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Sanctuary could be shut by RSPCA cruelty probe

2:20pm Thursday 14th October 2010 in News By Emma Palmer

Closure threat – Vernoica Mepham, who runs the Rescuers Wlidlife Sanctuary Closure threat – Vernoica Mepham, who runs the Rescuers Wlidlife Sanctuary

AN animal charity which has saved the lives of countless creatures, could be forced to close after 30 years.

The Rescuers Wildlife Sanctuary in Benfleet has been told to stop taking in poorly animals, pending the outcome of an investigation by the RSPCA.

It is bringing 17 charges of cruelty against the founders of the charity Veronica Mepham and her husband Rye.

The sanctuary is home to about 40 owls and parrots, formerly kept as pets, as well as foxes and rabbits not able to survive in the wild because of injuries.

Veronica, 70, who lives at the centre in Watlington Road, strongly denied the charges.

She said “We have put 30 years of blood, sweat and tears into the sanctuary.

“We are devastated by this. Looking after animals has been our lives. It’s our passion.

“I would never have harmed an animal.”

Despite suffering three strokes in recent years, Veronica has still maintained her work at the charity.

She does all the fundraising to pay for the care of the animals.

The couple and helpers nurse back to health abandoned baby foxes, hedgehogs, squirrels and other wildlife and always avoid putting an animal down unless absolutely necessary.

Veronica added: “I dread to think what will happen if they close us down.

“There is nowhere else for animals to go in this area.”

The charity is well known in the community and Veronica regularly goes to schools for free with her animals to educate youngsters.

Squirrels from the sanctuary even became movie stars when they starred alongside Johnny Depp in the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The creatures were handpicked to be in the 2005 Tim Burton movie for the famous nut room scene.

Yesterday she was due to visit Funhouse Pre School in Laindon, to show the pupils some hedgehogs. Veronica has now had to rehome all her hedgehogs, so could not make the appointment.

The RSPCA court hearing is due to take place in November. A spokesman for the RSPCA would not confirm details of the charges at the time of going to press.

Comments(60)

CharlotteOakland says...
3:37pm Thu 14 Oct 10

I know the lady means well but the welfare of the animals is very important. She already has a over packed sanctuary and it must come to a point when enough is enough and she cannot take in anymore for the sake of her and the animals she already has.

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el caballero de la noche says...
5:50pm Thu 14 Oct 10

A very kind but misguided non professional person with regard to animal welfare, the expression killed by kindness springs to mind.

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Mary Lou says...
6:06pm Thu 14 Oct 10

What do all nature experts tell us "if you come across an animal in the wild leave it alone".
.
If it is injured, nature will take its course.

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warspite says...
7:28pm Thu 14 Oct 10

actually you are all misguided, shes clearly a good hearted and kind person, if we actually all treated the animals the way she has then this planet would be a better place do you not agree? sadly all of us from a young age are 'conditioned' by TV and the media to conform to there system, so dam the animals just keep spending and follow the crowd.

Best Regards

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k190 says...
7:39pm Thu 14 Oct 10

I have worked at this sanctuary for nearly 7 years voluntarily, i have never seen any cruelty happening to any animals at the sanctuary. They dont just pick up animals injured by natural causes, but animals also injured by humans irresponsability such as people not checking their grass before cutting it and hurting an innocent animal thats not nature.
Its not just wildlife they look after here either ,they also take care of domestic animals thrown out by irresponsible HUMANS getting animals they cannot look after or simply just get bored of...

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springthing says...
8:30pm Thu 14 Oct 10

wildlife that cannot be returned to the wild should be put to sleep, keeping them caged up for the rest of their lives is darn right cruel

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k190 says...
8:47pm Thu 14 Oct 10

Most of the animals at the sanctuary are returned to the wild.
No one seems to have a problem with zoos arnt the animals there in cages and enclosures??
These animals are fed and cleaned everyday and taken to the vets until they are in good health to go back to the wild.
If you dont know what goes on there dont comment, simple.

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js86 says...
9:10pm Thu 14 Oct 10

k190 you make some great points. Unfortunately there are many misguided people out there. Having also worked at the sanctuary for over ten years i can honestly say i have never seen an animal ill treated. What is ironic is that having worked in this industry i have learnt a lot about the RSPCA and what they do (or don't do in most cases). What many people don't realise is how they put healthy animals to sleep, especially wildlife because of course they cannot sell them on as pets to make a profit. The RSPCA are greatly supported by the work the sanctuary does and without the sanctuary they would indeed be called upon much more. If you do come across an injured wild animal, dont end its life by calling the RSPCA, they will put it to sleep even if its healthy, the best thing to do is take the animal to your local vets who do not charge for treating wildlife. The RSPCA are extensively funded from many donators, the same cannot be said for the sanctuary. The sanctuary is a small charity that can really benefit from people's generosity. I hope that anyone who has ever worked at the sanctuary, taken an injured animal there or simply visited will rally round and offer support in this difficult time.

