99% of people get it. 1% are here for the wrong reasons. ARC is not a platform for your activism, politics, dislike of other orgs, personal grievances or food choices. We are a support org. Drawing us into your issues directly harms the help for rescuers and animals in care. 

Q. “But I demanded you act on (insert issue here), or we will create trouble for you, why didnt you do it”? Answer – We have our policies and they mean we can work across a broad section of rescue and emergencies to support as many animals as possible. 

Q. “Well, I have then defamed your organisation and it’s volunteers repeatedly on social media and encouraged others to join in. I’m shocked you are calling me a bully, I’m going to complain”. Answer – You are a bully, that is what online bullies do. Easy way to stop it, stop bullying people. 

Q. “Why are you answering back when I bully your volunteers, that is so unprofessional”. Answer – You mean, dealing with bullies and abusers, we should smile sweetly and take the abuse, then hand out support that we have worked hard to raise? No, if you bully or attack volunteers you may be rebutted, you certainly don’t get rewarded. 

Q. “Does this mean if I abuse and bully  ARC volunteers my animals may not get help?” Answer – Absolutely it does. This is the same dealing with everyone from the government to red cross to your local fruit shop. If you threaten, bully or abuse our volunteers you are directly impacting support of your animals. You are responsible for your own actions. Be an adult.

Q. “Does that mean ARC only supports people who are nice to them” Answer – . . this really means is “if I’m abusive, pick fights or threaten you does that mean you wont help me?”. Absolutely it does . Sounds different when you say it that way doesn’t it. Day one stuff really

Q. “It’s donated money, you don’t get to choose what is done with it?”. Answer –  We absolutely do. Donors and sponsors request that we do not support poor behaviour, be it online bullying, animal welfare issues, financial mismanagement to animal care methods.   We have a very finite amount of funds and we constantly need to fundraise to help rescuers, this goes to positive engagements.

Q. “But I was just asking questions”. Answer – Nope, you weren’t. If you continually badger our team about your views, it is bullying. If you post hate speech online  . . then ask a question, it is bullying. Be an adult. No matter how you frame your language or whether you put a question mark at the end. If you are pushing your personal agenda, threats and conspiracy theories when we have given you our answer, it is still bullying (and everyone sees who and what you are).  

Q. “You shouldn’t really have to have a policy like this”. Answer – Yes, we know. Anyone who is in animal rescue knows you will face online bullies and attacks from people who have very little else to offer & are enraged with envy when others do good. Rescue attracts all types, that is why there are 500% more complaints about Animal Rescue charities at the ACNC than any other sector (that is the real number).

We are simply saying what others are too afraid to say (because of the attacks from the tiny, insignificant number of online bullies). Don’t be bad to people.

If you have a legitimate concern about an issue in our org email the board here and it will be looked at from a board level –  feedback@arcsupport.org.au.  

Common sense and good manners. 99% of people get it. 1% are here for the wrong reasons. Good brings good.