The Inspectorate handles two distinct types of investigations; those which arise during proactive inspections and those initiated by informants within the community. While the law provides an investigative framework, inspectors recognise that many situations do not rise to the level of 'illegal' although they may be woefully inadequate in terms of animal welfare. There are numerous acts that affect animals either in shops, in markets, or other surroundings that the common person may find cruel or inhumane, but do not violate the existing statutes. Within this context, the inspectors can improve the situation for the animals by persuasion and education and in the long term view these overt or neglectful activities as opportunities to build a case for more encompassing and farsighted regulations.

The hotline, e-mails, letters and media reports generate an average of 800 cases per year. While it may be assumed that the goal of these investigations is to punish offerenders and that a 0.5% prosecution rate is problematic, the opposite is true! The deterrent effect, coupled with extensive intervention and education initiatives, has seen an increased public awareness and a reduction in actual cruelty cases. Prevention of cruel acts and abuse in the first instance is the goal.

In response to a complaint each situation is evaluated to determine whether informal advice, a formal warning or legal intervention is appropriate. The inspectors strive to improve the welfare of the animal(s) during the first interaction and then follow up to ensure that the directives have been carried out.

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