Local authority efforts to enforce animal welfare legislation are undermined by cost restraints, according to a report by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
A new CTSI survey has revealed that 84% of councils cite cost as the ‘primary barrier to action’ when it comes to protecting animals.
The institute warned that local authorities were ‘overwhelmed’ by spiralling costs, court backlogs, and outdated powers.
The report highlights several cases that cost councils £100,000 each and there was one case that cost £1.5m.
The CTSI called for a revision of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to allow for interim disqualification orders to be issued to pet owners accused of animal cruelty while they wait for a court hearing.
The institute also called for extra funding for councils to cover the costs of care and legal action when animals are taken into possession.
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