RSPCA should rein in prosecution role, say MPs

The RSPCA should withdraw from routinely prosecuting animal welfare cases, according to MPs.

The Commons environment committee said there was a "conflict of interest" between the charity's role as a prosecutor and in investigating cases, campaigning and fundraising.

David Bowles, assistant director for external affairs at the RSPCA, told the Today programme he doesn't believe the move will improve animal welfare. He says the charity has a "92% success rate in prosecuting" when compared to Scotland where prosecutions are brought by the procurator fiscal.

Correction 4 July 2017: This page has been amended following a complaint that was upheld by the BBC's Editorial Complaints Unit.