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springthing says...
9:12pm Thu 14 Oct 10

I have been there several times & each time it was a crap hole that stank

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k190 says...
9:17pm Thu 14 Oct 10

Its a animal sanctuary its not going to smell nice!!
its run on donations and because of people like you the sanctuary cannot affored fancy things for the animals.
if you hated it so much why did you go 'several times'

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js86 says...
9:20pm Thu 14 Oct 10

springthing wrote:
I have been there several times & each time it was a crap hole that stank
Funny that, animals do tend to smell! You cannot expect the same standards as your typical Zoo from somewhere the size of the sanctuary which fundraises for the money it survives on. I wouldnt return to somewhere if i felt the way you did but you in fact have been there 'several' times. Probably one of those tight gits who walks round and doesnt even leave a donation!!!

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springthing says...
9:29pm Thu 14 Oct 10

Well thats where you are wrong, I have donated plenty over the years but not anymore the quicker you are closed down the better

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k190 says...
9:56pm Thu 14 Oct 10

Your clearly one of them people who will beleive everything they hear and read in the media.
And has nothing better to do than moan and whine about a charity thats doing some good for the community.
Instead of beleiving everything you read in the media, how about you listen to both sides of the story.

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springthing says...
10:17pm Thu 14 Oct 10

I have seen it with my owns eyes I don't need to read it in a paper

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k190 says...
10:20pm Thu 14 Oct 10

When have you witnessed a form of cruelty at the sanctuary then ....

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Steve H says...
12:01am Fri 15 Oct 10

To all the supporters, good for you trying to fight your corner.


But,


The RSPCA has obviously seen enough to press charges, therefore things aren't right, stop burying your head in the sand.

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midnight warrior says...
12:13am Fri 15 Oct 10

Will be interested in the outcome once the RSPCA have investigated and explained why they have had to do this. I have taken several injured birds to this sanctuary and did not feel or see any problems at the time.

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vangebasildon says...
8:13am Fri 15 Oct 10

I do not know of the place in question so cant comment on its condition etc, however what l do understand is that the RSPCA do not take people to court on a whim, so as others have suggested also they must have a case musn't they.

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anon anon says...
8:39am Fri 15 Oct 10

springthing wrote:
I have been there several times & each time it was a crap hole that stank
Did you go to school ?

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springthing says...
8:48am Fri 15 Oct 10

I can't stand the RSPCA either but I know from the bush telegraph they have a pretty big case to take to court

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springthing says...
8:50am Fri 15 Oct 10

Did you?

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Safewings says...
9:38am Fri 15 Oct 10

The rspca have no powers to shut down any sanctuaries. It is the sole duty of the local authorities and once aghain the rspca are overstepping the mark. The rspca have a conflict of interest and have openly stated that " ALL damaged birds are better off dead".
Animal welfare is the only issue and as to whether any animal kept in captivity has a quality of life and it is not for the rspca to force their own agendas into areas they have no power over.
Who is the rspca accountable to ? answer no one !!!

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queenie1 says...
12:02pm Fri 15 Oct 10

As Safewings says, the RSPCA have absolutely NO right to close any sanctuary or rescue, they are a charity and nothing more. I suspect 'springthing' works for the RSPCA, many of their staff seem to have a very belligerent attitude when told that they cannot do this or that. Furthermore, the RSPCA have a vested interest in both closing sanctuaries and prosecuting, as it removes competition for funds, and raises more funds for them in one swoop. I have watched many TV progs about this charity and it's clear that prosecution is the FIRST thing on the agenda, if it wasn't, they wouldn't be hauling old ladies into court because their cat had fleas, it would be giving advice on treatment ! The RSPCA are not medically trained, yet will happily diagnose an animal if it suits their purpose, and get their tame vets to back them up. They are accountable to no-one and yet it seems that everyone is accountable to THEM! This is the eighth sanctuary I have heard of this year that has been raided and shut by the RSPCA, and it's high time the Charity Commission got off their backsides and stopped this while we still have places left who rehabilitate wildlife.

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springthing says...
12:07pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Well you obviously haven't read my replies properly, I do not support the RSPCA nor do I work for them, I work at a vets & have heard various stories doing the rounds recently

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Ian P says...
12:54pm Fri 15 Oct 10

springthing wrote:
Well you obviously haven't read my replies properly, I do not support the RSPCA nor do I work for them, I work at a vets & have heard various stories doing the rounds recently
Just what we need, judge, jury & executioner on hear say. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Until the RSPCA declares its hand, which it does not appear to want to do at the moment, there is no proof of anything, just unsubstantiated stories & rumours.

