Animal Welfare and Animal Protection Law - A Practitioner's Guide

This is an essential guide for all those who practise, wish to practise or are involved in areas relating to animal welfare and protection law. Covering the essential legal frameworks and the practicalities of funding cases this title provides invaluable assistance to those both bringing and defending animal welfare and animal protection cases in criminal courts and adjacent civil proceedings in the Crown Court and magistrates courts. It explains the background to the development of Animal Welfare Law in both civil and criminal cases providing practical guidance and advice. Topics covered include the practical considerations of prosecuting and defending cases in relation to dangerous dogs as well as tail docking, animal suffering and environmental issues. Attention is given to wildlife protection, including poaching, and Section 20 Animal Welfare Act applications, a particularly busy area for both the RSPCA and Local Authorities. Areas related to animal activism such as burglary, theft, aggravated trespass, lawful excuse cases including issues relating to the new legislation re animal theft are given in depth examination as is Animal Licensing specifically areas relating to boarding and breeding licence breaches. How to fund cases whether prosecuting or defending is covered in detail, from the use of expert witnesses to how to apply for legal aid and recovery of costs in successful cases. It also explains how to apply in publicly funded cases and what obstacles can be faced. This is the only guide of its kind covering the main areas where practitioners are approached for assistance making it a must have book for all those involved in animal welfare and protection.