RSPCA (England and Wales) Reviews 

1,793
TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.0

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 243 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many people were dissatisfied with the customer service, finding it unhelpful and difficult to reach, often being told no one could attend their reported animal welfare concerns. Reviewers frequently felt the organization lacked care for animals and expressed concerns about the handling of reports regarding animal welfare issues. Difficulty contacting the organization, especially by phone or online chat, was a common complaint, with many experiencing unresponsiveness. However, some people were satisfied with the staff, finding them caring, helpful, and supportive, particularly during adoption processes and when offering advice. Positive experiences were noted with specific animal centers, where staff were praised for their dedication to rehabilitating and rehoming animals.

What people talk about most

Staff

Users describe ambiguous interactions with staff, with many reviewers praising the staff as knowledgeable,... See more

Customer service

People report negative experiences with customer service, often finding it unhelpful and a waste of time.... See more

Service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about service, with some customers reporting amazing experiences and... See more

Ethics

Customers had negative experiences with ethics, with many reviewers expressing strong dissatisfaction and... See more

Customer communications

Clients share negative opinions on contact, with many finding it difficult to locate contact details,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

This is the best comment the RSPCA warrant. Mony grabbing with zero morale compus whatever. Facilities only available when suits them - never any thoughts for animals that need their help or supp... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Reporting a 9 week old puppy that is left outside, not sure if they have food or water, temperatures have been really hot, the puppy is constantly crying all different times of day as always outside,... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Reported dog that had been left alone in house since monday July 22nd due to elderly owner taken into hospital, 3 days later and nobody has been out to rescue it...also they will not give updates on t... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Crap charity. DO NOT DONATE TO THEM! I've tried for 4 weeks to get an answer from their online chat reporting service to always be met with being informed of no advisors being available. When I did ge... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Charity
  2. Animal rescue service

Written by the company

At the RSPCA, we’re proud to be there for every kind— from pets in need to wild animals who need urgent care. Every day, our dedicated teams work tirelessly to protect animals, prevent cruelty, and offer hope in situations that are often distressing and complex. As a charity, we face difficult decisions about how to use our limited resources, and we must prioritise the most urgent and serious cases of abuse or neglect. This sometimes means we can’t attend every call, no matter how much we wish we could. When we’re unable to be there in person, we’ll help in other ways—offering you support, directing you to organisations that can help fast, and, when it’s safe, empowering you to take an animal to a vet. These shared efforts truly make a difference. We’re incredibly grateful for the kindness, patience, and support shown by the public. Together, we can continue to speak up for animals, protect those in need, and build a better world for every kind.


Contact info

2.0

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

2k reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 91% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

2.0

All reviews

(1,793)

232 reviews in the last 12 months

Write a review
Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve adopted 2 rescue ponies Lulu and…

I’ve adopted 2 rescue ponies Lulu and Nando from the RSPCA, both adoptions when fab from start to finish, they are very lucky that they got taking into the care of the RSPCA ( felledge branch) would well recommended them and very grateful the trusted me to re-home the girls who I love dearly x

20 November 2025
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Thank you so much for your kind words — our team will really appreciate this. We are so pleased to hear that you have been able to offer Lulu and Nando such a loving home.
We truly value your support which helps us continue this work

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We adopted our kitten from Bryn y Maen…

We adopted our kitten from Bryn y Maen in December 2025 and found the process easy and straight forward.
We visited our kitten at the centre prior to adoption and met the Cattery team who cared for our Buzz. We were so so happy with the care they had given Buzz and his siblings during their time there and it was super apparent how much time and effort had gone into making Buzz as confident as he is now whilst being cared for by a feral mum.

22 December 2025
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hi Sarah

Thank you so much for leaving a lovely review recognising the work of the Cattery team at Bryn y Maen. We really appreciate this and it’s wonderful to hear that young Buzz has joined your family after his difficult start in life. We hope you enjoy many happy years together.

