Did I do the right thing?

Merrypigs Sanctuary

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Sep 20, 2014
Messages
1,281
Reaction score
2,553
Points
875
Location
Staffordshire
So long story short, two Guinea pigs we rehomed last year were rehomed without permission as the adopters were having a baby. The only way I found out was their new owner got in touch.
Now, it's made very clear in the terms and conditions (the adopter gets a copy and has to sign them after I have gone through them with the adopter) that pigs MUST come back to us, and not be given away - after all, they could go anywhere!
The new owner said the adopter told her he'd rung us and got our permission, which he had NOT!
Needless to say, I sent a very polite and formal email, and let him know I was very disappointed. Thankfully the new owner is looking after them very well!
What would you have done? I really hate kicking up a fuss and don't want to make things awkward between the old adopter and new owner (they are friend and keep in touch). I don't want to be seen as the bad guy either!
This sort of thing just really bothers me :( I don't want them to think I'm being nasty. The rules are there to protect the pigs!
:help:
 
I think that you have completely done the right thing. Rules are rules at the end of the day.

When I adopt a piggy, I always like to keep in touch with the rescue with updates and would totally take the piggy back to them if I could know longer care for said piggy(s) or at least inform them that I was looking for a new home.

Your fellow adoptees have broken your trust as well as the rules so it is perfectly understandable that you’re upset xx
 
I think that you have completely done the right thing. Rules are rules at the end of the day.

When I adopt a piggy, I always like to keep in touch with the rescue with updates and would totally take the piggy back to them if I could know longer care for said piggy(s) or at least inform them that I was looking for a new home.

Your fellow adoptees have broken your trust as well as the rules so it is perfectly understandable that you’re upset xx
Thanks for replying! I guess I'm just a bit paranoid lol XD I don't like to think I've upset someone or made them angry. But then, it's just an email to let him know I'm aware of him giving them away...
I just want to know where our adopted pigs are and that they're safe!
 
I think that's the heartache of rehoming isn't it - you get emotionally attached for starters and then you have your trust broken it's completely understandable. The previous owners (original adoptee) should have informed you, it's just good that they have found a new home and will be cherished like all piggies should be.

I think you are brave, all rescues are actually. Not everyone is like us folk here where we love and believe in an ethical code of caring for our fur babies.
 
I think that's the heartache of rehoming isn't it - you get emotionally attached for starters and then you have your trust broken it's completely understandable. The previous owners (original adoptee) should have informed you, it's just good that they have found a new home and will be cherished like all piggies should be.

I think you are brave, all rescues are actually. Not everyone is like us folk here where we love and believe in an ethical code of caring for our fur babies.
Thanks for your kind words :hug: It is super hard letting them go, I worry about them all the time :doh: I'm starting to wonder whether I need a break! Perhaps even to consider becoming a 'retirement home/disabled pig home etc'? It's hard to see them pass away but then at least I know how they've been!

On another note, he has sent a lovely reply, about how much he loves them and I do believe him. Apparently he forgot to let us know? I'm not sure I believe that though :hmm:He seems really sincere, and I wouldn't have let him adopt them if I hadn't trusted he loved them very much. I truly believe he does!
So now I feel really guilty :hb::soz:
 
Don't feel guilty you did the right thing. My guess is that he does love them very much and he decided to bypass you for a friend in case you didn't agree to it because at least this way he can still get updates on them. In reality, as they have gone to a good home, you'd have probably agreed to it anyway!
 
You did the right thing. They agreed to the contract (we also had to do this when we adopted Mavis and Peggy from Little Pips) and this is a legally binding agreement. They should have contacted you and not just passed their piggies on to someone else, not matter how good a home they thought it would be.
 
Thanks for your kind words :hug: It is super hard letting them go, I worry about them all the time :doh: I'm starting to wonder whether I need a break! Perhaps even to consider becoming a 'retirement home/disabled pig home etc'? It's hard to see them pass away



l'm like you,and that is why l rescued, but worryed about them been adoped, so now they come to me and stay here, yes, it's very sad and upsetting when they pass away, but l know they have had the best love and care while here. they come by the vets, RSPCA and two local rescue centres.
 
Don’t feel guilty hun, the agreement was broken. You have done the right thing. Thankfully though, they have gone to a loving home.
Massive hugs :hug: xx
 
Sorry to hear this but its very difficult to police, you just have to hope people respect your views. !
RSPCA have quite a thorough form.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ADOPTION

1.
Any information concerning the habits and past history of the Animal is passed on by the RSPCA to the Adopter in good faith. This information has been provided to assist with the adoption process and successful adoption of the Animal which may have come to the RSPCA’s care for example, by being signed over by the Animal’s previous owner, found abandoned, lost and of unknown background. The information we provide you may be based on statements made by the previous owner or the RSPCA Inspectorate and/or assessments or observations of the animal whilst in the RSPCA’s care. We cannot guarantee that this information is correct despite making every effort being made. Please see www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/rehomeapet/process for our rehoming policy.

