An independent review was commissioned by the RSPCA after it was criticised for spending £326,000 prosecuting the Heythrop Hunt.

• Inviting the government to formalise the charity's investigation and prosecution functions.
  
• A comprehensive review of the charity's prosecutions structure – for example the adoption of clearer guidelines and a policy statement.
  
• A re-alignment of prosecutions in certain areas such as animal sanctuary cases.
  
• More detailed guidance on relationships with the police.

The report states that the reviewer has no doubt the Heythop Hunt case was brought appropriately, but the cost was too high.

Mr Tomlinson said: “We accept the criticism that the costs of that case were much too high and have implemented lessons learned in subsequent cases.”
The charity added that the recommended review of its hunting prosecutions policy will require discussions with the police and Crown Prosecution Service.

An internal steering group has been appointed to co-ordinate the RSPCA's response to Mr Wooler's recommendations. A progress report will be published by the council in 18 months.

Steps are also being taken to improve complaints procedures.

The next stage, according to Mr Tomlinson, will be to discuss developing an improved strategy for enforcing animal welfare legislation with the government and other key bodies.

The full report has been published on the RSPCA's website: http://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/staticImages/Downloads/WoolerReviewFinalSept2014.pdf