animal offenders register (aor)
Read our full policy proposal for the Animal Offenders Register HERE
our proposal
Verify Humanity proposes the creation of an official Animal Offenders Register (AOR). This would keep a record of individuals convicted, cautioned, reprimanded or warned of wildlife, and all animal-related offences
oUTCOME
When linked with a DBS check, the AOR would prevent those convicted of cruelty or wildlife offences from regaining access to activities involving animals. The background-checking mechanism would provide relevant organisations with a searchable system that would quietly flag concerns and act as a preventative safeguard.
EASE OF USE
This solution to animal crime offers the government an easy-to-integrate system, as similar systems already exist - the child sex-offenders register and DBS. It says on our policy that "The AOR could be integrated into existing data-sharing frameworks, used for safeguarding, ensuring checks remain proportionate and administratively light."
IMPACT ON HUNTING
This will stop those with a proven record of animal cruelty in Trail Hunting from regaining access to Drag and Clean Boot hunts. This could include positions such as the Master of the hounds, the Hunt Secretary and even riders who join a Hunt.
The AOR could also be used to verify applicants seeking land-use permission for hunts.
The establishment of the AOR will incentivise individuals in Drag and Clean Boot hunts to act within the law, as a potential ban could be a greater deterrent than fines.
It will also aid Drag and Clean Boot hunts, councils, and the police in enforcing the law.