Animal Welfare - Who Does What
This advice on reporting different animal related issues is reproduced from the publication by Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, RSPCA and Local Government Association.
Introduction
A wide range of different organisations respond to calls from members of the public about different animal welfare problems and it can be very confusing to know who to report different problems to. This includes the police, local authorities, the RSPCA and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), but also includes social landlords and council teams whose primary responsibilities are not animal issues (such as social services). Different bodies have different responsibilities and some have statutory powers to be able to take action. To ensure the best course of action is taken for an individual animal it is important that the right agency is contacted in the first instance.
Issue
Concerned about how a pet animal is being cared for or treated but do not think it is actually suffering. Report this to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Try and provide as much information as possible.
An animal emergency, for example an animal has been left in a vehicle on a warm day, or where an animal is being beaten there and then, or other situations where urgent assistance is needed. Contact the police on 999 for urgent assistance. The RSPCA can assist but due to limited resources may not be able to attend as quickly as needed or have the statutory powers to assist the animal.
Other cruelty situation where an animal has been cruelly treated, had its tail docked or has been poisoned but urgent assistance is not needed. Contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
The police may be able to assist with this too.
Concerns about animal fighting. Contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.Derbyshire Police may be able to assist with this also.
Dog Related Complaints
Dog owners have a range of specific responsibilities under various pieces of legislation. These range from clearing up after their dog has been to the toilet through to preventing their dog from straying and keeping their dog under control so that it does not pose a risk to the public or other animals.
Issue
If you see an owner of a dog not clear up after them when out for a walk. Information on how to report this is given on the Council's Dog Fouling page
If you find a stray dog or believe your dog has gone missing. Information on how to report this is given on the Council's Stray Dogs page Neither the police nor the RSPCA have responsibility for this.
If you are concerned about the behaviour of a dog or have been involved in an incident where you were attacked by a dog. You should report any incidents of where a dog is posing a risk to public safety to Derbyshire police. You should report any incident where a dog attacks another animal to Derbyshire police.
If you are concerned that a dog may be a prohibited type, such as. a pit bull terrier. If you are concerned about such a dog you should report this to Derbyshire police in the first instance as they have specially trained officers called Dog Legislation Officers who can assist.
If you are concerned that puppies or other pet animals are being imported illegally. You should report this to Derbyshire County Council Animal Health team.
If you are arrested by the police and taken into custody and you have an animal at home or elsewhere. If you are taken to court and there is a likelihood that you may be sent to prison. If you have no family or friends who can care for your pet you should let the police know this is the case. The police are obliged to take responsibility for prisoner’s property. It is essential you discuss the care of your pet with family and/or friends beforehand to identify someone who can care for your pet. There are no other bodies who can assist you with this.
If you or someone you know is taken into hospital and have a pet. See if there are any friends or family who can assist otherwise contact Derbyshire County Council Social Services department and ask for their help.
You can no longer keep your pet. If you cannot find a responsible family member or friend to take on your pet who can take care of the animal properly then contact a responsible re-homing organisation in your area to see advice and see if they can help you. If you cannot find a re-homing centre to take your pet then you should discuss the possibility of euthanasia of your pet with a vet. If you decide to have your pet put to sleep no one other than a vet should do this.
Other animals and issues
Horses are becoming an increasing problem whether they have been left to fly-graze on local authority land or are tethered by a roadside. Additionally some animals can escape or stray onto roads. This can be anything from wildlife through to livestock and horses as well as dogs. This can pose a serious danger for the animals as well as those people and vehicles on the road concerned.
Wildlife legislation is a complex area. As a general principle, it is an offence to take or kill wild birds. Some other animals are also protected (e.g. badgers, great-crested newts, basking sharks). It is also illegal to use certain methods to trap and kill any wild animal (gin and pole traps, self-locking snares). For further information, please visit rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/wildlife/laws
Issue
You are concerned about the health and welfare of farm livestock.. You should report your concerns to Derbyshire County Council Animal Health team in the first instance. The RSPCA may also be a further point to report such concerns.
You see an animal on a road or highway. If an animal is on a major road or highway then report this to the police or National Highways. If an animal is on a minor road then report this to Derbyshire police.
You find an injured animal beside the road. If you find an injured animal beside the road you should report this to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
You are concerned about a horse being illegally fly-grazed on council owned land. You should report this to Erewash Borough Council
You are concerned about the welfare of some horses you have seen. If you are concerned about the welfare of a horse please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
You have found a sick or injured wild animal or bird. If you find an injured or sick wild animal you should report this to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. You may be asked if you can assist by taking the animal to your local vet.
You are concerned someone is illegally trapping or killing wild animals or birds. If you are concerned about wild animals being killed or trapped illegally or inhumanely, or non-target animals being trapped/killed, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and/or the police (who have specially trained wildlife officers). If you think animals are being trapped or released without the necessary licences, contact Natural England.
You suspect endangered species are being illegally sold or displayed. Please contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) or the police.
You think non-native species, such as grey squirrels, are being kept without the necessary licence. Contact Natural England.
You are concerned about wild animals in a circus. You should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) who have a statutory responsibility to licence all circuses with wild animals in them.
You may also want to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
You are concerned about a licensed animal establishment or activity, for example, a dog boarding establishment or the keeping of a dangerous wild animal.
Please see go to the Animal Welfare Licensed Premises Complaints page for information
If you have any concerns about the welfare of animals in such establishments you can also report this to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Any concerns about the welfare of performing animals in a live event should be reported to the RSPCA ’s Performing Animal Hotline on 0300 123 8787. Concerns about animals used in broadcast productions should be reported to the broadcaster and OFCOM.
You have found dead farm livestock. You should report this to Derbyshire County Council Animal Health team
You have hit an animal, for example a dog or horse, whilst driving along a motorway or other public road and killed it. You must report it to the police or National Highways in the first instance. The relevant local authority will remove the animal