James Delingpole James Delingpole

I am ready to go to prison for hamster murder

James Delingpole is threatened by the RSPCA after releasing a savage pet into the park, and marvels at another encroachment on freedom of speech by the nanny state

issue 13 December 2008

RSPCA Press Office

Dear James,

I’m sure you will not be surprised to learn that the RSPCA has received a complaint following your column dated 21 November.

We were surprised, however, that it was felt appropriate to trivialise and broadcast a criminal act which may well have led to animal suffering.

Can I remind you that whatever your personal ‘sliding scale of values’ may be it remains an offence to fail to meet an animals needs and/or cause it unnecessary suffering? Those found guilty face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

Obviously we urge everyone who buys a pet to be sure they have the resources and commitment to care for it for the rest of its life. Should you nevertheless ever find yourself in a similar situation again we would urge you to contact a reputable animal rescue organisation so that your pet has the opportunity to live out its life free from harm.

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