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springthing says...
12:57pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Not when the stories come from people who work/worked at the centre

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queenie1 says...
12:59pm Fri 15 Oct 10

springthing I suggest you read up on the RSPCA and their practices, there's plenty of info on the internet.
You'll also find documentation to prove that they kill in excess of 60,000 animals per year, and only suspended the use of the Captive bolt gun on cats and dogs due to overwhelming pressure from people like myself.

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diane m says...
1:10pm Fri 15 Oct 10

I think they'd be better checking some of the pet shops in the area.

Overcrowded and defenceless animals left in grubby conditions, until they are sold at ridiculous prices.

As for damaged birds being put to sleep, I have 2 rescue birds who are delightful company and fully recovered now. I'd hate to think of any not given a chance just because they were a bird.

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JuliaM says...
1:11pm Fri 15 Oct 10

"A spokesman for the RSPCA would not confirm details of the charges at the time of going to press."

Surely this isn't up to the RSPCA? If she's going through the legal system, should this not be for the courts to decide?

Once again, the RSPCA lives down to its reputation!

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JuliaM says...
1:17pm Fri 15 Oct 10

That's where you are wrong. Suggest you do some Googling.

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springthing says...
1:25pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Queenie, you obviously have a problem with reading,

I DO NOT SUPPORT THE RSPCA & I AGREE THEY ARE A DISGRACE

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queenie1 says...
2:11pm Fri 15 Oct 10

springthing, you say you don't support the RSPCA, but you're very quick to condemn the sanctuary in strong terms, so the RSPCA would be quite happy to use you as a witness for their case.

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springthing says...
3:24pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Wouldn't do that even if they paid me, there are plenty of ex volunteers who seem to be happy to tell the courts exactly was goes on down there

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Linda_Evans says...
5:46pm Fri 15 Oct 10

How convenient for the rspca, the less animal sanctuaries around, the more donations to them!! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black - I seem to remember them having no compunction about killing 10 German Shepherd dogs recently with a captive bolt gun!!

My donations will go to charities who actually give a ****!!

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k190 says...
6:23pm Fri 15 Oct 10

if said volunteers are the people i suspect them to be, then this is merely just a case of vengace.
stop listening to hear say and have your own opinion.

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Grobble says...
6:35pm Fri 15 Oct 10

This is beginning to sound horribly like the recent case where the RSPCA took some horses (being well cared for) and prosecuted the chap who cared for them. He then committed suicide and the response from the RSPCA was to offer to return the horses to his bereaved family. The RSPCA does not appear to be what it once was.

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queenie1 says...
7:06pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Grobble may I just correct you, the RSPCA were told by a judge to return the horses to the widow of the man who killed himself. The poor chap was arrested, banged up for nine hours, interviewed and when the RSPCA deigned to let him go, he hung himself and was found by his grandaughter.
And exactly who gave the RSPCA sanction to interview people on tape in police stations?? They are a CHARITY with no legal powers whatsoever!

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louise123 says...
7:08pm Fri 15 Oct 10

i for one dont trust the rspca.. they put cats down when cat flu is easy treated. they dont tell you that and i have seen it. looks like this lady is doing a good job.

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k190 says...
7:15pm Fri 15 Oct 10

good point louise123 most people do not know what the rspca is like behind closed doors!!

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springthing says...
7:47pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Most people don't know what you do behind closed doors!

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k190 says...
8:04pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Dont put healthy and innocent animals to sleep for a starters !

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k190 says...
8:16pm Fri 15 Oct 10

springthing wrote:
I have seen it with my owns eyes I don't need to read it in a paper
you didnt answer
when have you seen this ...

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Linda_Evans says...
9:25pm Fri 15 Oct 10

I would like to know if Safewings at any point have crossed swords with the RSPCA, this whole things smacks of revenge! Also, if the rspca have all this so called evidence, why don't they state what SW are charged with!!

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PKP says...
9:26pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Don't engage in conversation with springthing, it really isn't worth the effort!

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springthing says...
9:30pm Fri 15 Oct 10

Good so shut up then

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k190 says...
9:33pm Fri 15 Oct 10

PKP wrote:
Don't engage in conversation with springthing, it really isn't worth the effort!
i know what you mean, i just cant stand uneducated morons making judgements on hear say, about a place i have known and loved for years,i have worked here for so long the place being shut down would be unessisary and heartbreaking.
If there was cruelty i wouldnt work there and i would be all for shutting them down.

