Memorandum submitted by Endangered Dogs
Defence and Rescue Ltd (EDDR)
Clause 15 and "persons authorised to perform
the functions of a prosecutor"
We do not feel that the RSPCA should act as
a prosecuting authority, they are not trained to the same high
standards as the police and this duty would be an extra burden
on their resources. We do not feel it appropriate for any registered
charity supported by public donations to be expected to act as
law enforcers in this way.
If the RSPCA are to become a law enforcement
agency—how can they continue with their many varied campaigns
aimed to politically influence towards changes in the law? We
feel that those upholding the law should be impartial rather than
politically involved in campaigning for alterations to the law,
there could be a conflict of interests which may unfairly influence
decisions taken.
Clause 31: Destruction of fighting animals
136 (1) "where the court requires to be
satisfied that the animal is a danger to public safety and orders
destruction of the animal".
We feel that the animal should not be determined
to be a "danger to public safety" based on or influenced
by it's appearance eg, breed or type and that evidence as to the
animals behaviour from an independent source and one specialised
and qualified in the field of animal behaviour, be taken fully
into account before a decision is made as to whether the animal
is a danger to public safety. The detained animal if found not
be a danger to the public, should be neutered and given the option
of placement into an animal sanctuary with a "non destruction
policy".
The EDDR welcomes the proposal to licence/register
Animal Sanctuaries and agrees that smaller sanctuaries should
be given the opportunity to register with a one off fee.
24 August 2004
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