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They don’t care about animals only want the donations

I rang RSPCA on Friday as there was a dog left in a car outside my work for almost 5 hours. The rspca wouldn’t come out , nor give me any advice at all . Told me once it’s over 24 hours to call back. I explained I finished work Friday and didn’t return until Monday so there’s a chance that the dog may be left all that time and I’d have no way of knowing and the call handler just said that’s all I can do . So the caller was happy enough for a dog to be left inside a car with no food water toilet break or interaction for at least 24 hours and possibly 72 hours. As an animal lover this really upset and distressed me . I used to give to RSPCA but I won’t ever again.

28 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Sophie,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns, and I’m truly sorry that you felt let down after you called us to report your concerns for the dog. We understand how upsetting and frustrating it can be when you report something you’re worried about and feel that nothing is then done.

If the dog doesn’t appear to be in immediate danger, we advise monitoring them, trying to locate the owner, and contacting us for guidance. You can find clear advice on how to help a dog in a car on our website, including what to do in both urgent and non-urgent situations.

We’re always looking to improve how we work and we value feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear. If you would like us to review how your call was handled please provide us with further information via our complaints form:

https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

We’re deeply sorry your experience didn’t reflect the care and compassion you expected. Every animal matters to us, and we’re working hard to improve how we communicate our limitations and provide guidance even when we can’t attend in person. Thank you for taking the time to share this — it helps us improve.

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very unhelpful, awful attitude

I called them after finding an injured stray cat in London. The woman who answered the call could not care less and her attitude was just awful. She spoke to me with an authority as if I was a child asking for an advice. Very bad, did not help. I have cancelled my donations to them after that experience.

20 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Aleksandra,

Thank you for getting in touch and for caring about the injured cat you reported. We truly appreciate your commitment to seek help for the cat.

Please know that every report we receive matters to us. As a charity with limited resources, we have to prioritise the most urgent and severe cases of cruelty and neglect. This means there are times when we’re not able to take the action people hope for, even though we’ve carefully assessed the information provided.

We’re deeply sorry your experience didn’t reflect the care and compassion you expected. Every animal matters to us, and we’re working hard to improve how we communicate our limitations and provide guidance even when we can’t attend in person. If you would like us to review how the case was handled please provide us with further information via our complaints form:

https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They only help your pet if the owner…

They only help your pet if the owner meets certain requirements. They should care about pet not the written policy all time.

27 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Naim,

Thank you for taking the time to share this - I’m truly sorry to hear that you feel let down after contacting us about your pet.

The reality is that we want to help every animal that needs us. It’s why all of us at the RSPCA do what we do. But as a charity, our resources can only stretch so far, and with hundreds of calls coming in every day, we have to focus our small team of officers on the most urgent cases of cruelty and neglect. That means we are sadly not able to help in all situations - and we know how frustrating and upsetting that can be. It upsets us too.

We’re genuinely sorry that we couldn’t do more to help in this situation you contacted us about but thank you for taking the time to share your experience, your feedback will help us improve.

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Await the paperwork before becoming emotionally attached

My experience started off really positively, but there are risks ahead, which we were not made aware of. We were accepted for a dog adoption, passed home and existing dog meeting checks, and advised we could collect the puppy the next morning. This was then moved to later in the week due to a last vet check. Home adjustments were made, day's booked off work, items purchased and excitement was building. 48 hours prior to adoption, we were advised they would not be proceeding. Nothing had been said about a further check. The reasoning I was given was "puppies are difficult and hard work....and our older dog could get stressed". Whilst I understand the reasoning, that decison could have been made at the outset of our application surely. It feels like this was a difference of opintion between two RSPCA staff, as opposed to following an agreeed process. Heart-ache and expense could have been avoided in this case.

21 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Thank you for taking the time to share this — it sounds like a really frustrating experience, especially when you were trying to give a dog a loving home.

We’re not clear from your review if you have been in contact with an RSPCA branch or an animal centre. Because RSPCA branches are independent charities, we’re not able to look into their enquiries or complaints from the national office. Each branch manages its own rehoming applications and communications, so the best way forward is to contact the branch directly.

