RSPCA chief steps down with immediate effect
Gavin Grant, former chief executive of the RSPCA.
The RSPCA has announced its chief executive Gavin Grant has stepped down with immediate effect due to health concerns.
After two years in his role, the charity has credited him with "raising the profile of the society" and "laying the foundations for its long term future development."
Mr Grant commented: "It has been a huge honour to have held this post. The RSPCA is a magnificent organisation at the heart of what is the very best in humanity.
"The society is blessed with great people, both paid and volunteer. I wish it well as it continues to face huge challenges in ensuring it is ever stronger and able to meet the needs of our fellow creatures."
Mr Grant's two-year tenure with the charity has been one of the most turbulent periods in the RSPCA's long history, with negative publicity and a string of controversial prosecutions.
Many have criticised the high cost of private prosecutions brought by the charity, in particular the £326,000 spent on the Heythrop hunt prosecution in 2012.
Stephen Wooler, former HM chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service was appointed by the charity to conduct an independent review of its prosecutions.
The Telegraph has reported that the charity may be stripped of its prosecution rights or scrutinised by an independent watchdog following the review.
Commenting on Mr Grant's departure, chair of trustees Mike Tomlinson said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gavin on behalf of myself and my fellow trustees for the very significant contribution he has made to the Society for a second time in his career.
"His drive, passion and deep love and respect for animals have impressed all that have come into contact with him.
"I would like to assure everyone that our day to day work for animals continues as usual."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
