He responded to claims staff and volunteers ‘do nothing’
The head of RSPCA Hull & East Riding has responded to recent criticism and “personal attacks”. Branch CEO Fred Owen said RSPCA staff and volunteers “grieve with every life lost” and it “hurts” when they are accused of not caring for animals.
Mr Owen said this sort of criticism does not help save animals, but welcomed “constructive criticism and collaboration”. He did not share the source of the allegations, but the Hull Daily Mail understands it involves a post published on social media.
He suggested a meeting with interested parties on Monday, October 20. It is hoped this will prompt open conversations about “how we can work better together for the cats in the city”, he added.
In the full statement published on Facebook, he said: “In recent days, some very strong comments have been shared online about the work of RSPCA Hull & East Riding. While I will always respect the passion that people have for animals, I cannot leave some of these claims unanswered — not for myself, but for my dedicated team.
“First, to be clear: We do not ‘refuse to help’. We operate under national RSPCA policy and the law. This means we cannot take in every stray animal, nor can we intervene in hoarding cases without Inspectors. That does not mean we don’t care — it means we must follow the right legal processes to keep animals safe.
“Our phone lines are not closed. They are directed through the national RSPCA system so that emergencies are triaged properly. This is not a local decision — it is a national structure.
“Our £1 million redevelopment was not about luxury. It was about building modern, safe facilities so we can provide the best possible care to the animals who arrive broken and in need.
“What hurts most is the suggestion that our staff or volunteers ‘do nothing’. This is simply not true. Every single day, they give their hearts, their energy, and their compassion to the animals in our care.
“They cry behind closed doors when the hardest decisions must be made. They grieve with every life lost. And yet they come back the next day, because the next animal needs them.
“I welcome constructive criticism and collaboration with other rescues. But spreading misinformation and personal attacks online does nothing to help animals — it only demoralises the very people who are working to protect them.
“We share the same goal: to prevent suffering and save lives. My door is always open to anyone who wants to work together in that spirit.
“With this in mind I am offering a meeting to all charities, CIC’s and unregistered charities, and any interested party (limited to two places per organisation) to join us on the 20th October an 7.00pm.
“The aim will be to answer any questions about the RSPCA network, our work in the city and region. We will have an RSPCA Inspector present to also answer your questions on the nation society.
“And, more importantly how we can work better together for the cats in the city. Watch out for the link for the meeting. Fred Owen, Chief Executive, RSPCA Hull & East Riding.”
The post generated many supportive comments, with people who have adopted animals through the rescue thanking volunteers for their hard work. Others said it was “very sad” the statement had to be made in the first place.
In a comment, Emma Hardy, the Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, said: “Thank you for everything you do and to all your volunteers. Sadly I can’t attend your meeting because I will be in parliament but if there’s something I can do to support everyone who’s trying to help then just let me know.”