RSPCA reports hike in dog related cruelty calls in Caerphilly and asks for more powers

The RSPCA is calling on the Welsh Government to hand it more powers after seeing a 28% rise in dog related cruelty reports in Caerphilly alone over the past three years.

As it stands, the animal welfare charity has no formal powers. This means, if officers are called to a property where the neglect of an animal has been reported, they have no immediate power to remove that animal from distress.

The current system means the RSPCA needs to contact the police or local authority if it wishes to remove a “distressed animal”, leading to delays as a warrant is needed.

This is a huge frustration for the charity, which is often criticised for an apparent lack of inaction when, having made several visits to a property, an animal at risk remains on site.

Having called for more powers in the past, the RSPCA was given hope when former First Minister Vaughan Gething pledged in his manifesto that officers would receive “additional enforcement powers” – and to “make Wales the leader on animal welfare standards in the UK”.

Asked by Caerphilly Observer if this manifesto promise would be kept despite Mr Gething’s departure, a Welsh government spokesperson said: “The new First Minister has committed to listening to people from across Wales in the coming weeks before outlining her priorities.”

James Evans, Conservative shadow minister for rural affairs, has called on the Welsh Government to hand over more powers to the RSPCA, describing it as a “reasonable and radical step”.

These powers would include allowing inspectors to “independently acquire a warrant”, as well as have the power to enter outbuildings on private land and automatically seize and remove animals from situations that “negatively impact their welfare”.

With officers in Scotland already afforded such powers, Mr Evans said the RSPCA in Wales should be brought “in line” with its sister organisation.

Billy-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager for RSPCA Cymru, said: “Our inspectors undertake hugely important work – and we know our work helps relieve the strain on public services who would otherwise have to deal with more cases of animal cruelty.

“But statutory powers would mean we would have the tools to do this job even more efficiently, effectively and in line with public expectations.

“As it stands, our frontline rescuers are exceptionally busy – with cruelty reports to the RSPCA for dogs rising across Wales – including a 28% increase in Caerphilly between 2020 and 2023. 

“We therefore look forward to working with members of the Senedd from all parties to hopefully progress proposals in our 200th anniversary year, as we work to build a better world for every kind.”