Any legal eagles here?

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MadasaFerret

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If you had reported an horrific case of cruelty through neglect to the RSPCA, how long would you expect the investigating officer to take to actually lodge the papers with the prosecution service, or whoever they get lodged with?

How long have they got before they run out of time?

What can be done to make sure something is done to take the abusive owner to court if the RSPCA do nothing?
 
I think that just like with any kind of prosecution, cases can take months if not years to get to court. Evidence has to be gathered etc. which can take ages. Veterinary reports need to be put forward, along with any other evidence being used in a prosectution - if it actually goes that far.

If the RSPCA don't take action you could bring a private case I suppose..........

What are the details?
 
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I would go through the ILPH - they seem to be more pro-active than the RSPCA...

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I was just about to say exactly the same thing.
I have little faith in the RSPCA, and would definitely go through the ILPH...
 
LOL, I just came back to this thread, as I suddenly wondered if it was horse related, so was going to add to my post, and saw yours.
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I think this is an 'either way' matter meaning that it can be dealt with by Magistrates or Crown Court so that the 6 month limitation would not apply, although of course they are still under a duty to investigate expediently. When I have worked cases with them we have been into Court within a matter of months, but there is all kinds of due process that has to take place before a trial so I suggest you ask them for a progress report. In some cases they will simply give what they call an 'adult warning' and my understanding is that they will give up to three of these before prosecution in all except the most serious cases.
 
The watcher is correct about time limits, magistrates time limit is officially 6 months to CHARGE someone with an offence but there are ways round this. It depends what the person is charged withas to which court it ends up being heard in. Things take a while to come to court as the Crown Prosecution Service is seriously overstretched!
I work on the other side, criminal defence!!!!
 
Well don't you dare go defending this partucular person, they are not worthy of anyone standing up in their defense!
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It is horse related, and it's not the first time he has starved horses to death, or near death. He has had more than one warning from the RSPCA. He has had more than one visit from the police too.

If I phone up the investigation officer RSPCA, that is, all I get is a mind your own business, response. I am one of their "expert" witnesses. I know all the vets involved have done reports and they have been submitted. He has pictures, he has my statment plus many others who helped in the horses' rescue.
 
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