I specifically asked them, in writing, whether they put to sleep because of lack of funds or lack of money. If they lie about things like that then they could get into trouble for taking in an animal or accepting a donation on false pretences.
Alot of RSPCA's are totally seperate to the main organisation, basically sharing only a name. They are seperate charities, get no funding from head quarters and set their own policies.
It's unfortunate your friend encounted a bad branch. Not all branches are so good as others and certainly some have policies on when to put to sleep that I would be warry about. But it is certainly not fair to tar them all with the same brush. Some do brilliant work.
A few examples from the centres I work with through Rabbit Rehome:
RSPCA South Beds - My local branch, who I'm also currently fostering for. They automatically neuter and vaccinate every rabbit coming into in their care. What would be the point in spending that initial £60+ outlay and then putting the animal to sleep?
RSPCA Worcester - I personally know of atleast one rabbit that was in their care over a year waiting for a home. They also have a bun which they took from another rescue that was full up back in October last year and she's still in their care waiting for a home. I organised the move and wouldn't have asked them to take her if I had any doubt over their policy on putting to sleep.
RSPCA Reading - Their bunnies are all cared for in a foster home. One of their bunnies, Sooty, has been there since October 2003! Depsite her difficult behaviour, initial health problems and the unlikely hood of her finding a home she has not been given up on:
http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/moreinfo.asp?RabID=2292
I'm not disagree that some centres are bad but equally some non rspca centres are bad. I think you have to take each rescue on an individual basis not just judge it by its name.
Tamsin