2. The Animal is believed to be in normal health on leaving the animal establishment except where specific conditions have been made known to the Adopter on the Animal Adoption Form and the responsibility for and cost of any future veterinary or other treatment shall be borne solely by the Adopter save where Clause 4 applies.

3. The animal’s welfare is our priority and we will work with you to resolve any concerns or questions you have in respect of the Animal after adoption and we ask you to contact the RSPCA branch or animal centre where you adopted the animal giving full details as soon as possible.

4. Nothing in these terms will affect your legal rights including those under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (and other consumer protection laws). Please contact your local Consumer Advice or Trading Standards Department for more information about this.

5. The RSPCA strongly advises the Adopter to arrange appropriate insurance cover against risks referred to in this Agreement and also the costs of veterinary treatment.

6. The Adopter confirms that to the best of their knowledge and belief no person residing in their household, or who will care for the Animal, is disqualified from keeping animals or has had a deprivation order made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and/or has an unspent conviction for offences relating to animals.

7. Attention is drawn to the possible liability of the Adopter for damage and injury which they may cause to third parties or their property. In particular liability may arise under the Animals Act 1971. The possibility of an action for nuisance against the Adopter as a result of the Animal’s behaviour should also be recognised. The RSPCA strongly advises the Adopter to arrange appropriate insurance cover against risks referred to in this Agreement and also the costs of veterinary treatment. For a competitive quote visit www.RSPCA-petinsurance.co.uk

8. The Adopter agrees to comply with all relevant regulations, legislation and laws concerning the welfare, control, responsible ownership and protection of animals including without limitation the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Codes of Practice issued in England and Wales under the 2006 Act and to ensure that anyone with the temporary care of the Animal also complies The welfare needs of the animal means providing for the animal’s health, happiness and taking measures to ensure that the animal’s health is maintained, in that he/she is properly housed, fed, watered, socialised and exercised and receives appropriate veterinary care, including vaccination, regular worming and flea treatment, as appropriate to the species.

9. If a dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, male guinea pig or male horse is unneutered at the time of adoption, the Adopter agrees to having the Animal neutered as soon as possible unless there are overriding veterinary reasons for it not being possible.

10. When adopting a dog, cat, rabbit, ferret or horse (or any other microchipped animal), the adopter agrees for their personal data to be passed to the microchip database by the RSPCA for the purposes of registering the microchip. The Adopter agrees to maintain the microchip records of the animal, by informing the microchip database of any changes of address or ownership of the animal post-adoption. This also applies to Equine Passports, where your personal details will be passed to the passport issuing authority.

11. The Adopter agrees not to irresponsibly sell or part with the animal. Further information can be found at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/unwantedpets

12. Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or in any way limit the RSPCA’s liability for fraud, or for the death or personal injury caused by its negligence or any other liability or consumer rights which it cannot legally exclude or limit.

13. This Agreement is between the Adopter and the RSPCA and no other party has the right to enforce the terms of this Agreement

14. If court or relevant authority finds any part of this Agreement to be unenforceable, the rest of the Agreement shall continue in force as each of these terms operates separately.

15. The English and Welsh Courts will have exclusive jurisdiction over any claim arising from or related to this Agreement. English and Welsh law will apply to this Agreement
 
Thanks for your kind words :hug: It is super hard letting them go, I worry about them all the time :doh: I'm starting to wonder whether I need a break! Perhaps even to consider becoming a 'retirement home/disabled pig home etc'? It's hard to see them pass away but then at least I know how they've been!

On another note, he has sent a lovely reply, about how much he loves them and I do believe him. Apparently he forgot to let us know? I'm not sure I believe that though :hmm:He seems really sincere, and I wouldn't have let him adopt them if I hadn't trusted he loved them very much. I truly believe he does!
So now I feel really guilty :hb::soz:

Don't feel guilty you did the right thing.
 
Thanks for your kind words :hug: It is super hard letting them go, I worry about them all the time :doh: I'm starting to wonder whether I need a break! Perhaps even to consider becoming a 'retirement home/disabled pig home etc'? It's hard to see them pass away but then at least I know how they've been!

On another note, he has sent a lovely reply, about how much he loves them and I do believe him. Apparently he forgot to let us know? I'm not sure I believe that though :hmm:He seems really sincere, and I wouldn't have let him adopt them if I hadn't trusted he loved them very much. I truly believe he does!
So now I feel really guilty :hb::soz:

Sounds like it was a genuine oversight. Even if his intentions were pure as the driven snow though, he's still broken the rules so you shouldn't feel bad about reminding him. He is at fault for forgetting after all.

I mean - are the rules there just for your convenience?
Or to protect the pigs?

But a polite reminder was the right level so you could maintain a positive relationship, and ensure that another time he would contact you first.
 
Back
Top