Whilst the Society's staff issue criminal proceedings against offenders, they do so by way of private prosecution. Members of the Inspectorate wear uniforms which make them as much like police officers as the law will allow. They are not.
The police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) can also bring animal cruelty and neglect cases and we regularly work closely with them on investigations.
"In cases of more serious animal welfare complaints, although our statutory powers allow us entry to gardens and fields to check on animals, we cannot go into a person's house without a warrant.
The RSPCA has long been criticised for its governance with the Charity Commission describing it as below the standard expected of a large charity and in August 2018 issued the society with an official warning.
RSPCA officers will routinely ask police officers to be in attendance in the hope that their presence will give the misleading impression that an arrest will be imminent if the property owner doesn't comply. Even if they are accompanied by the police, you are under no obligation to allow them access to your property.
Please note that a SAR only allows you to see your own data and not anyone else's, for example, the person who reported you. Also, not all your personal data may be provided because the law allows for certain exemptions. We may ask for proof of identity when you submit your request.
The homevisitor's role is to ensure that your facilities are suitable for the animal you have chosen. They can offer advice on the financial aspects and long term commitment needed when offering a home to a rescue animal. Your homevisitor will need to see vaccination certificates for any animals you currently own.
It also has the power to privately prosecute people under laws such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006. However, the RSPCA does not have special powers or powers similar to those of the Police. They do not, for instance, have any special powers to arrest anyone.
The bulk of the RSPCA's income is made up of donations and legacies, making up £108.6m in 2019, down from £122.6m in 2018. Legacies account for £69m in 2019 (2018: £81.4m), while donations were £39.6m (2018: £41.2m).
It is our inspectors who investigate complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. With their specialist skills, our inspectors are able to resolve the vast majority of these complaints by providing advice, assistance and support to people who need help in looking after their animals.
If you adopted your animal from us then we'll do our best to take the animal back. If we're full, you may have to go on a waiting list until space is available or we'll provide support and guidance to help you. You can help yourself by letting your family and friends know that your pet is looking for a new home.
How much does an RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer earn? £22,620 rising to £23,660 on successful completion of training course (inclusive of 4% shift allowance) - plus London Weighting Allowance where applicable.
Frequently asked questions. We couldn't fund our life-saving work for animals without you. More than 80 percent of your donation (81p from every £1) will go to rescuing and caring for vulnerable animals, then rehoming or releasing them. This helps abandoned or neglected pets get the treatment and love they deserve.
There is no blanket law requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in all public spaces. However, there are a series of orders that mean you have to leash your dog in certain places in your local area, for example children's play areas, sports pitches, roads, parks and beaches.
We have more than 300 frontline inspectors and animal rescue officers working across England and Wales to rescue animals and investigate allegations of cruelty and neglect. We also have a specialist team of uniformed and covert officers who work to tackle large scale, serious and organised animal crime.
In 2021, the RSPCA's network of centres and branches rehomed 26,945 animals. This is an 8% drop compared to the previous year when 29,358 animals were rehomed and a huge 31% drop from 2019 (39,178), despite the Covid pandemic affecting the way in which charities across the nation could rehome.
The RSPCA is governed by a Board of trustees who are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and for the effective delivery of its charitable objects. The Board consists of up to nine elected trustees and up to three co-optees.
As your puppy gets older gradually increase the total amount of time you leave them alone. Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.
Proof of these benefits must be shown at every visit to the clinic together with proof of address (a utility bill) and photo ID. Unfortunately if you do not meet our updated eligibility criteria then we will no longer be able to see your pet.
In other words, writing or updating your Will helps to make sure there's no uncertainty about who you want to look after your pet in the event of your death. You may also like to protect other animals with a gift in your Will. There's no charge for the Home for Life scheme.
