The RSPCA should be stripped of its powers to routinely prosecute animal welfare cases, according to some MPs. The Commons environment committee said there was a “Conflict of interest” between the charity’s power to prosecute and its role in investigating cases, campaigning and fundraising.

RSPCA chief executive Jeremy Cooper rejected the MPs’ criticism.

“We are extremely proud of our near 200 years of experience investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty and our 92% success rate – which is currently a higher percentage than the CPS,” he said.