These cases usually involved expert evidence from veterinary surgeons and the defence will usually want to instruct their own expert. We have defended many prosecutions under the Animal Welfare Act and have access to some of the best experts available.
Animal cruelty (Section 4 Animal Welfare Act 2006)
It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal and an offence can be committed by either an act or a failure to act. Unnecessary suffering is defined as suffering which could reasonably have been avoided or reduced. Prosecutions under this section are usually brought by the RSPCA who usually request very high costs if a prosecution is successful. The maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. In addition the owner can be deprived of their animal and can be disqualified from keeping animals in the future. See our guide to the new sentences for animal cruelty offences.
All our advocates are experienced in cases of this type and we have defended several high profile cases. These cases are often lengthy and complex and it is vital to instruct the right expert.
Dog fighting (Section 8 Animal Welfare Act 2006)
Section 8 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 creates a number of offences relating to dog fighting. It is unlawful to cause a dog fight, to be involved in the organisation of a dog fight or to make or accept a bet on a dog fight. It is also unlawful to keep or train a dog to become dangerously out of control and to possess any equipment designed for use in a dog fight. The maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. The court can, and usually do, deprive a defendant of the dog and disqualify them from keeping dogs in future.
Failing to observe best practice (Section 9 Animal Welfare Act 2006)
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 all domesticated animals have the following 5 needs:
- A suitable diet
- A suitable environment
- To be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be protected from pain and suffering, injury and disease
- To be housed with, or apart from other animals
An offence is committed if a person fails to take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of an animal for which they are responsible are met. The evidential threshold for a conviction under this section is quite low and could include, for example, leaving rubbish/faeces laying around the house/garden, letting claws grow too long or failing to provide proper bedding. Section 10 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 allows the RSPCA to serve an Improvement Notice on a person who it is believed is failing to observe best practice in caring for an animal. If conditions improve prosecution can usually be avoided. Prosecutions are usually brought by the RSPCA and costs can be high if there is a conviction. The maximum sentence is 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. The court also has the power to order a defendant to be deprived of the animal and can disqualify them from keeping animals in the future.
If you are under investigation for, or have been charged with a dog law offence, please call us on 01442 242999 for free initial telephone advice or email us at enquiry@wheldonlaw.co.uk.
Testimonials
"There are no words that can describe the thanks I have for you. Monty means more than the world to me for reasons you know and the past 10 months have been awful, but when I met you and had you on our side I always knew there would be hope that the worst would not happen. Thank you for everything you have done for me."
"I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really do appreciate all the hard work you put into helping me get Simba back… thank you very, very much."
"A big THANK YOU to you all for your help and advice – it was much appreciated throughout a very difficult and stressful time. And an especially big thank you to Tina Hay for all your legal wisdom – I think you should be known as ‘The Fairy Dogmother’."
"From the initial contact with Gareth which was knowledgeable and sympathetic to Kate at the court, who was excellent – well presented, knowledgeable and very informative – she presented the case superbly. Many thanks to all concerned. A very professional company."
"I cannot thank you enough for all your help. I am so fortunate that you happened to be there."
"Fantastic! All staff were polite, understanding and compassionate. Tina Hay is amazing! Everyone at Wheldon Law is absolutely lovely!"
"I would and will happily recommend your services to any person and/or organisation. Thanks to you guys my dog is safe and back home. Thank you so much."