You can find their contact details for your local branch here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/yourlocal

If you choose to email, adding “For the attention of the Branch Trustees” in the subject line can help your message reach the right people.

Alternatively, if you have been in touch with an animal centre please fill in our complaints form so that our team can assist you: https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

Thank you again for caring about adopting — we know how much it means to the animals waiting for a home.

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely terrible organisation.My…

Absolutely terrible organisation.My daughter contacted them about blue short hair cat who was abandoned on the street few weeks ago & has a broken paw And they said they are busy at the moment .
Other people contacted them as well in the the 3 weeks cat has been dumped & the same respond.
I dont think they care about animals.
I will never support this organisation.
This is not first time happened .
I contacted them before myself & they didn’t care as well .

23 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Tatiana

Thank you for leaving your review and sharing your concerns regarding the cat your daughter reported. We truly appreciate your daughter looking out for the cat she believed was in distress. We’re deeply sorry her experience didn’t reflect the care and compassion that was expected. Every animal matters to us, and we’re working hard to improve how we communicate our limitations and provide guidance even when we can’t attend in person.

The reality is that we want to help every animal that needs us. It’s why all of us at the RSPCA do what we do. But as a charity, our resources can only stretch so far, and with hundreds of calls coming in every day, we have to focus our small team of officers on the most urgent cases of cruelty and neglect. That means there are times when we can’t attend as quickly or as often as people hope — and we know how frustrating and upsetting that can be. It upsets us too.

Thank you for taking the time to share this — it helps us improve.

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’m not actually sure what the RSPCA…

I’m not actually sure what the RSPCA do. I called about an abandoned rooster at the side of the road, but they wouldn’t attend as it’s a farm animal. Despite being told he had been dumped with another who had died and had been there for some time. No advice or help given, other than to reach out on fb pages or google local rescues. They seem to be willing to work with farm animals when they’re getting paid to attend farms to endorse their meat.

21 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Thank you for your review and for taking the time to share your concerns. I’m truly sorry that you felt let down after you called us to report your concerns for the rooster. We understand how upsetting and frustrating it can be when you report something you’re worried about and feel that nothing is then done.

We’re always looking to improve how we work and we value feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear. If you would like us to review how your call was handled please get in touch and provide us with some further information via our complaints form:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

We appreciate your compassion for the rooster and thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback.

Best wishes,
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

i offered to contribute a large amount…

i offered to contribute a large amount of money (as a pensioner) to RSPCA if they were able to help by taking and relieving me of a abandend cat that I treated and took to the vet for treatments. They agreed firstly, after taking money from myself (physically they arrived at the flat) later refused to take the cat and I was told to release the abandoned cat in the street which I could’nt do. I found them to be heartless only concerned about money which i donated 5 years to them but not anymore.

21 December 2025
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Lidya,

Thank you for your review and sharing your concerns to us. We truly appreciate you looking out for the abandoned cat you believed was in need of assistance and we are very sorry to hear that your experience didn’t reflect the care and compassion you expected.

We’re always looking to improve how we work and we value feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear. If you would like us to review how the case was handled please provide us with further information via our complaints form:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

Thank you again for your valuable feedback and we truly appreciate the compassion you've shown for this cat.

Best wishes
Emma

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

"notoriously incompetent" said the vet…

"notoriously incompetent" said the vet about the RCPA, to the "team" proving it themselves, with assumptions, unprofessionalism, lack of moral empathy to understanding. It was like talking to a rude teenager in office training. I will not accept it, I was recommended to the these "people" by a few companies about help for severely disabled adults, they assumed what I didn't say, triggered my mental health and played clueless why, they couldn't even apologise for making assumptions. So I'll leave this to sink it with the charities incredibly notorious incompetence for help for emergencies as stated on the website, to vets when stating they will pretend they don't know what your are talking about but they run a scheme"

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Jake

We’re deeply sorry to read that your experience didn’t reflect the care and compassion you expected.

