An independent review of the RSPCA's role as prosecutor has advised a repositioning of the charity's role in law enforcement, bringing it in line with modern expectations of transparency and accountability.
The review was conducted by former chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, Stephen Wooler, who made a total of 33 recommendations.
According to the report, the RSPCA operates in an “unstructured and haphazard environment” meaning its role is “poorly defined”. It is urged to adapt in order to address its weaknesses and meet expectations.
However, Mr Wooler also states that the charity makes a “major contribution and brings expertise that is too valuable to be lost.”
The charity prosecutes around 80 per cent of cases relating to animal welfare laws.
The RSPCA came under fire in 2012 for spending £326,000 on the prosecution of the Heythrop Hunt in Oxfordshire. It commissioned the review of its prosecutions in December 2013.
In a statement on its website the charity says it welcomes the review findings and is already taking steps to implement some of them.
“We accept the need to re-position our long-standing enforcement role and will now consider these recommendations in detail,” said chairman Mike Tomlinson.
“We are determined to ensure that we operate an enforcement process fit for the 21st century. The public and the animals deserve no less.”
Mr Wooler's recommendations included:
- Inviting the government to formalise the charity's investigation and prosecution functions.
- A comprehensive review of the charity's prosecutions structure – for example the adoption of clearer guidelines and a policy statement.
- A re-alignment of prosecutions in certain areas such as animal sanctuary cases.
- More detailed guidance on relationships with the police.
The report states that the reviewer has no doubt the Heythop Hunt case was brought appropriately, but the cost was too high.
Mr Tomlinson said: “We accept the criticism that the costs of that case were much too high and have implemented lessons learned in subsequent cases.”
The charity added that the recommended review of its hunting prosecutions policy will require discussions with the police and Crown Prosecution Service.
An internal steering group has been appointed to co-ordinate the RSPCA's response to Mr Wooler's recommendations. A progress report will be published by the council in 18 months.
Steps are also being taken to improve complaints procedures.
The next stage, according to Mr Tomlinson, will be to discuss developing an improved strategy for enforcing animal welfare legislation with the government and other key bodies.
The full report has been published on the RSPCA's website: http://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/staticImages/Downloads/WoolerReviewFinalSept2014.pdf
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