A supporter has reported seeing Roofus’s posters taken down – while old music event posters beside them were left up. Why can’t we ask questions about his welfare? Who is protecting him?
Another supporter has shared that a few days ago, the Daily Telegraph revealed that the RSPCA has been ignoring cruelty reports. That lines up with Roofus’s carer’s experience. When they tried to report animal neglect, they were fobbed off – which means yet another incident never made it onto their books.
On the morning of the seizure, with only hours’ notice, Roofus’s carer still had to cook his meals and take him for a walk. In what time they had left, they called the RSPCA to raise concerns about his welfare in the shelter, given the history of medical neglect and what looked like systemic failings. Instead of taking a report, they were given lines that an animal lawyer later confirmed weren’t true.
What were they told?
“We don’t get involved with past neglect.” But the neglect was current as of that phone call. And the RSPCA can investigate cases up to 3 years old.
“We don’t deal with systemic issues.” But who does, if shelters are self-regulated and the regulator won’t touch systemic problems?
Why wasn’t their report taken? Why were they given false statements?
And what about the money? The whistleblower says the RSPCA is angling for more funding. RSPCA's 2024 financials show income of $26m – with just 7.7% spent on animal care. That’s better than Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, which reported 0% spent on animal care in 2024 – but is this really what we expect of organisations meant to protect animals?
Thank you to every one of you for being Roofus’s voice. Maybe he’s not the only animal that needs us. Your early support has helped us reach nearly 300 supporters and 150 shares in less than 2 weeks.
As our search for answers goes on, we only seem to find more questions. We can only hope our efforts aren’t wasted. We’re deeply grateful for everyone helping to share Roofus’s story – there is hope in humanity after all.
Please share Roofus’s story with anyone you think may care, or who might have answers. Let’s see if together we can get to the bottom of this!