Telegraph reports: RSPCA risks losing power to prosecute

On Saturday 1st February the Daily Telegraph published a story entitled "RSPCA risks losing power to prosecute: Independent reviewer considers stripping charity of its right to prosecute following string of controversial court cases". The story centres on the ongoing review by former HM chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service Stephen Wooler, who, the Telegraph reports, "was appointed by the RSPCA's trustees late last year to carry out a £50,000 review of its role as the major prosecutor in cases involving animal cruelty........(Mr Wooler) said he would examine the charity's approach to prosecutions, from those against fox hunts to those against elderly spinsters who cannot look after their pets." Read Christopher Hope's report in full here.