People in Qld can only hope that RSPCA Qld now has to abide by the signed Agreement between what was DPI & F Qld (now Biosecurity Qld) & RSPCA Qld (1 July 2007). I'll see if I can find a link to this agreement if anyone's interested in it.
After some recent cases it seems the DPI & F Qld has stepped in & enforced the Agreement. The RSPCA Qld will (hopefully) be held accountable for its actions under the watchful eye of the now Biosecurity Qld.
Other points to note are:
1. RSPCA Qld has been known to allow "Blacktag" animals (those on hold pending outcomes of court cases) breed whilst in "care". This does not include puppies that have been born to already pregnant bitches after they've arrived at the RSPCA Qld "shelter". Puppies from these litters seem to just "disappear" or are not ultimately accounted for.
2. Blacktag animals that are on hold in foster care whilst awaiting the outcome of court cases must not be desexed. This does not mean they're not bred whilst they're being fostered. How does the owner of the animals know if, when or how many times their animal has had litter/s if the animals have been held for an extended period of time?
3. It's a matter of record that RSPCA Qld has taken it upon themselves to euthanase large numbers of animals days after they've been seized. This is even before the matter has been heard in court & a Magistrate has had the opportunity to rule on the case. The RSPCA Qld's reason in one case was that they didn't have the "resources" to care for the animals!! The animals didn't even have a chance !!
4. Another instance is where a puppy was euthanased on the spot right in front of the owner, before the owner was given the opportunity to have an independant Veterinary assessment undertaken. It broke the owner's heart to actually be present when this happened & is something they will never forget. Surely only a Magistrate has the right to decide the fate of an animal in this case? The puppy was not malnourished, neglected, or in imminent danger. It was not suffering.
The Qld public can only hope now that the days of the RSPCA Qld not being held accountable for their actions are over.
