National Police Chiefs' Council 

(This petition was formerly addressed to Association of Chief Police Officers)

In matters of extreme animal cruelty, the police are not permitted to insist the public revert to the RSPCA. The police have ultimate responsibility in investigating animal crime. Recommendation to contact the RSPCA is only a recommendation. It is not the law.  However, the police are insisting the public revert to the RSPCA, abdicating their responsibility and creating serious and negative social impact as a result.  

In London alone, Community Action to Reform the RSPCA, (a volunteer-run animal welfare advocacy group) have continually received information about the police declining to respond to public reports of animal crime. For example in London reports have come in from Lambeth, Hillington, Walthamstow, Dagenham and Brent with regard to dogs being beaten and starved, some so severely that their bones have ruptured their flesh. We have also received notifications of illegal hunting of domestic cats in Humberside by individuals using dogs.

These individuals have reportedly killed 50 pets and the police, when notified, have refused to investigate, claiming it is a matter for the RSPCA. In fact, there are similar incidents across England and Wales. The RSPCA will not attend in the majority cases, leaving members of the public feeling severely distressed and helpless.

The public phone the police because the RSPCA refuse to respond to cruelty reports and have further blocked the public from reporting cruelty online. There are  hundreds of instances where the public have called the RSPCA multiple times and they are ignored or the phone is put down on them. Police forces' Service Level Agreement with RSPCA is simply not working because the RSPCA refuse to hold up their end.

Of further concern, the RSPCA appear to weaponise their special agreement with police forces to harass and antagonise (elderly and vulnerable) people. The RSPCA enjoy an exempt status with regard to Freedom of Information because they are a registered charity. However, police officers and staff are public servants, paid with tax revenue. We are now asking that there is an urgent review of how police forces are working with the RSPCA and the psychological and social impact regular performance failures are having on the public. For example, people feeling desperate often take the law into their own hands whilst others have reportedly harmed themselves.

In short, we are asking you to investigate the RSPCA's performance and hold the RSPCA accountable to the provisions of their agreement with the police. If the RSPCA cannot perform, then we ask that the National Police Chiefs' Council consider an alternative arrangement with a coalition of accredited national animal welfare organisations to ensure animals are adequately protected from cruelty.

All of the above is a matter of public record if you care to research it.

Thank you.

Community Action to Reform the RSPCA