For most families, winter is an
enjoyable time of year. Some kind people think of others as well as themselves
and get busy thinking of fundraising for animals. But for other
families winter and Christmas in particular can be a difficult and stressful
time. Money worries plus the fact that people tend to consume more alcohol and
be trapped together indoors more often than normal mean that domestic violence
or abuse can all too often result.
You may assume, correctly, that the
people who suffer during incidents of domestic abuse are the two adults
involved and any children who might be present. But animals that share a home
with people who are involved in heated arguments and fights often suffer
considerably. They don’t understand what’s going on but they know that the
atmosphere is scary.
Sometimes when the police are called to
a domestic incident that has spiralled out of control they report back to the animal
charity RSPCA, if there are animals known to be kept at the address. Other
times, concerned neighbours or friends of the family might call the RSPCA
anonymously. But whenever the RSPCA Inspectors are notified of an animal at
risk of harm they will investigate. The RSPCA is authorised to bring criminal
prosecutions where they can prove that an animal has been abused or neglected
and they have the authority to remove animals to safety. However, doing so can
be extremely difficult and fraught with danger for the Inspectors.
The RSPCA Inspectors have to be
dedicated to their job and to protecting animals but they also have to be brave
and prepared to enter situations that might be dangerous, to tell potentially
violent people unwanted news, or to ask difficult questions. Many have faced
threats and actual violence as part of their jobs.
RSPCA Inspectors are paid, but their
wages come from donations made to the RSPCA. Without public donations, the
RSPCA would not be able to hire Inspectors. This year the RSPCA is asking
people to make donations through RSPCA Choices to fund their winter campaign
called ‘Everyday Heroes’. This campaign aims to inform people of the difficult
job that the Inspectors do and to ask members of the public to make donations
towards their wages and the cost of their training.
Without the Inspectors doing their jobs,
people would continue to abuse or neglect their pets and future pets. They
would continue to take shots at wildlife just for fun, or to throw darts and
bricks at passing cats. Many people who would not want to call the police would
be prepared to call the RSPCA, but could only do so if there was someone there
to answer their call.
If you feel that their job is important
then please consider making a donation to the RSPCA Choice’s Everyday Heroes
campaign. If you have the time, there are many easy fundraising ideas
available online and through the RSPCA’s site to enable you to make an even
greater donation.
