Inspectorate update
By David Steele, Chief Inspector
As we stumble from spring into summer
the number of calls to the Inspectorate in
respect of young vulnerable creatures rises
sharply particularly as young birds take
that eventful first trip away from the nest,
sometimes just a bit too early.
Educating and advising the public that
a policy of non-interference in this annual
process is much the best approach for
a large number of these youngsters
remains a difficult message to get across
when the finders are well intentioned
with an overriding desire to provide help.
Delivery always requires a degree of tact
and diplomacy.
The RSPCA Inspectorate Group has for
many years been closely involved with the
Somerset and Dorset Emergency Planning
Civil Contingencies Departments and also
the Voluntary Agencies Local Resilience
forums. As you might expect there have
been many meetings to establish learning
points from the Somerset floods of recent
years which devastated so much of
Somerset. The need for one overarching
group to represent the needs of all animals
be they domestic or livestock in times of
emergency was decided upon. Launched
at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show it
is known as the Somerset Animal Welfare
Network. The first task completed by
the group has been a revamp of leaflets
(available in West Hatch reception area)
which provide help and advice for owners
in the face of emergencies, the key being
to have a plan in place for even the most
unlikely of events. The Royal Bath &
West of England Society Secretary, Paul
Hooper will act as Coordinator for this
multi-agency network. Other members
of the group represented at the launch
were Avon & Somerset Police, Somerset
County Council, Devon & Somerset Fire
and Rescue, Farming Community Network,
National Farmers Union, Animal and Plant
Health Agency, British Horse Society and
the RSPCA.
On Sunday 12th June three members of
the local Inspectorate Group, Inspectors
Hayley Lawrence, John Pollock and Jo
Daniel (pictured) were proud to represent
the Society at the Patron’s Lunch on The
Mall. As the rain cleared they joined other
Society staff from across the country in
celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.