If the RSPCA are to keep investigative powers, (something I'm not really convinced is good) then they need properly regulated. It's an essential safety check to ensure that the investigating body then doesn't decide on whether a prosecution goes ahead. The police (in practice and for anything other than minor matters) had the power of deciding on prosecuting removed decades ago and this is now decided by the CPS.
Of course the CPS are by no means perfect, but there definitely needs to be this independent check in the system. Maybe then we won't get prosecutions where the evidence just isn't there and we won't get prosecutions for politically motivated reasons.
Heard a spokesman on the radio from the RSPCA yesterday. He said that they don't abuse any powers to prosecute and any decision isn't influenced by their policies. Righto.
He also said that all they're doing is the same as anybody else can do if they take out a private prosecution, or indeed the BBC who prosecute people for not getting a TV licence.
Well it's not the same as a private prosecution because the RSPCA isn't a private individual. Yes, bodies such as the BBC do prosecute you for not having a licence, but it's hardly the same thing. You've either got a licence or you haven't. Not much leeway there to push political agendas.
Heard a spokesman on the radio from the RSPCA yesterday. He said that they don't abuse any powers to prosecute and any decision isn't influenced by their policies. Righto.
He also said that all they're doing is the same as anybody else can do if they take out a private prosecution, or indeed the BBC who prosecute people for not getting a TV licence.
Well it's not the same as a private prosecution because the RSPCA isn't a private individual. Yes, bodies such as the BBC do prosecute you for not having a licence, but it's hardly the same thing. You've either got a licence or you haven't. Not much leeway there to push political agendas.
Isn`t the Charities Commission their regulator?As an alternative, I propose that we set up a new regulator that can fine or prosecute charities that overstep the mark. And appoint the Countryside Alliance as the regulator. On the proviso that they promise not to abuse any powers to prosecute and any decision isn't influenced by their policies. Presumably, by the same logic, the RSPCA would be happy with that.
Isn`t the Charities Commission their regulator?