Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (R.S.P.C.A)
Brenton took up a senior role with the RSPCA to assist the organisation improve its investigation and prosecution practices.
He conducted a complete review of the current practices and supported the organisation to adopt a new Prosecution Policy and investigation framework which greatly improved operational outcomes.
Brenton's in-depth legal knowledge allowed for the first successful RSPCA inter-State prosecution of animal cruelty that occurred in Western Australia (i.e., in South Australia), and led RSPCA to actively consider the prosecution of other offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA) (e.g., failure to comply with a prohibition order, obstruction of an inspector).
He delivered training to RSPCA inspectors regarding their powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA) and assisted with law reform submissions which enabled him to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Act.
Prosecutions
Brenton had responsibility for all of RSPCA's prosecutions practice in Western Australia in 2021, which included matters in regional Courts from Broome to Albany, and Courts in the Perth metropolitan area.
He prosecuted accused persons throughout Western Australia for various offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA), including animal cruelty, breach of a prohibition order etc., in the Magistrate's Court.
Civil Forfeiture
Brenton made several applications for civil forfeiture of animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA), where the relevant legal threshold was met, and conviction-based forfeiture could not be secured.
