Letter: Good reasons for vetting pet owners
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JAMES Fox attacked the re-homing policies of the Mayhew Animal Home and a number of animal rescue organisations in "Cat of nine lives? You must be joking!" (9 November). As the individual who incurred his wrath, I would like to respond.
Working in an animal rescue centre is a demanding experience. At the Mayhew we have animals arriving regularly on our doorstep in need of urgent attention, many of them the victims of the most appalling cruelty and neglect.
In the light of this we are cautious when it comes to rehoming animals. Even so, it is relatively straightforward to adopt: the prospective owner completes a simple form, reserves an animal and, after a home visit has taken place, collects the pet.
Most home visits result in a simple yes or no. When the answer is no, it is usually for obvious reasons. A recent caller at the Mayhew was refused immediately. He wanted to adopt a German shepherd pup, despite living on the 12th floor of a tower block and being out at work all day.
In a small number of cases more than one visit is required. This was the case with Mr Fox. His home does not have a garden and there are tempting - though precarious - areas for a cat to jump to and from outside the windows. I explained that I would arrange for someone to advise him whether there were steps that could be taken to overcome this problem. He seemed to understand, but since reading his article I am not so sure.
He is certainly not aware that cats are frequently brought into RSPCA clinics suffering from fractured skulls, broken limbs and other serious internal injuries after falling off roofs, balconies and the like. Some die as a result of these falls.
Opened in 1886, the Mayhew is today one of the busiest animal shelters in the capital, whose resources are often stretched to the limit. It was this pressure on our staff that resulted in Mr Fox's form being misplaced. However, he extrapolated from this - and the experience of a few of his friends - to assert that animal rescue centres are placing unreasonable obstacles in the paths of people wishing to adopt animals from them. If he had our experience, he would probably be urging us to adopt more stringent controls, not less.
James Hogan
The Mayhew Animal Home
London NW10
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments