RSPCA ‘to end prosecutions’
CPS takes over as charity focuses on investigations
THE RSPCA is planning to stop criminal prosecutions as it heads towards its 200th anniversary.
While handing over the role to the Crown Prosecution Service, the charity will still investigate claims of animal cruelty and neglect.
Chief executive Chris Sherwood, who joined in 2018, said the charity was proud of its “history bringing animal abusers to justice”.
But he said the “world has changed” adding that a rising trend in cases involving hardened criminal gangs – such as puppy farming, dog fighting and hare coursing – had placed a “huge responsibility” on the charity’s shoulders.
It comes as part of a new 10-year strategy, which the RSPCA said was required in order to focus on frontline rescue work. It is also seeking statutory powers under the Animal Welfare Act
2006. In 2019 the RSPCA, founded in 1824, secured nearly 1,500 convictions – a 94% success rate.
But it is now feared the number of convictions will drop, having a devastating effect on the welfare of thousands of animals in the future.
Former RSPCA inspector Cliff Harrison, 66, who left in October after 30 years, said prosecuting was in the charity’s DNA.
He warned transferring responsibility suggests to criminals they are likely to get away with abuse.
“I fear it will be the end of the RSPCA as we know it,”
he said. “The biggest pool of animal welfare prosecution talent in the world will be lost.”
Chris Packham, TV host and vice-president of the charity, said the plan concerned him. He added: “The CPS have such a poor record prosecuting wildlife crime cases so devolving to them doesn’t appear to be a great idea. And in the Covid world, the courts are jammed with so many cases I fear wildlife will be at the bottom of their agenda.”
Mr Sherwood said: “Our inspectors would still be rescuing, investigating and collecting evidence of cruelty and abuse and seeking to hand this over to the CPS. We believe that there may be a better way to ensure animals get the justice they deserve.”
It will be the end of the RSPCA as we know it, talent will be lost
CLIFF HARRISON WHO SPENT 30YRS AT CHARITY