If this is something that happened recently, please do get in touch with us on our website's complaints form at:

https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

Kind regards from
Sarah

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I've been trying to adopt a cat... NOT POSSIBLE

I've been trying to adopt a cat for months and months, it takes about 20 minutes to fill in the application form and they reply with generic email saying that you are not the first applicant for that cat.... even after I use a third party notification website to tell me when the images are updated.
I wanted to adopt a cat that needed a home but it looks like I'm just going to have to go and put some money into some pockets of people who breed cats for cash

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hi Jawst

Thanks for taking the time to share this. It sounds like a really frustrating experience, especially when you’re trying to give a cat a loving home.

Rehoming of RSPCA animals isn’t coordinated from a central point as it’s the centres which are caring for individual animals that advertise and process their adoption applications.

They know the animals best and follow general rehoming guidelines, considering people on a case by case basis and focusing on finding a perfect match. As the animals are rescued from some of the neediest situations, centres have to make sure they find a home that will suit their individual needs. These may not always be obvious at first sight as each animal comes with its own unique personality and past.

Thank you for caring about adopting.

Best wishes
Sarah

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Lack of empathy for situation & very rude

I contacted the RSPCA when a concerned neighbour had told me my ex husband had vacated our material home a month ago and he'd noticed that there were pets still left behind. For context I had moved out 2 years previously and been informed the pets had been rehomed. To my horror as I was waiting for a bailiff to grant me possession of the house to gain entry,due to my ex not paying the mortgage, refusing to vacate and changing the locks I couldn't legally enter the property. I was horrified to be made aware they had been left! I contacted the RSPCA to share my concern and I was told as they weren't injured it wasnt an emergency and I needed to take responsibility. The officer in charge basically said he wasnt interested in my divorce case and I should "step up as a owner".I was absolutely disgusted. He was very rude and said they havent got time or money to rehome pets when owners dont want to take responsibility for their pets! I made this call from work and the other ladies in the office heard the conversation and were sickened also to how rude this male officer was. I was in an absolute state, this wasnt my choice it wasnt my doing and if I could have taken them I would have prior .I was then asked if I had even bothered to try and find them somewhere else to live or I was "fabricating" things so the pets could go into emergency accommodation quicker. I seriously couldn't believe how I was been spoken to!!!! My life has been ruined these past 2 years and this was the cherry on the cake.The blue cross came to my aid and within 24 hours they took in my boys and within 5 days they have found their forever homes. I was given time to say goodbye to them without judgement and the whole team were so understanding of the situation. Empathy is something the RSPCA need to understand and I never recieved that call back from the officer...... I wouldnt recommend the RSPCA in any circumstance.When I said "so if they starve to death thats acceptable", I was given a response of... there sheltered and not injured.... Absolutley disgusting!!

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Kerry

Thank you for getting in touch and I’m so sorry to hear about this incredibly difficult situation. I can understand how distressing it must have been to worry about your pets.

If this is something that happened in the last three months please do get in touch with our Service Complaints Team so it can be looked into. Here’s the link to their form on our website:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

With very best wishes for the future
Sarah

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolute joke of a company

Absolute joke of a company absolutely useless!!! You practically cant get through to anyone on the phone anymore and they have no interest in helping out animals.. I wouldn't donate to the rspca if they were the last people on earth they are an absolute waste of space!!!!

12 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hi Gavin

Thank you for your feedback on our telephone systems. We understand how frustrating it is to have difficulty speaking to a person, especially when you’re trying to reach us for help.

We’re actively working to balance the high volume of calls we receive daily with our limited charity resources. The automated system is designed to quickly route urgent animal cruelty reports to dedicated call handlers, ensuring those animals in immediate danger receive priority assistance.

We acknowledge that this system isn’t perfect and can lead to extended hold times and recorded messages for general enquiries. We are continuously reviewing and refining our processes to improve accessibility and make sure everyone can connect with the right support as efficiently as possible.

We really appreciate your patience and care for animals.

Best wishes
Sarah

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

⭐ 1 star – Deeply disappointed by lack of action on animal welfare concerns

I reported serious concerns about neighbours abandoning and neglecting their cats, including lack of food and veterinary care. I also reported an injured cat that was suffering and needed urgent help.

