It recently emerged that talks were ongoing relating to whether or not animal welfare inspectors in the UK should be given the power to enter private property and seize pets.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was believed to be in talks with the government and police chiefs.

New powers which would allow RSPCA inspectors to enter gardens, sheds and outhouses – without a police officer present – were being discussed, The Telegraph reported.

At the moment, inspectors have to contact the local police force and wait for an officer to arrive on the scene before they enter a private property where they believe an animal is in distress.

If RSPCA inspectors were granted the power to enter private property to seize an animal in distress, these powers would not extend to private homes. We’re interested on getting your views on whether or not you agree with the proposal?

There is currently seven inspectors and one chief inspector employed by the the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (ISCPA).

According to the ISPCA website, its inspectors’ priority during an investigation into an animal cruelty complaint is the welfare of the animal.

Once the animal is safe, the inspector can decide if an offence has been committed, it added. ISPCA inspectors can initiate a prosecution under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Under the Act, inspectors can enter any property (apart from private dwellings) without the owner’s consent – as long as they have reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence is being committed.

By law, an animal owner must give such assistance or information to an authorised officer as may reasonably be required.