AIBU?
AIBU in feeling harassed?
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 17:00
In the middle of March, RSPCA had knocked on our door. They had a complaint stating an animal was lay in the window not moving they presumed the animal was dead.
Understandably RSPCA came right around. The guy was very amused in finding not a dead dog on the windowsill, but our dog happily sun bathing. My dog gave a half hearted wag of the tail, looked at him and went straight back to sunbathing and watching the world go by.
RSPCA obviously said no more action needed. So imagine my surprise 6 days later when a female RSPCA worker showed up, her attitude was absolutely horrific.
The complaint this time was a lethargic dog on the windowsill with the suspicion of the dog being drugged, because of how unresponsive it was.
I told the Lady she could happily come in and have a look at our dog, just like her colleague had.
She refused and said she can see clearly from the window that the dog looks lethargic, not active and started asking what medication I give the dog that makes him so placid.
I told her he's on no medication, he's sat chilling at the window he's hardly gonna be active when he's lay down! She told me I need to hand over the dogs vet details, and she will discuss everything with my vet, and she can do monthly check ins with my vet making sure my dogs condition improves.
I told her he had no condition, she has no right to my dogs vet records and I will not be handing them over or giving consent. She told me that's suspicious and I would make it easier on myself by giving consent, if not she will get the police to return with her, so she can remove the dog!
I told her conversation was over with, I will happily deal with another colleague but not her, I also phoned RSPCA notifying them of this, and began the complaints procedure online in regards to her.
Thursday we went out for a walk with the dog, when returning home we had missed a calling card from the RSPCA. We called, and they said the inspector on the case will call back.
It was the first gentlemen from last time, he informed us the same complaint had been put in again but apparently the complainer had gone to the window to illicit a response from him and nothing.
They had placed 4 calls within the space of 2 days, and several photos of the dog asleep on the windowsill.
He sounded apologetic, but explained his hands are tied and he can't just close the case like the past 2 times, due to the amount of phone calls and photos sent across.
He claims RSPCA sent the photos over to an independent vet and the vet is showing concern over the "lethargic demeanor" he is displaying in the photos.
He has asked for us to book him into the vets ASAP and give him the report and then he can mark this down as malicious for a year.
I'm really horrified at the thought of someone coming into my garden taking photos through my living room window.
My issue isn't with the RSPCA they are just doing their job, it's whoever is doing this. He confirmed it was the same caller!
I honestly don't know why they are being malicious and acting like this. My anxiety has been sky high since finding out, is someone watching my house? How often are they coming into my garden taking photos? Do they get photos of Myself, two children and DN?
It's not like he barks, my Husband has worked from home since the start of the pandemic. So that is definitely ruled out.
My husband has suggested just stopping him from being on the front windowsill but in my opinion that doesn't solve the issue at all!
We are looking into getting cameras, but is that even legal someone taking photos through my window? Or am I being dramatic and someone is just trying to do a good deed.
Am I being unreasonable?
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paintfairy · 17/04/2021 17:05
Jesus. Usually the rspca do naff all when there is an actual issue! They are being ridiculous. It shouldn't be down to you to prove the caller is malicious, clearly if the dog has food, and water, is happy - there's no problem? Mine has been passed out on the corner of our living room all afternoon (walked this morning) asleep. He's not drugged. Idiots.
I would definitely get a camera though so that you can see who it is doing it!
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 17:08
I was thinking of calling 101, but then thought they would think I was a fruit cake.
In all honesty if I was close the blinds and curtains on him he would absolutely hate it.
I keep going to the window in the hopes of catching the person, it's making me really on edge.
Bakedbeanhead · 17/04/2021 17:10
Oh goodness me OP, I really feel for you. This is why I don’t give to the RSPCA anymore, I’ve heard too much about their strong armed tactics. It’s such a shame as they used to be one of my favourite charities.
Maybe just try to keep him off the windowsill for the time being , just until things die down.
Good luck x
Moonflower12 · 17/04/2021 17:13
I have had ridiculousness like this before. My pony lies down in the field totally flat, and someone called the RSPCA who duly turned up, and as they approached her, she jumped up and ran off.
I then had to prove to the Inspector, that she was well, to the person whose opening statement was 'I know nothing about horses...'.
Ummmm she's just run round the field?
Eventually after a couple of visits they agreed she was just lazy!
Neonprint · 17/04/2021 17:13
Could you speak to a neighbourhood police team? Tell them you feel harassed and you're not happy about somone coming on to your property to take pictures in your home. As it is fucking bonkers.
Do you have any idea who it could be? I'd get a cheap cvt camera from amazon too.
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 17:19
We honestly have no clue who it is. That's what is concerning me so much. It feels like they're using the RSPCA to do their dirty work and hound us.
My husband asked if I wanted to go shopping before, and I said no because I'm paranoid about someone coming and taking photos.
Sparklesocks · 17/04/2021 17:21
Maybe you could also put a little note up such as ‘I just like lying in the sun, I’m very happy and healthy - don’t worry if I look sleepy 😊’ but then the sort of person who keeps complaining probably militantly believes otherwise and there’s no changing their mind.
You think the RSPCA would drop it when they can clearly see the dog is OK despite the repeat calls. But admittedly I don’t know much about their process.
AuntyHope · 17/04/2021 17:21
I wonder if I'll have CPS out for my sunbathing tween as well? How ridiculous!
Must be so horrible feeling spied on like that. Whoever is doing it is either malicious or knows nothing about dogs (or both). If they are that worried surely they could knock or put a letter through the door?
SchrodingersImmigrant · 17/04/2021 17:24
I would absolutely consult with police that someone is regularly coming into your property and taking puctures. I would also be worried this is turning into a harassment.
Also, add a sign to the dog
"He is just chilling, stop coming onto my property."
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 17:31
The caller was told after the first visit he's just a a sunbathing lazy doggy, by the first RSPCA worker. But because the person has slightly changed the complaint each time it counts as a fresh complaint 
This is why it's feeling like I'm being harassed and RSPCA being used as the battering ram.
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