Have just seen this thread and thought I would put my spoke in!
Ealing is one area that I deal with.
It was a good decision to get the rabbits out. The RSPCA are not particularly brilliant in this area and being that they are long haired would have been euthanased regardless (because they are long-haired). They have taken alot worse from people and nothing has been done which has angered people dealing with the situation.
Also, if a prosecution was bought forward (which it wouldn't have been for a couple of matted rabbits - even if one had paralysed back legs) the RSPCA would have hung onto the rabbits and they would have done the disappearing act that they so often do in the London area (if you know what I mean :x )
So these bunnies were definately pulled out at the right time and the right decision made.
On the other hand, being the London area, I am not surprised that the RSPCA don't prosecute for alot of cruelty that goes on in this area. There is just SO much.
I have picked up countless animals from all over London that were in a disgusting state and the reason that I didn't bother with the RSPCA is because I know alot of people that work there.
When a prosecution case is put forward it has to go past head office, who have to decide whether it is worth their bother. If every case was prosecuted they would go bust pretty quick because the law for animals is so **** in this country.
Most of the time they just have to grin and bear it, which is something I don't have to do!
I make it VERY clear on my opinion of people to their face when I collect the animal and tell them exactly what I think.
There isn't much more that I can do than that and then try and pick up the pieces and try to pull the animal back, although often it is far too late.
Emma