Well, I can tell you what I know about how they investigate when they get a
complaint. About a year ago, about 5 years ago, my mom and I owned and ran a pet
shop up until about 1.5 years agao. We had somehow made a customer mad, and so
she decided to place a false complaint with the ASPCA to try to get our license
removed and to pay a big fine. THe investigators just dropped in on us so we
didn't have time to "clean up our act" so to speak. THe walked in the door and
said that they could tell from the smell of the shop that there wasn't any
abused animals. They looked in all of our animal cages and said that the animals
were fat and sassy and all bedding was clean and there was food and water. They
also commented that even if they had coincedentally come on the occasional
cleaning day ( according to the lady, we ONLY cleaned , fed, and water once a
week.), the animals couldn't get fat, clean their fur and get rid of the smell
of filth in one day. The last we heard, they took her to court for some long
technical term and she was sentenced to 6 months volunteering at the Oregon
Humane Society and had to pay the ASPCA $2500.00 for falsifying something or
other. Hope this helps.
Tiffany Hewkin
5 Star Rats & Gerbils
David Hinsley wrote:
> Hello Everyone,
>
> The RSPCA 1999 Annual Review has just been issued and it shows a marked
> increase in the number of cruelty complaints investigated (132,021 - 1999
> over 124,374 - 1998) while the number of prosecutions fell from 853 in 1998
> to 701 in 1999. This is a disturbing trend and shows how some still treat
> their pets with a blatant disregard for their welfare.
>
> We would be interested if anybody in the United States has information
> regarding the ASPCA and its work at investigating cruelty complaints and
> subsequent prosecutions.
>
> Here at GERBILS we have developed close links with the RSPCA - at both
> national and regional level - because we feel that the best way to effect a
> change in attitude towards Gerbils and indeed Rodents in general, is to
> encourage other Pet carers to appreciate their qualities.
>
> All the very best....
>
> David Hinsley,
> www.gerbils.org
>
> GERBILS is a NON PROFIT making group of Gerbil carers.
> We aim to promote the care and appreciation of these
> lovable Rodents.
>
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