problems with celia hammond animal trust

[catloverkathy]

Id like to start by saying that I adopted my 3 cats from celia Hammond's 18 months ago and couldnt be happier with them.

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[ontheedge]

Celia Hammond do an extremely good job and I believe most of the people who work there are volunteers. Whilst racism in any form is abhorrent this is probably one individual and perhaps it would be better to speak to one of the managers there rather than casting aspertions on the whole organisation.

[catloverkathy]

I know they do a good job with the rescue cats which is why I stated that I got my 3 from them. My complaint would be to the head of the organisation because in this day and age no-one should be speaking like that in an open workplace. I hasten to add that it was only the one person saying those things.

[ontheedge]

Apologies just reread your post and you say it was the manager who was expressing these racist views and yes think you should probably write a letter.

[vivien]

Yeah they do a great job but some of their staff are soooooooo rude its unreal. I wont take my cats there anymore even though I rehomed them from there. Theres only a couple of people there that are willing to help or have any idea about how to talk to people. Its such a shame because they are a great local charity that do some brilliant work-just a shame they havent employed charity minded people

[daizie]

Personally , Id just let it go , it could have been just a rant ,and it was'nt intended for your ears . Still not nice . He /She should have been more observant though .

[vivien]

If you let it go then the manager will not learn anything. I think you should write a letter of complaint to the person above her. She wont get sacked but they will tell her to act more professionaly at work and be careful what she says in future. You cant change peoples views but you can change the way they behave at least.

[catloverkathy]

Thats what I thought Vivien. Its sounds quite stupid now but I would have expected animal welfare workers to be quite open minded and moral

[siousxiesue]

I would definately report [email protected]

Here's the link. Failing that, try Googling the trustees?

[Peckham native]

I got my 2 cats from Celia Hammond about 4 years ago and the woman that showed me round could not have been nicer. Since then I have always encouraged people thinking about getting a cat to visit Celia Hammond first. But about 6 months ago a colleague took my advice and picked up a cat from there. When he went back for the cats injections he was astonished at how rude one of the staff was to him. He said if he had been going to select a cat he would have walked out.

I would not like to think the actions of one member of staff might stop people donating, adopting or volunteering.

[vivien]

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[Jeremy]

It's a matter for the individual, not the animal trust.

[KalamityKel]

You can get that kind of treatment from a trip to any vets.

Our annual trip to the one on Lordship Lane was not the usual - the first two in - we were told our monsters were quite considerably underweight (For their breed and size they quite clearly are not), were cross questioned as to their eating, cleaning and playing habits as if we kept them locked up in a cat basket all the time or weren't looking after them. Quite surprisingly we left wondering where the girl got her qualifications from. The 2nd two in were seen by someone completely different and was much more caring (especially to our old girl). The difference was very noticable and obviously when going back (if we do) we shall ensure we wont be seen by that particular vet again.

It's a shame we encounter such things but it happens in many places... :(

[catloverkathy]

I completely agree. The animals should not suffer because of those people....BUT those people represent the trust and they should be doing a better job because they are spokespeople for the trust.

I urge anyone who wants a cat to go them to rehome, to dontae money or food or bedding for those poor cats that are still there stuck in cages for days on end.

But the customers/adopters are the ones keeping that place afloat and should be treated with the respect that is deserved. Not because we are customers but because we are in a civilised country and are trying to help.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I've never had a prob with staff at CH and I think Claire, the Irish lass is so helpful.

[Jah Lush]

Spouting racist crap is never acceptable. Make sure you complain.

[meduza]

i got my cats from celia hammonds and i must say that most of the staff there are really nice, unfortunatly there are a few bad apples that like playing god. The work they do there is second to none and its really nice that they help all the cats that need it most. I have had a few issues in the past with the rudeness of the indian receptionist, but obviously she has a god complex and has no life!i just pity her. You should write a letter and make sure you send it to Celia Hammond DIRECT p

Racism is not acceptable in this day and age. ThaT should have died out with the dinosaurs!

[meduza]

But the customers/adopters are the ones keeping that place afloat and should be treated with the respect that is deserved. Not because we are customers but because we are in a civilised country and are trying to help.

i agree with catloverkathy the customers should be treated with the dignity they deserve after all they wouldnt be there if no-one took cats from them. Maybe they should think about that abit more

[Chick]

Funny how some folks love animals and hate people. Complain like mad.

[catloverkathy]

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[Administrator]

I am putting a stop to this. When someone i.e. catloverkathy has a conversation with themselves as a different user i.e. vivien to slag off a business/organisation, alarm bells ring in Forum Towers. Take your issues to them, do not use the forum to falsely enhance your story.