Despite multiple reports, no meaningful action was taken. There was no follow-up, no visible welfare check, and no support offered. I felt completely dismissed while animals were clearly at risk.

Sadly, the injured cat was later euthanised, and I can’t help but feel that earlier intervention could have prevented further suffering.

I contacted RSPCA because I believed they existed to protect animals — but in this situation, nothing was done.

Very disappointing experience and a real loss of trust in the organisation.

12 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns, and I’m truly sorry to hear that you feel let down after contacting us about the cat you were concerned for. We understand how upsetting and frustrating it can be when you report something you’re worried about and feel that nothing has changed.

Please know that every report we receive matters to us. As a charity with limited resources, we have to prioritise the most urgent and severe cases of cruelty and neglect. This means there are times when we’re not able to take the action people hope for, even though we’ve carefully assessed the information provided.

That doesn’t mean your report wasn’t important — it helps us build a clearer picture of animal welfare issues in local communities, and we’re grateful that you took the time to speak up for an animal in need.

If you ever have concerns again, please do continue to contact us. We’re here to help, and we truly appreciate your support and compassion for animals.

Best wishes,
Emma
RSPCA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

RSPCA do not care about animals welfare.

RSPCA have showed me multiple times they do not care about the welfare of animals. They only care about the money they receive! The most recent being …They had multiple complaints about a dog being abused and living in awful conditions.rubbish bags everywhere, his own faeces stuck to the floor and white so been there a while, the place stunk of urine. The poor dog was drinking out of a toilet that the abuser was using and hadn’t flushed in quite some time. There was empty drug packets on the floor. People had reported the abuser when witnessing them punch the dog in the nose. RSPCA didn’t care even with several calls over several months by several people. With video and picture evidence, they still do not care. They said “conditions of living is not our concern” this is all being going on since may 2025. The abuser has now added a cat to the mix. So now that’s two animals being abused at the hands of the RSPCA.

10 October 2025
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hi Dominique,

Thank you for reaching out and taking the time to share your concerns about the dog kept in these conditions and we appreciate how worrying it can be to feel like nothing is being done to help.

We’re always looking to improve how we work and we value feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear. If you were one of the people to report the dog to us please get in touch to provide us with further information via our complaints form so that we can review how the case has been handled. You can find the form here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

Thank you for taking the time to contact us, we truly appreciate the compassion you've shown for this dog.

Best wishes
Emma
RSPCA Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I want to express my deep gratitude to…

I want to express my deep gratitude to the animal welfare officer who supported us during the removal of a dog in service. It was an incredibly emotional and distressing situation, but her calm presence, clear knowledge, and genuine compassion made a meaningful difference. Her smile was truly easing — it brought a sense of reassurance and humanity in a moment that felt overwhelming. She treated both the dog and everyone involved with kindness, patience, and respect, and it was clear that the animal’s wellbeing was always her top priority. We will always be thankful for the care, empathy, and understanding she showed during such a difficult time.

6 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hi Libby

Thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate them. Every animal matters to us and we're just glad that our Animal Rescue Officer was able to help at a difficult time.

With best wishes

Sarah

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very lovely place lovely people

Very lovely place lovely people.
Wanted to the right thing and adopt as there are so many animals in need however was rejected on the basis I do not have a back door I live alone and ground floor flat access to community gardens and I own my own property so sad that people want to help but are rejected. So disappointed

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Thank you so much for your kind words and also for wanting to give an RSPCA animal a loving home. I’m truly sorry to hear you haven’t been able to adopt.

RSPCA centres all follow general rehoming guidelines, and don’t have hard and fast rules about who can and can’t rehome our animals. Instead they consider people on a case by case basis and focus on finding the perfect match.

As our animals are rescued from some of the neediest situations, centres have to make sure they’re placed in a home that will suit their individual needs - which may not always be obvious at first sight.

