Ruff treatment
Devon and Cornwall Police, castigated for keeping a dog named Stella for two years without exercise, has halted an RSPCA investigation into its animal welfare practices by claiming that the review could not start until a parliamentary inquiry into animal welfare was completed.
Devon and Cornwall Police, castigated for keeping a dog named Stella for two years without exercise, has halted an RSPCA investigation into its animal welfare practices by claiming that the review could not start until a parliamentary inquiry into animal welfare was completed.
The review is set to also check on how the force exercises horses and dogs, but not humans. A spokesman for the parliamentary commission has undermined the force by responding that parliamentary inquiries do not prevent police forces conducting their own reviews or taking any other action.
It might have been a good idea to ask them first. Stellas campaign team, made up of lawyers, independent experts and former kennel staff, says that the force should hang their heads in shame.
This has been a fast-moving drama, in marked contrast to other major investigations. The poor dogs plight was revealed in February 2016, and within 24 hours petitions to save her attracted more than 10,000 signatures.
On March 1, a parliamentary inquiry into how police forces deal with seized dogs was announced. On March 4, Devon and Cornwall Police asked the RSPCA to carry out an independent assessment to run alongside Teignbridge Councils own investigation.
On April 12, Stella was exercised for the first time in two years, apparently without biting anybody, probably by a cadet (they are famously expendable). On June 23, her destruction order was rescinded, and a kennel owner applied to adopt her soon after.
Well, at this stage in these splendidly British, yet astoundingly swift, proceedings it looks as if Stella is going to be OK, but Devon and Cornwall Police might not be. It polices part of a nation famous for its dedication to animal rights, and its failures to allow the dog to get regular exercise and then defer what will be a scathing investigation are naïve at best. An abject if unfelt apology and some treats are required forthwith. Maybe South Yorkshire Police can help out with a template.
Meanwhile, the BBC has decided that Chris Evans will continue to broadcast as usual, after reports that he may be about to be questioned over historic sex assault allegations. Evans said the press were looking for a bite and the one thing you do is dont bite. He appears to have been briefed by Stella, or perhaps by her formidable team.
The BBC has taken the unusual step of accusing a well-known newspaper of printing unfounded nonsense about Chris on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. Its sustained faith in its major broadcasters is heartening.
It should also be noted that this investigation, if there is one, is a major departure from previous probes into historical sexual misconduct, as Evans is a mere 50 and his alleged misconduct occurred as recently as the 1990s. The next thing you know the authorities will be investigating offences alleged to have occurred this century, after the investigating officers were born
On the other hand, the constantly youthful Sir Cliff Richard, 75, is attempting to keep historical investigations going and has teamed up with other suspects to fight for anonymity until charge over sex offence allegations. The singer, a DJ and an MP (Sir Cliff, Paul Gambaccini and Nigel Evans) were all at sea over whether to launch legal action over their treatment.
After being lambasted by friends of Sir Edward Heath to General Lord Bramall, I somehow doubt this barking tub-full of suspects will have force lawyers quaking very much.
Yours,
Stitch
stitchley@policeprofessional.com
@SOStitchley