LABOUR’S POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER IN DERBYSHIRE’S BACKS RSPCA’S ANIMAL WELFARE CHARTER

Alan Charles the Labour Party Candidate in Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Election has backed the RSPCA’s Animal Welfare Charter and pledged that he will work with all organisations committed to improving the standards of animal welfare in Derbyshire.

The Charter calls upon Police and Crime Commissioners to:

• Develop a force-wide wildlife crime strategy; supporting and retaining wildlife officers

• Devise a dog ownership strategy; retaining dog legislation officers and working in partnership with other organisations and agencies

• Ensure the best standards of welfare for police dogs and horses, observing correct procedures as laid down in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and including animal welfare training as part of the basic courses for the equine and canine teams

• Provide the force with clear protocols and procedures for liaising and working with RSPCA inspectors in providing an effective service to local communities concerning animal welfare

• Work with and assist RSPCA Inspectors in preventing animal cruelty

• Support calls for up-dated and consolidated legalisation that provides preventative measures so that people and animals are better protected.

Alan Charles said: “These are practical, sensible and humane proposals that I am delighted to support. The Animal Welfare Act of 2006, introduced by the last Labour Government was a game changer in that it established not only that it is illegal to be cruel to an animal, but that there is a statutory obligation to ensure that the welfare needs of animals are met.

“The Act deals both with wildlife and companion animals and operates alongside wildlife legislation also introduced by Labour.

“As Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I will ensure that the current legislation is enforced; support improvements to that legislation and work with the RSPCA and other relevant organisations to develop the best training and good practice models.

“Animals enhance our communities and enrich our lives. It will be my responsibility in post to ensure that they too live a good life and are protected from pain, injury and suffering.”