North Tyneside Council considers up to £5k fines for animal welfare abusers
Animal welfare offenders could face fines of up to £5,000 in North Tyneside, pending approval from council bosses.
North Tyneside Council bosses have been asked to approve the use of fines for animal health and welfare breaches, which could cost offenders thousands. According to council documents, such fines can provide a “middle ground” enforcement, which is between existing measures, e.g statutory notices, and prosecution in court.
These prospective fines can only be issued if it believed beyond a reasonable doubt an offence has been committed, the same as in a criminal court. The exact amount issued would depend on the seriousness of the offence, the duration, action taken to remedy harm, among others.
The fines have received support from several animal organisations, ranging from The British Horse Society and the Association of Dog Boarders (ADB).
The ADB stated within the report: “Penalty notices can be a valuable tool to promote animal welfare in North Tyneside. By implementing them with clear guidelines, proper training, a focus on education alongside enforcement, and a commitment to addressing unlicensed pet care operations, the council can achieve positive outcomes for animal welfare in the borough.”
However, The Dogs Trust stated that while the fines “may be an effective tool for minor, first-time offences”, in cases where there is a pattern of malpractice or where an animal’s welfare is “compromised”, prosecution should be pursued instead.
The council’s report also states that the money generated from the fines will be paid in the ‘Consolidated fund’, the government’s Bank of England general bank account. The report stipulated: “Revenue raising is never the objective of the enforcement of the law”.
North Tyneside Council’s cabinet is expected to decide on the proposals next Monday at the local authority’s cobalt HQ.