This is one of the most dispiriting things I have read in a long time. I don’t begrudge animal charities, but neither do I deem them worthy of my hard-earned cash. The decision of the Scottish SPCA to launch this broadside suggests a complete lack of perspective. Is it really the case that people only give money to an animal charity in the clear understanding that the money will only be spent in a specific country? I’m having visions of the Chief Executive of the SSPCA pissing along Hadrian’s Wall to mark out his territory.
If the RSPCA have indeed been launching raiding parties over the border, then tut tut. Surely they are capable of resolving this cordially without engaging in megaphone diplomacy? All this highlights is that dubious value of having two seperate charities in the first place.
Fundamentally, if the animal charities can’t behave themselves, might I suggest you gift your money to something more deserving?
UPDATE: It would appear that the SSPCA have had run ins with other charities before.
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I couldn’t agree more. I don’t know the background, but the dispute reflects very badly on both charities. Whatever you think of animal welfare as a cause, it seems to be coming second to some bizarre public turf war.
The SSPCA suffers because its brand is not as well known as RSPCA, even in Scotland – if stopping animal cruelty was the priority they could co-operate or even amalgamate.
It’s more than a little ironic that the SSPCA said in the previous case you cite that: “Charities strive to be innovative in their fundraising methods but there is a danger that by doing so, they could harm the work of another charity.”
Their campaign is an ‘innovative’ attempt to use shock and secondary press coverage to underline the fact they don’t cooperate with the RSPCA (and/or vice versa). Which is a message they have put out before in less destructive form. Either the charity lacks perspective or it is squandering its donations on some ridiculous ad agency.
That is why I only give to local animal shelters. I give money, food, blankets and etc. They really are the ones making the difference.