Animal Law Professional Development (ALPD), in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), has developed the seminar series How to Conduct a Good Animal Welfare Investigation.

This seminar provides the perfect opportunity for administrators, enforcement officers, and decision makers who are directly or indirectly involved with compliance and enforcement of animal welfare to get practical information based on hands-on experience regarding what makes a good animal welfare investigation. Based on the feedback from previous attendees, we are confident that you will find it informative, practical, and enjoyable:

“I would like to stress how good I think this seminar was… it made us think about the Animal Welfare Act in a practical sense and I have come away from the seminar much more aware of the Act and what I can do”
Jane Taylor, Animal Health Officer, City of York Council

 

 

How to Conduct a Good Animal Welfare Investigation 

Presenters | Topics | Dates and Location

Animal Law Professional Development (ALPD), in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), has developed the seminar series How to Conduct a Good Animal Welfare Investigation especially for employees of UK Local Authorities and Councils.

This seminar provides the perfect opportunity for administrators, enforcement officers, and decision makers who are directly or indirectly involved with compliance and enforcement of animal welfare to get practical information based on hands-on experience regarding what makes a good animal welfare investigation. Based on the feedback from previous attendees, we are confident that you will find it informative, practical, and enjoyable: 

“It is extremely useful for my position as head Animal Welfare Officer.   Well worth attending”
Linda Marshall, Senior Licensing Officer, North Lincolnshire Council

 

Your Presenters

The seminars are being co-presented by legal specialists Phil Wilson (Prosecutions Manager and RSPCA Inspector Trainer) of the RSPCA, and Ian Robertson (Specialist Animal Welfare Prosecutor and Law Lecturer) of International Animal Law. 

Phil Wilson

Chief Investigator, Prosecutions, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Phil Wilson is a Prosecutions Case Manager with the RSPCA. He has over 20 years experience in animal welfare law enforcement and holds a certificate in prosecution case management from Ilex. Phil lectures widely on enforcement, investigation and prosecution issues surrounding many aspects of animal welfare in the UK and Europe.  Phil provides support and advice within the RSPCA and to police officers, local authorities and other animal welfare organisations.

 

Ian Robertson

Prosecutor, Law Lecturer, Director of International Animal Law (IAL)

Ian Robertson is the unusual professional combination of a qualified veterinarian and a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court (NZ), who has combined his professional training and practical experience to become an internationally recognised expert on animal law. He lectures the subject of animals and the law in law schools and veterinary schools, including the School of Law in Leeds. He is the Director of International Animal Law and a government prosecutor dealing with animal welfare offences. 

 

 “Both speakers worked very well together and had detailed knowledge of the legislation. Thank you”
Helen Curry, City of York Council 

“Phil and Ian are great. Very informative and very useful. Obvious experts”.
Colin Offland, Rushcliffe Borough Council

 

Practical Topics

Topics covered will include:

• A quick review of the relevant principles and powers from the Animal Welfare Act 2006: Have you been properly appointed? And what are the powers - and obligations? - attached to your appointment?
• Defining an investigation: Assessing what defines the elements, and criteria of, a criminal investigation
• Foundational law: The legal ground rules and standards that are foundational to an investigation.
• Investigation plan: Reviews the five investigation steps which form the foundation to efficiently starting a case with a view to prosecution.
• Procedure, Recording, and Enforcement: Addresses the requirements for drafting statements, as well as attention to potential problems and common oversights. 
• Presenting evidence: Includes attention to types of evidence including the use of film evidence.
• The Power of the Debrief: How to effectively post-mortem an investigation/prosecution. 

 “Very enjoyable, learnt alot about a subject I thought I already knew reasonably well” 
Paul Dandy, Street Scene Co-ordinator, Wigan Council

 

Who Should Attend

This seminar series is for all officers directly or indirectly involved with administration and enforcement of Animal Welfare legislation, including:

• Local Authority appointed Inspectors
• Lawyers and other legal representatives
• Appointed Animal Welfare Inspectors
• Animal welfare managers and officers
• Dog wardens and rangers
• Licensing managers and officers
• Environmental managers and officers
• Local Authority Veterinarians
• Pest control managers and officers

=  all those people working in compliance and enforcement of animal welfare.  

 “Every officer involved in animal welfare must attend this seminar.”
Ibrahim Walker, Enforcement Manager, Lincoln Borough of Merton 

 “Excellent presentation and a must to go to.”
Mark Berry, Principal LHD, Stockton BC

 

Please Forward To Your Team and Colleagues

You are invited to forward this to other members of your team and colleagues within your organisation who you think might also be interested in, or professionally involved with animal welfare investigations.

 

Dates and Location

The course is now available to Local Authorities who wish to host a presention either alone or in conjunction with surrounding Boroughs. To enquire about this option please contact IAL via the contact page on this website.