SUPPORT A CONSTITUENT
Help your residents find the right advice, organisation or service when they contact you about an animal welfare concern.
START WITH THE TYPE OF CONCERN
Animal welfare responsibilities are shared between the RSPCA, councils, the police, government agencies, veterinary professionals and other organisations. The right route will depend on the animal, the situation, and whether urgent help is needed.
Use the options below to direct your constituent to the most appropriate source of help.
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If someone is concerned that an animal is being deliberately harmed, neglected, or is is in distress, they should use the RSPCA's dedicated reporting service. The online triage will ask about the situation and guide them towards the quickest and most appropiate action.
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For questions about caring for pets, wildlife, or other animals, use the RSPCA's trusted advice and welfare information.
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Some matters, including stray dogs, animal activities licensing, certain noise or nuisance issues, and some farm animal enforcement, may involve the local authority or another statutory body.
Use our responsibilities guide to understand who may be able to help.
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The safest and quickest response depends on the species, condition and location of the animal. Use the RSPCA's wildlife advice before approaching or attempting to move an animal.
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Responsibility can vary according to whether the concern relates to welfare on a commercial farm, transport, a livestock market, slaughter, or another issue.
HELP YOUR CONSTITUENTS PROVIDE USEFUL INFORMATION
Where it is safe and appropriate, encourage them to record:
1. The date, time and precise location of the incident or concern.
2. A clear description of the animal and what they observed.
3. Details of anyone involved, if known.
4. Details of any witnesses or vehicles.
5. Photographs or video taken safely and lawfully, where available.
They should not put themselves or anybody at risk, enter private property, or attempt to intervene in a confrontation.
WHAT THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS TEAM CAN HELP WITH
The Public Affairs team can help councillors understand responsibilities, policy questions, and wider or recurring local issues.
It cannot receive or progress reports of cruelty, dispatch an officer, provide updates on individual cases, or replace the dedicated reporting service.
If your enquiry concerns a pattern of problems, a gap in local policy, or an issue you want to raise with your council, please speak to us.
EXPLORE ANOTHER ROUTE
DO YOU WORK FOR A COUNCIL?
Visit our dedicated area for operational guidance, professional resources and local authority good practice.