RSPCA Prosecution
CONTACT THE CLERKS
Animal Cruelty Laws
Prosecuting animal welfare cases involves pursuing prosecutions to protect animals from harm or future harm. The priority in welfare cases is to prevent those who are convicted from keeping animals, by imposing disqualification orders and deprivation orders. When a conviction is secured, the court is then able to make such orders and the RSPCA can permanently confiscate animals from individuals and find them loving homes.
Animal Welfare Laws at St Pauls Chambers
St Pauls has a long history of acting in both specialist crime and disciplinary/regulatory proceedings. Select members of counsel are now uniquely placed, in so far as they are preferred prosecutors on behalf of the RSPCA.
Although St Pauls principally act for the RSPCA in matters of animal welfare, instructions are often received from local authorities to prosecute animal welfare allegations.
The St Pauls team represent the RSPCA in criminal prosecutions, judicial review claims and all other areas encompassed by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Members of Chambers also advise on other key areas of animal welfare legislation. Such areas include:
- Criminal prosecutions for causing suffering to, or failing to meet the needs of, protected animals,
- Protection of Animals Act 1911,
- Hunting Act 2004,
- Multi-animal incidents, including ‘puppy farming’ and large-scale abuse/neglect,
- Organised animal fighting,
- Judicial Review proceedings relating to the interpretation of animal welfare legislation.
