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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
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8
Rachie1973 · 19/04/2021 00:06

I admit the idea of someone coming to my window and taking pics freaks me out more than the RSPCA stuff. Good luck in sorting it OP

cakewench · 19/04/2021 00:46

I second the idea of taping a small note near where the dog usually lies.

However, I’m entirely invested now in whether or not the camera turns anyone up!

Good luck, OP. This sounds so stressful!

MilkchopsMcgee · 19/04/2021 06:32

What you need to submit to the RSPCA is actually a subject Acess Request, under Gdpr they then have 30 days to gather and hand over to you any data they have about you so recorded calls, emails, notes reports the lot. This is different to a FOI because anybody can request one of those but the company they request it from has no legal obligation to provide the information like they do with a SAR. I really would urge you to report it to 101 too, and when the RSPCA deal with your SAR you will have evidence you can add to any harrasment claim.

I'm sorry someone's doing this to you, someone reported my cat once he's long haired and had managed to get some chewing gum all matted in his fur once so we had no option but to cut it out which left him with a small bald patch. Malicious neighbour called the RSPCA repeatedly on us saying we were mistreating him.

SchrodingersImmigrant · 19/04/2021 08:44

I wonder if they refuse the subject requests often. Apparently they can refuse it if you are investigated for a crime. Is this "being investigated for a cfime"?

Lovewineandchocs · 19/04/2021 09:29

doyou know why the RSPCA is somehow immune from FoIA requests? That seems ridiculous!

They just aren’t listed as a public authority under the legislation, unfortunately. But as pp said, the OP can make a SAR under UK GDPR/DPA 18.

CirclesWithinCircles · 19/04/2021 09:42

This doesn't make any sense. What possible welfare concern could a sleeping animal in a window be to the RSPCA, who are notoriously disinterested if an animal has access to food, water and shelter? Clearly if the dog is in a house, it will do.

And what vet can't examine a dog for 2 weeks? Surely the easiest option is to simply email your vets to ask them to send out a quick written history f care, and forward that to the RSPCA?

Or just phone the police re harassment instead of posting on here?

SchrodingersImmigrant · 19/04/2021 09:47

Send your vet a picture and say that you need duagnosis asap and won't take any excuses since RSPCA's vet can do it😂😂😂

KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 19/04/2021 10:00

@CirclesWithinCircles

This doesn't make any sense. What possible welfare concern could a sleeping animal in a window be to the RSPCA, who are notoriously disinterested if an animal has access to food, water and shelter? Clearly if the dog is in a house, it will do.

And what vet can't examine a dog for 2 weeks? Surely the easiest option is to simply email your vets to ask them to send out a quick written history f care, and forward that to the RSPCA?

Or just phone the police re harassment instead of posting on here?

Because its a check up I have booked in for not an examination, so I'm guessing my dog isn't high up on the priority list compared to others who will be having operations etc.

Phone the police and say someone is ringing RSPCA continously, and taking pictures through my house, but don't have a clue who it is. Please solve the mystery.

I can post where I want asking for advice. I've already explained I don't want to ring the police yet because I don't think I will be taken seriously.

OP posts:
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 19/04/2021 10:01

@SchrodingersImmigrant

Send your vet a picture and say that you need duagnosis asap and won't take any excuses since RSPCA's vet can do it😂😂😂
I like that 😂
OP posts:
RandomMess · 19/04/2021 10:47

KungFu how is your neglected and dying dog this morning?

Here is mine, most put out that she had to move as the sun cast changed 🙄

AIBU in feeling harassed?
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 19/04/2021 11:06

@RandomMess

KungFu how is your neglected and dying dog this morning?

Here is mine, most put out that she had to move as the sun cast changed 🙄

Random, I don't want to frighten you but your dog looks quite lethargic there. You might need to make a vet appointment 😂

I'm currently watching mine on the camera, in his favourite spot on the windowsill. He lifted his head to acknowledge the postie, so that's a good sign!