Each animal comes with its individual personality and has a past that’s unique to it. Our staff work hard to evaluate all applications to make sure potential adopters will be able to meet the needs of that particular animal.

While we want to rehome animals as quickly as possible, to be sure the adoption is a successful and happy one, the centres looking after them must make decisions that are best for the animal involved.

Thank you again for caring about adopting.

Best wishes
Sarah

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Useless and no online adviser either

Can someone tell me exactly who to contact when I am concerned about someone else's dog eft in a car for ages? Because I got the brush-off from the RSPCA person I spoke to. They said go to police. Police have not wanted to know when I contacted last year with a similar incident. What the hell do I do if it happens in future?!

27 January 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Carolyn

Thank you for leaving your review and sharing your concerns regarding the dog you reported. We truly appreciate you looking out for an animal you believed was in distress.

In these situations if the dog doesn’t appear to be in immediate danger, we advise monitoring them, trying to locate the owner, and contacting us for guidance. In cases like this, we sometimes face limitations with the current legal framework. It is sadly not against the law for people to leave their dogs unattended in a vehicle. While we strongly advocate against this practice, the RSPCA can only intervene when an animal welfare law is being broken and if no law is being broken, our officers are unable to take action. Unlawful intervention on our part would breach the law.

As a charity, we operate with limited resources and must focus our efforts on the most serious cases of cruelty, injury and neglect. where an animal's immediate safety is at risk.
If you would like us to review how your specific call was handled, please use our complaints form at:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

We appreciate your compassion for the dog and thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback.

Best wishes,
Emma
RSPCA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Shameful and I will be taking this…

Shameful and I will be taking this situation to the press as something has to be done and someone has to take responsibility and accountability for constant failings.

We have a dog living upstairs without water with a diet consisting of cornflakes... There is no daylight and the owner hasn't been out for weeks. The officer described the dog and situation as 'seems fine'. When I first called the RSPCA the owner had two dogs...one died of starvation. I have to literally let another dog die. Did I mention pest control described the situation upstairs as an environmental disaster and the RSPCA officer said it smelt fine.

Like almost everything in this country, systematic failures and a lack of funding is the excuse...yet we had an officer here who did absolutely nothing.

Shall we just accept we are an incompetent nation? Or will we stand up for the constant failings of those we should be able to trust.

How do I explain to my children I just have to let the dog die and there is no point trying?

Shameful.

24 January 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello Rory,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns, and I’m truly sorry that you felt let down after you called us to report your concerns for the dogs. We understand how upsetting and frustrating it can be when you report something you’re worried about and feel that nothing enough has been done.

We’re always looking to improve how we work and we value feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear. If you would like us to review how the case was handled please provide us with further information via our complaints form:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

Thank you for taking the time to contact us, we truly appreciate the compassion you've shown for these dogs.

Best wishes,
Emma
RSPCA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do you only remove and rescue when it…

Do you only remove and rescue when it benefits you? It's seeming like you only want animals that are of high value so you can sell them on? A dog and cat was being neglected only the dog was removed and I think it was due to the dog being an expensive breed. Have you taken the dog so you can sell and the cat was just a moggy so worthless?

26 January 2026
Unprompted review
RSPCA (England and Wales) logo

Reply from RSPCA (England and Wales)

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. We appreciate how upsetting and frustrating it can be when it appears not enough has been done.

The RSPCA takes all reports seriously, and every case is assessed carefully. Our inspectors are trained to investigate concerns objectively, gather evidence, and prioritise animal welfare at every stage.

The reality is that we want to help every animal that needs us. It’s why all of us at the RSPCA do what we do but we’re limited by the law, which means we can only step in when animal welfare legislation has been breached, even if we might personally wish we could do more.

If you reported this situation to us and would like us to review how the case was handled please provide us with further information via our complaints form:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/complaints/form

Alternatively, if you did not make the report but are concerned for the wellbeing of the cat please visit our website where you can access the most appropriate advice and support options, including how to report concern for an animal.

Best wishes
Emma
RSPCA Team

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.

Learn more about other kinds of reviews.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look