RSPCA defends policy on unwanted pets

The RSPCA has defended its decision to take in fewer unwanted pets at national centres.

The charity wants to focus more on caring for animals which have been seized from owners after being cruelly treated.

Since January it has trialled a system where certain branches take in fewer unwanted animals.

The move is partly due to financial pressures during the recession, but also a bid to make pet owners take responsibility.

A spokesman said: "This policy has been operating at a number of centres, in some cases for years but particularly since January with no serious effect.

"Our highest priority is to look after the animals that most need help, the pets and other animals rescued by our inspectors from cruelty and neglect. That is the RSPCA's core aim and that has not changed."

The approach has been officially adopted at the RSPCA's 17 national centres in England and Wales. It has another 41 regional centres which are independent, and can choose themselves whether to follow suit.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said that it understood the RSPCA's resources were "not limitless" and that its core focus was to prevent cruelty.

A statement on the BVA website said: "The recession perhaps has some impact but there is a growing trend for people to buy animals as status symbols and indeed it is all too easy to take on a pet without realising the responsibilities for the care and welfare of that animal."