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<p>Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, local authorities, the Animal & Plant Health
Agency and the police all have powers of entry to inspect complaints of suspected
animal cruelty and take out prosecutions where necessary. Local authorities must be
able to make decisions based on local needs and resource priorities and the arrangements
that work best for them. It is for local authorities to determine how to prioritise
their resources. We do not hold data centrally on the number of inspectors appointed
under the Act.</p><p> </p><p>Local authorities will often work in close partnership
with others, such as the RSPCA, to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 allows anyone to be able to investigate allegations of
animal neglect and if necessary take forward a prosecution and it is on this basis
that the RSPCA have been enforcing animal welfare legislation in this country. Although
they have no specific powers under the 2006 Act, the RSPCA do investigate allegations
of cruelty and successfully prosecute 800 to 1,000 people each year.</p><p> </p>
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