don't know is what they found ie was it just triva things that can be corrected and maybe st francis were glad of the input... I also have attended the open days for the last couple of years and helped but I won't be doing it any more!... Those animals are loved and sometimes cared for through the night and the way this 'new management' has taken over I just wonder if they will get the same care...I don't like it... so while they have my money for my membership they won't be getting any more help from me... I have a lot of time on my hands and there are lots of charities that can do with help...
I have visited the shelter many times and can honestly say that the animals are being well looked after... what we don't know is what they found ie was it just triva things that can be corrected and maybe st francis were glad of the input... I also have attended the open days for the last couple of years and helped but I won't be doing it any more!... Those animals are loved and sometimes cared for through the night and the way this 'new management' has taken over I just wonder if they will get the same care...I don't like it... so while they have my money for my membership they won't be getting any more help from me... I have a lot of time on my hands and there are lots of charities that can do with help...
Posted by: Bizarre, Waterlooville on 4:42pm Sun 11 May 08
If the committe had been doing their job properly why did all this happen? and I don't understand why suspend the manager or another member of staff ( who has now resigned) I would have thought it would be easier to work with the manager as stated in the article that she has been there for years so she will know what she is doing! But I guess the committee know all there is about animals and their welfare. (lets hope they do )and the animals don't suffer1
If the committe had been doing their job properly why did all this happen? and I don't understand why suspend the manager or another member of staff ( who has now resigned) I would have thought it would be easier to work with the manager as stated in the article that she has been there for years so she will know what she is doing! But I guess the committee know all there is about animals and their welfare. (lets hope they do )and the animals don't suffer1
Posted by: Fred Bassett, Bishopstoke on 11:40am Wed 28 May 08
I can honestly say that I know nothing of the politics of the charity.
What I do know is that Ann, her staff and volunteers at the centre have always put animals first. I have not just received a loving pet from St. Francis but also ongoing help and support with caring for a rescue dog.
I can only thank Ann and her team for their vast knowledge of how to help and put the welfare of animals first. I hope the charity can get over these difficulties and the people involved, can be allowed to carry on with what they do best - [bold]Caring for Animals![/bold]
I can honestly say that I know nothing of the politics of the charity.
What I do know is that Ann, her staff and volunteers at the centre have always put animals first. I have not just received a loving pet from St. Francis but also ongoing help and support with caring for a rescue dog.
I can only thank Ann and her team for their vast knowledge of how to help and put the welfare of animals first. I hope the charity can get over these difficulties and the people involved, can be allowed to carry on with what they do best - Caring for Animals!
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