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k190 says...
9:35pm Fri 15 Oct 10

springthing wrote:
Good so shut up then
... mature

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aldaniti says...
9:47pm Fri 15 Oct 10

I rung the centre up a couple of years ago with a fox cub that was in the road under a car with a badly broken back leg, they were rude & just didn't want to know, I offered to take it over there or to a vets but it was obvious they couldn't careless & told me to leave it where it was,
I was taken aback by the sheer heartlessness shown by this so called rescue,
Thankfully I found another wildlife rescue over in thurrock that told me to take it over there straight away, that lady was far less than complimentary than some of the things written today

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k190 says...
10:39pm Fri 15 Oct 10

i highly doubt that one, seeing as the owner of the sanctuary adores foxes.
i have never in all my years of working there seen them turn down a badly injured animal, especially a fox

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aldaniti says...
10:56pm Fri 15 Oct 10

So I'm lying then? how convenient

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w9876 says...
8:48am Sat 16 Oct 10

well, what a lot of opinionated people there are here ! Which is actually what this case is about. I have worked at the sanctuary, and I have never seen any cruelty or neglect there. I have seen animals and birds kept alive where the RSPCA would have put them down as a matter of policy....and that seems to be the whole point of the case. The RSPCA dont like these places, end-of. The Council apparently want the land back.....the Sanctuary doesnt stand a chance and that means a lot of innocent animals and birds, who do actually have a reasonably good quality of life, are to be killed. This is NOT about cruelty, its about different OPINIONS. I feel so so sorry for the people who run the place, this will absolutely break their hearts.

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js86 says...
9:52pm Sun 17 Oct 10

Safewings and queenie1 you both make some great points.

he RSPCA are not accountable to anyone and this is a major problem.

If animal centres like the sanctuary received even 1% of the money the RSPCA receive annually they would be able to pay people to work there and make it a better place. Unfortunately the RSPCA have the money to afford the big marketing campaigns to get people's money. They have overstepped the mark and very agressively so in this case. There is also not much to be said for Castle Point Council or local Police but then what changes! The environmental department of the Council is an absolute farce, one lady in particular, you know who you are. Lets hope that she can sleep at night.

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Capablanca. says...
10:46pm Sun 17 Oct 10

js86 wrote:
Oh Capablanca grow up! Let's see a photo of you and see how attractive you are!
Well Hello!
I'll show you mine if you show me yours. You cheeky minx!
24 years old and from Canvey, thats an exciting prospect!
I thought that humour was the best way to impress a woman?

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CharlotteOakland says...
8:08am Mon 18 Oct 10

two options the council want this sanctuary gone because the RSPB can then take the land to expand to this side of road or it could be an ideal plae for the council to have its legal travellers site.

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tom.jea says...
10:56am Mon 18 Oct 10

This just doesn't make sense- why would two people who have spent so much time and effort saving animals, suddenly start being cruel to them?!
On the other hand, I have heard horror stories about the RSPCA, and understand there is even a victim support group relating to it.

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js86 says...
8:50pm Mon 18 Oct 10

Exactly more space for travellers, exactly what Castle Point needs. Either that or they will build more roads or houses.

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Nebs says...
10:40am Tue 19 Oct 10

Has anyone ever taken the RSPCA to court for cruelty, in that you can't get much crueler(?) to an animal than killing it?

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Safewings says...
12:42pm Tue 19 Oct 10

We have all heard that Elizabeth Bale has been fined and banned from keeping animals due to her throwing a cat in a wheelie bin. This under the so called new Animal welfare act 2007.
Now the whole idea of a new animal welfare act came from pressure from the rspca to get more power and force their agenda into becoming law.
No other animal organisations were initially interested. The basis of this new act came from the rspca and one of its` Vice presidents Labour MP Ian Cawsey as he tried to push it through under the Privelidge of a Private Members Bill in 2001. It failed to get a second reading but was swiftly picked up by yet another rspca supporter Labour MP Elliott Morley and pushed through Parliament.
So the RSPCA have a conflict of interest in being judge jury and executioner and accountable to no one.
this mirrors 1939 Germany.

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Safewings says...
12:44pm Tue 19 Oct 10

The Duty of Care is an RSPCA agenda that they use to prosecute people they chose to. Yet the RSPCA fail to act when tens of thousands of animals suffer each year due to fireworks even though their duty of care supposedly protects all animals from unnecessary suffering !
So the RSPCA are selective in what they deem acceptable cruelty ?.

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aldaniti says...
4:43pm Tue 19 Oct 10

I find it rather unsavoury that the RSPCA put their name to the "Freedom Food" stamp on meat in the supermarkets,

How can a supposed animal rescue be seen to support the slaughter of animals for food? seems rather strange if you ask me!
No I am not a veggy & I don't buy meat from supermarkets either

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