FOI request (FOIR-279291055)

We are writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the information detailed below. We are researchers at Northumbria University, School of Law, researching the effectiveness of s.10 Improvement Notices under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in the period 2015-present. We would be grateful if you could provide answers to the following questions, to assist us in our work. If possible, we would prefer this information in electronic format, but if only hard copy format is possible, please send it to the address listed above. Inspectors:- How many Inspectors are currently employed to carry out inspections under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at your local authority? - Of these, how many inspectors have received formal training for animal health and welfare and when did they receive this training? Improvement Notices: - How many s.10 Improvement Notices under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 were issued in your Council Area between 2015 to present?- Please list the different areas/animals in which the Improvement Notices were related e.g., farmed animals, zoo animals, domestic pets, etc. Please provide a number of Improvement Notices listed for each group. - Does a vet help a local authority Inspector complete a s.10 Improvement Notice on every occasion? If not, when would a vet help to complete an Improvement Notice? How many occasions in total did a vet help an Inspector complete an Improvement Notice? - How many s.10 Improvement Notices resulted in a positive change in the welfare of the animal(s) concerned, with no further action taken?- How many s.10 Improvement Notices were extended beyond the original specified time period? Of those that were extended, how long were they extended by? - How many prosecutions under s.4 and s.9 were commenced under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 as a result of a failure to comply with a s.10 Improvement Notice? If possible, please also provide which area/group of animals the prosecutions related to. Improvement Notice Templates:- Does your Council Area have a template for Inspectors to use when issuing an s.10 Improvement Notice? - What guidance do you issue to Inspectors to ensure they are complying with the requirements set out in s.10 Animal Welfare Act 2006. In relation to the above questions, we would appreciate a schedule of documents, including any Improvement Notices issued in your Council Area. Please also provide any template Improvement Notices or guidance provided to Inspectors or owners of animals to whom the Improvement Notice applies.

The remainder of the questions are not applicable.