Sugarplum Furry
Well-Known Member
Just a quick question...am I right in thinking it's now not possible for the accused to get legal aid in an RSPCA case?
Just a quick question...am I right in thinking it's now not possible for the accused to get legal aid in an RSPCA case?
Pennyturner, for what its worth I think you are spot on. Of course RSPCA appologists like Moomin1 wont see it that way . If the RSPCA vanished tomorrow ,animals in this country would be no worse off. We might then also start to tackle the true causes of animal suffering.
I guess I am already.The true cause is ignorance. The RSPCA way is to prosecute ,prosecute and prosecute because its good for the funds and that keeps those at the top secure with their fat saleries.The animals have already suffered by the time the RSPCA are interested.It might come as a surprise to you that the P in RSPCA stands for prevention not Prosecution!
Me again. Cheers for your answers (didn't want to cause any arguments!). I've done some research now and it seems to be true, legal aid isn't available for defendants in RSPCA cases. I was asking for a friend who has been summonsed, this person, who's horses were seized without warning, can't afford to hire a solicitor due to spending every penny on the horse's keep through the wretched bad winter and spring , is extremely depressed and recently attempted suicide as a result. It's a lose/lose situation, no chance of fighting the RSPCA at all.
Anyone going to court has the right to be represented by a legal representative, the duty solicitor is free.
Now that really is a load of rubbish!
The 'right' to legal aid, and therefore legal representation, has just been removed from a large number of people for a wide range of cases. There will be people who are facing far more serious cases than those brought by RSPCA who cannot get legal aid.
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The problem with any case brought by the RSPCA is that their statements are relied on by the courts as carrying the weight of absolute authority on matters of animal welfare. Therefore if RSPCA state as fact something which may not always be the case(e.g. a horse needs a rug.) any counter argument made by the defendant sounds like they're in denial and guilty. There is no independence.
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and as far the RSPCA they are in a win win situation ..even when they lose a case it has no effect as they request the tax payer foots the bill for court cost "because they are a charity"