Operational partnerships - Animals policy (O10)

1. Summary of changes

1.1 This policy has been reviewed in October 2024 – paragraphs 3.5 and 6.3 removed. 

2. What this policy is about

2.1 This policy is the overarching policy for direction of officers involved in dangerous dogs, animals landed unlawfully in the UK and the seizure of straying equines. Public safety and the welfare of animals are the primary concerns of this policy and related procedures.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.

3. Statement of policy

3.1. The power to seize dangerous dogs is required to protect the public from harm and ensure prosecutions are carried out effectively and proportionately as there is a national interest in all serious dog related incidents.

3.2. The protection of the UK borders is a national consideration and it is to protect the interests of the UK that requires officers to seize any type of animal landed unlawfully in the UK.

3.3. The seizure of straying equines is paramount to maintaining the safety of all road users and the welfare of the animals concerned. Officers need to exercise these powers lawfully and with appropriate partners advice including the RSPCA.

3.4. All Officers need to ensure that prosecutions for animal neglect and cruelty are justified, proportionate and ensure public safety as these incidents will be subject to public emotion and scrutiny.

4. Implications of the policy

4.1 Finance/staffing/training/other

4.1.1. Costs may be incurred for the removal and stabling of equines.

4.1.2. Costs may be incurred in the seizure and kennelling of dogs and other animals.

4.1.3. Staff need to ensure financial considerations are reviewed at all times and that costs incurred are recovered if appropriate.

4.2. Risk assessments

4.2.1. This policy has been assessed as low risk.

4.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.3.1. An EIA has been completed for this policy. This identified that this policy would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender,  disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

5. Consultation

• Human Resources
• IT Security
• Estates
• Finance
• Health and Safety
• Equality and Diversity
• Legal
• Freedom of Information

6. Monitoring and review

6.1. This policy will be monitored by the policy owner and those delegated with the responsibility for each area of business. The next scheduled review is for October 2024.

6.2. The Dog Section retain data regarding the outcomes of prosecutions, with all other data relating to the case being held on Athena. 

6.3. An oversight of the data is useful to ensure an equitable and fair application of the powers. Other agencies retain records relating to animals and this data is available from the RSPCA.

6.4. The Business Centre maintain records relating to the costs incurred by police and police staff involved in seizure, care and welfare of animals.

6.5. This policy will require regular review to ensure it remains lawful and fit for purpose. Review every year to ensure up to date legislation on the linked SOPS.

7. Other source documents

• Dangerous Dogs Act
• Animal Health Act
• Section 155 of the Highways Act

8. Security

8.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.  

9. Retention and disposal of records

9.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.