You may find yourself contacted by the RSPCA who also work hand in hand with police.
The RSPCA on suspicion of any animal cruelty or similar offences will interview under caution, sometimes at your home address and sometimes at a local police station.
It is important to note that you are entitled to free and independent legal advice for any such interviews as these are conducted under caution and will be used as evidence during any further prosecution. It is crucial that you obtain advice swiftly should the RSPCA wish to interview you concerning any offences of animal cruelty or similar matters.
The RSPCA also have powers to seize animals and in some circumstances may apply to the Court to ban a person from owning a type of animal, or any animal at all, for a period of time. Any animal lover can appreciate that this could have a devastating effect on a person subjected to such an application.
Having been interviewed the RSPCA may summons you to appear before a local Magistrates’ Court charged with offences such as animal welfare, animal cruelty. These offences can carry imprisonment and are known to be robustly prosecuted and tend to pull on the heart strings of Magistrates hearing such cases.
It is therefore important that your case is professionally defended before the Court to ensure the best possible outcome.
You may have been prosecuted by the RSPCA and not sought the advice of a solicitor and have now had animals removed by the imposition of a Disqualification Order. These Orders can be appealed and this is something we will be able to advise you on, so please contact us to speak to one of the team.