OP posts:
RandomMess · 19/04/2021 11:09

😂😂😂😂😂

She's looking worse now as her head is half hanging off the bed trying to get the last of the rays before she has to wander up to the top floor and sunbathe there!

Cat has acquired the windowsill.

m0therofdragons · 19/04/2021 11:16

Maybe the concerned individual has a young cocker spaniel (I do and it’s hard to imagine him staying still all day - but I also realise different dogs are different). I’m totally over invested in this thread - it’s bonkers.

RainingZen · 19/04/2021 11:32

Put a notice up in your window. "IF MY DOG IS PEACEFULLY NAPPING IN THE SUNSHINE, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB. HE ESPECIALLY HATES HAVING HIS PHOTO TAKEN L."

Rillington · 19/04/2021 11:37

That is ridiculous. I have called them before about an animal genuinely being abused and they did nothing.

Newestname001 · 19/04/2021 11:50

@RandomMess

KungFu how is your neglected and dying dog this morning?

Here is mine, most put out that she had to move as the sun cast changed 🙄

My goodness! It's really a dog's life!! Currently I'd like to be a happy, pampered pooch or cat!! 😴🌞

Pandoraslastchance · 19/04/2021 11:52

We had issues with our neighbours calling the Rspca as I'd put the big (5ft tall) cage in the garden once a week to scrub and clean and then I'd leave it in the garden and the ferrets used to love sunbathing.

I had rspca out 4 or 5 times over a four month period and they demanded i take them to the vets for a check over.

Yet when I reported a dog being left in the garden day and night barking near constantly I was told that they couldn't do anything.

FatCatThinCat · 19/04/2021 12:01

What does this say about the quality of RSPCA vets that they'd put their name and reputation to diagnosing a dog as 'showing signs of lethargy' from a still picture of the asleep? It's nuts.

Aprilshowersandhail · 19/04/2021 12:38

Please stop taking pics of my ddog as you are giving him ideas above his station. 5 times on his walk today he has stopped to give pawtographs..... The pawparazzi are becoming a right pita tbh...

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 19/04/2021 12:56

This is our Labrador basking moment n the garden.

AIBU in feeling harassed?
Serendipity79 · 19/04/2021 12:59

This is horrible behaviour - I'm almost hoping it turns out to be someone who misguidedly DOES actually believe your dog is poorly, because if its malicious then that doesn't bear thinking about :( Coming onto your drive and taking pics through your window is just freaky.

My pugs adore the sun, they think they're super models currently basking in it, snoring their heads off and they barely lift an eyelid at anyone going near them when they're like that....

Rinoachicken · 19/04/2021 13:07

Quite alarming that the RSPCA vet has declared the dog looking ‘lethargic’ from a STILL PHOTO OF A SLEEPING DOG.

Of course it looks lethargic - ITS ASLEEP.
Of course it’s not moving - ITS A PHOTOGRAPH

I0NA · 19/04/2021 13:11

@Rinoachicken

Quite alarming that the RSPCA vet has declared the dog looking ‘lethargic’ from a STILL PHOTO OF A SLEEPING DOG.

Of course it looks lethargic - ITS ASLEEP.
Of course it’s not moving - ITS A PHOTOGRAPH

Grin
KungFuPandaWorksOut20 · 19/04/2021 13:29

@Pandoraslastchance

We had issues with our neighbours calling the Rspca as I'd put the big (5ft tall) cage in the garden once a week to scrub and clean and then I'd leave it in the garden and the ferrets used to love sunbathing.

I had rspca out 4 or 5 times over a four month period and they demanded i take them to the vets for a check over.

Yet when I reported a dog being left in the garden day and night barking near constantly I was told that they couldn't do anything.

I'm guessing you ended up doing a vet visit so they would bugger off?
OP posts:
Atalantea · 19/04/2021 13:58

change the sign slightly each day, and then when you know which day, change it by hours and then you can see if there is any pattern