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AIBU?

AIBU in feeling harassed?

390 replies

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.

OP posts:

Am I being unreasonable?

AIBU

You have one vote. All votes are anonymous.

SchrodingersImmigrant · 17/04/2021 17:32

Yeah. Call the police and ask them to speak to someone about a harassment and what to do so it doesn't escalate.

SmokedDuck · 17/04/2021 17:35

If you can afford it I'd have a lawyer draft a letter to the RSPCA telling them to piss off or else.

BlueTiles · 17/04/2021 17:37

For now, why not get some of the mirror film so your dog can see out and they (person with camera) will just see themselves in the mirror.

usedandabusedx1000 · 17/04/2021 17:37

Jesus Christ. If there is even a slight bit of sun our dog is there laying in it, he gives no fucks about what’s going on around him....you could leave him for days alone and he still wouldn’t give a shit when you returned!!! That’s absurd op, I hate the phone the police brigade but I’d call them for advise surely its not ok To take photos through someone’s window 🧐

KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 17:39

The RSPCA man has said if we don't hand something over from the vets, he will retrieve the dog with the police because they have a vet in agreement, but are vet trumps the vet they hired 🤔 which makes no sense.

OP posts:
CupoTeap · 17/04/2021 17:39

Is there anyone who lives a dogs and doesn't know they like laying in the sun Confused

CupoTeap · 17/04/2021 17:40

@KungFuPandaWorksOut20

The RSPCA man has said if we don't hand something over from the vets, he will retrieve the dog with the police because they have a vet in agreement, but are vet trumps the vet they hired 🤔 which makes no sense.

Would assume due to actual inspection rather than from a photo
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 17:43

@CupoTeap

Is there anyone who lives a dogs and doesn't know they like laying in the sun Confused

The person was concerned because they apparently went to my window to get a reaction from him, and my dog ignored him. So clearly my dog must be drugged.
OP posts:
Claphands · 17/04/2021 17:44

I used to support the RSPCA every month but stoppped after they kidnapped my cat! He was 20, had just had a bath (needed as he’d sat in his own sh*t) and went outside to sunbathe. I went out for under 1 hour, in that time some nosy neighbour had called the RSPCA they’d arrived and taken my cat!
They came back as I was out looking for him as it was unusual he wasn’t in my garden, the officer started questioning me and opened the door of her van and there he was,I opened the cage, took him out and walked off! Honestly where’s the common sense? I loved that cat so much and the neighbours should have known better as I’d had him all the time I’d been there.

I would raise your complaint tho the RSPCA that this is a malicious call and any further attendances from the same complainant are considered harassment.

And yes, a camera would be worth it if you can get one cheap.

I totally support animals welfare but it sometimes makes me wonder if these people understand animals!

Sportysporty · 17/04/2021 17:45

I would ring the police and lodge a complaint of haressment agaist the RSPCA - they've seen the dog and know its ok they have no right to seize your dog or force you to get a vet report

VettiyaIruken · 17/04/2021 17:45

I know you shouldn't have to but just hand over the vet info. It's just not worth it. Do you want them to carry on? Distress your dog by taking him away to do whatever tests?

It's a total pain in the area but there's no sense in making it harder.

Also, put a note in the window saying dog is fine. You are harassing us by making malicious reports. We have put up cameras and we will take action against you.

Tistheseason17 · 17/04/2021 17:46

Sorry, OP, this is ridiculous and stressful. Camera, definitely. It is not illegal to film your own property.

BuiltForComfortNotForSpeed · 17/04/2021 17:49

Do you have legal cover with your house insurance? They should be able to advise on your rights vis-a-vis the RSPCA.

greenflamingo · 17/04/2021 17:50

I had a similar situation with a very elderly (and frankly eccentric) cat who locals insisted was a mistreated/starving kitten. They were over-feeding her and making her ill. It feels awful when the RSPCA comes knocking! No advice really other than it will pass and some people are utterly nuts. Your dog sounds brilliant.

bloodyhell19 · 17/04/2021 17:59

Have you tried phoning your own vet and explaining the situation? They might have good advice for dealing with the RSPCA. I'd also engage the police and log a harassment complaint against the RSPCA.

I think if I were in your position, I'd get bloods done by my vet & couple them together with a solicitor's letter to politely and legally tell them to fuck off.

And yes, get cameras. And a big fuck off sign that says "Smile! You're on camera!"

(The fact that your dog didn't react to a person coming up to the window though would make me think that it's someone they're fairly familiar with? Do you have lots of nosy neighbours or just a few?)

KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 18:00

@VettiyaIruken

I know you shouldn't have to but just hand over the vet info. It's just not worth it. Do you want them to carry on? Distress your dog by taking him away to do whatever tests?

It's a total pain in the area but there's no sense in making it harder.

Also, put a note in the window saying dog is fine. You are harassing us by making malicious reports. We have put up cameras and we will take action against you.

Why should I do that. And every single advice online, groups advising with RSPCA involvement advise never giving them access. They can see a report but have no right to vet files.


They can ring up every week for the next 10 years if they wanted.


I wouldnt be able to snap pictures of someone's animal and then demand their owner gives me access to their vets because I think there is something wrong.

They have the same entitlement to them records as anyone else off the street
OP posts:
TheWatersofMarch · 17/04/2021 18:01

Soft target for the RSPCA, they can't/don't/won't act in really serious situations but hounding you makes easy stats. I'd complain to RSPCA that they are reacting to vexatious reports. Put the camera up. Tell your local PCSO - if the person has now received assurances twice from the RSPCA that there is nothing amiss with your dog and comes on to your property again to take photos that is looking like harrassment. It's horrible to think someone is being malicious, but it's more likely to be a harmless person with their own problems - they may not have the intelligence to understand there is no case to answer, they may be looking for attention, they may just be bored, lonely and have no purpose. It's their problem. Don't let it grind you down.

SpongeCakeAddict · 17/04/2021 18:04

I'd chuck up a Ring doorbell. See who is behind this. Can you think of anyone who might have a problem with you?

KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 18:04

@bloodyhell19

Have you tried phoning your own vet and explaining the situation? They might have good advice for dealing with the RSPCA. I'd also engage the police and log a harassment complaint against the RSPCA.

I think if I were in your position, I'd get bloods done by my vet & couple them together with a solicitor's letter to politely and legally tell them to fuck off.

And yes, get cameras. And a big fuck off sign that says "Smile! You're on camera!"

(The fact that your dog didn't react to a person coming up to the window though would make me think that it's someone they're fairly familiar with? Do you have lots of nosy neighbours or just a few?)

When he's in the window, he doesn't care about anything. In all honesty, I'm pretty confident a bear could drag me away from the front window outside and he would not react at all 😂
OP posts:
bloodyhell19 · 17/04/2021 18:07

@KungFuPandaWorksOut20 Ah! I see what you mean. Very chill dog Grin

I'd phone your vet & explain the situation & also log it with police. Cheek of them!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 17/04/2021 18:16

I do think ringing your own vet for advice on how to deal with the RSPCA is good advice, @KungFuPandaWorksOut20.

I hope you can get this sorted out - I am angry with them - and the nosy neighbour - on your behalf.

quarentini · 17/04/2021 18:24

Pop a little sign in the window saying " dog just chilling, it's fine!"
I had to do this but mine said " barking dog does not live here, we have a cat!"

The rspca cot short shrift after the 3rd visit

Batteriisincluded · 17/04/2021 18:26

Typical bloody RSPCA. They come down on the easy, soft targets and ignore real suffering. I've been struggling all winter to get them to intervene with some starving horses Nothing to eat with snow on the ground... no water for 3 days. They come, they look, they leave.
If they are requiring a vet report then suggest they pay for it.

KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 17/04/2021 18:27

Tapo C100 WiFi indoor camera ordered! Pick it up tomorrow. Will be on the windowsill so will catch the photographer!

OP posts:
lolacola77 · 17/04/2021 18:27

I'm furious on your behalf! The RSPCA do fuck all when they're really needed. Pathetic.

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