Couldn't believe this!

[babystar]

My husband found a pair of small hoglets yesterday, one of which was having trouble walking, front legs didn't seem to be working properly and making screaming noises in distress. He called RSPCA for advice, they said they weren't able to come to get it but to take it to our local vets, which they specified by name.
When he got there with hoglet in box he advised the receptionist what RSPCA had said and waited for the vet. She came out but as soon as he said the RSPCA had referred him she said "No! Take it to the wildlife rescue". Then shut the door. Didn't even look in the box or show any concern for the animals welfare at all.
I was pretty disgusted by this attitude from someone that many people (luckily not me) trust their pets with.

[htcdude]

I don't really like the RSPCA too much anyway, wouldn't ever bother taking anything to them, when we've tried in the past they've been very unhelpful and told us how bad we were because our rabbits had babies

I've found the Blue Cross to be nicer and more helpful

Nige

[Billabong Karen]

How distressing... What happened to the poor hoglet???

[Wild-Woman]

To be honest with you it would probably be better to take it directly to a wildlife centre if you are able to. The reason I say this is because last year we had a similar experience with a stray cat that had collapsed in a neighbours garden. The RSPCA said that if we took it to a local vet (and the vets name was specified) that the cat would receive attention quicker.
The RSPCA said that they were 'stretched' because of the lack of collection officers and would not be able to collect it that day. So we gathered up this very sick cat, took it to the vet and explained that the RSPCA had sent us. The vet nurse on duty was very good and took the cat but said that the RSPCA should not have sent us to them. The reason was that in some cases, the society were difficult about paying for the vets treatment.
I must say I was somewhat confused because we associate the RSPCA with dealing with any sick or injured animal - including the bill for treatment.
I see your point about the vet though- that does seem bad, but perhaps they've not been reimbursed for treatment.
I think that most wildlife rescues have their own vets that are kind enough to deal with wildlife inpatients - whether their charges are reduced or for free, I wouldn't know.

It's all a bit unclear for wildlife sadly.

[Kleftiwallah]

My wife has a job where in the wee small hours she has tried to call out the RSPCA for the animal(s) hurt in a road accident. Their reluctance to attend is unbelieveable. Cheers, Tony.

[fairplay]

Yet more accounts of disappointment with the RSPCA - how exactly did this organisation obtain the 'Royal' in its name, and can the Queen take away this privilege ?

I guess it is all down to costs and the amount of donations coming in, and this must apply to the 'Blue Cross' as well I suppose. I'd never heard of them until a local unit was threatened with closure recently, which is probable due to lack of funds again.

Are there less little old lady's dying and leaving money to these charities in their wills ?

Neil.

[posie]

Hello Babystar, did you find some help for the little hogs..if not come back on here and someone will help you.

[HedgehogRescue]

Hi Babystar,

I run a rescue up in Berkshire. Bit of a long trek for you but we could take the hoglets for you.

It sounds to me like the one with the leg problem may well need to be put to sleep unless the fractures are clean and repairable.

Tiggywinkles would try but again it's a long haul for you. Secret World are over your direction and may be able to help out. HART wildlife rescue are in between Winchester and Basingstoke.

You could try these but I have no idea if they are still in operation

Wildlife Rescue
Cares for: All wildlife
Location: Salisbury
Tel: 01980 862291

Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital
Cares for: All wildlife
Location: Newton Tony, nr. Salisbury
Tel: 01980 629470 or 07850 778752 for emergencies


Unfortunately there are far too many vets with this attitude however, as you took the animal in and they refused point blank to treat it, they are breaking their Code of Conduct and you must report them to the RCVS. Complaints page is here: Complaints - RCVS

Vets are required to sign up to the Code as part of their registration with the RCVS without which they cannot operate. It specifically states they must treat an injured animal in an appropriate manner, something they clearly refused to do. It's all about the money with these people and there is none in wildlife.

[posie]

Thankyou Hedgehog Rescue, I knew you would have the info. for babystar, I hope she comes back in to let us know how she got on..
Also I knew you would know the legistics around the Vet's attitude/behavoir.

Posie..

[Kayleigh]

Here is a list I found that might be useful.

The Index of UK Animal Sanctuaries and Rescue Centres

http://www.wildthingsres-q.org.uk/index.php

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/wildlife2/