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Is it a social workers business to report to the RSPCA that someone owns an animal despite being given a disqualification?

28 replies

Jadely98 · 02/08/2018 11:54

Opinions on question asked below welcome, assumptions on why i'm asking, assumptions on me, not wanted nor necessary - Thank you.

  • Opinions from social workers especially invited. -

This is a real situation but is not about me.

Hear me out. Someone I know has been to court and gotten a disqualification ban from the RSPCA/Court. The circumstances were unfortunate and resorted in an animal being cared for improperly, however this is the persons' first conviction EVER and person in question had severe depression due to a divorce and ex partner verbally abusing at work and leaving them in money troubles (e.g putting bills in their name.) Partner was also a violent alcoholic. He is now gone thankfully and they are happy.

Anyway back to the main story, the animal involved in the case has now been rehomed and person in question has another pet and still hasn't told anyone.
Pet involved in the case was a big dog, ex partners dog and although it still got fed, the other pet who is a cat would dissapear for days and does belong to the person in question and is very loved and looked after. The dog was basically dumped on said person and was not wanted, cat is very much wanted and now the person in relation to this is very anxious that the social worker who is around to deal with her sons custody drama will report to the RSPCA or the court if they find out they all have bans. As of course the social workers have the right to obtain this information. I am making this post to hopefully get some kind, yet honest help.

So, the social workers came round yesterday and spoke to my friend and social worker already knew about the court case despite the son nor my friend saying anything. I assume this was the probation officer who told her everything because she said she would have to contact social services. That's fair enough, there's no need to hide anything. When my friend was asked about it she was honest and said 'Look, i've had a fine and community service, it was a mistake etc...' However didn't mention the ban as she was obviously scared. Social worker wrote it all down for record and left.

I'm just wondering if the probation officer already explained everything and the social worker won't need to see the sentences given as everyone in the house has spoken to the social worker. Or if perhaps the social services will look further however stay out of it as it's not their business.

The way I see it is, the social workers are there to protect the children and would only act if they saw a threat. E.G if they saw my friend hurt the cat (obvious things that show a red light.) The social workers showed up after the dog was already gone, they have seen the cat and the positive way that the cat and baby in the house respond.
I would like to think that the social worker has a duty to protect but not to get involved with the sentences given. For example if someone in the home doesn't turn up to community service, that's their issue. If someone doesn't pay a fine, if someone owns an animal when they got a ban. I just see it as if it were me, those things aren't my business as long as people were honest and the child in question wasn't in danger. But then again i'm not a social worker nor do I know the 'rules' that's why i'm asking.

That's the jist of the story, I can elaborate if there are any questions posted. Please be rude and sarcastic etc... had it all before. Just give your honest opinions in a kind way please.

Thank you for those taking the time to read.

OP posts:
Dollymixture22 · 11/09/2018 00:08

This lady was banned from having animals because of the suffering endured by an animal in her care. She should not be trusted with animals. When she was banned she should have declared the cat. This should be reported.

If you are her friend, could you not have intervened to help the dog. It must have been bad given a ban was imposed

Coolaschmoola · 11/09/2018 00:18

Of COURSE it's relevant!

Refusal to comply with a legal ban is a massive indicator about the general behaviour of your friend. It indicates she cannot be trusted to follow instructions from a court, which in turn indicates that she may not comply with the social worker.

Neglecting an animal is cause for concern where children are involved. Refusing to comply with the ban is also a cause for concern.

Your friend is playing a very dangerous game. She needs to think about the message she is sending by not adhering to the ban.

Noqont · 11/09/2018 00:24

If it was a legal ban then I'd probably report it. Not much choice really. It's pretty serious if you get a ban on keeping animals.

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