Welfare-compliant animal handling with evidence that stands up
When you’re running possession orders, enforcement actions, or utility warrants, animals on site add risk and complexity.
ACO supplies trained handlers to enable safe access so your clients can complete their work safely and your case bundle has the records it needs.
How we support legal teams
We fit around your litigation timeline and disclosure requirements, keeping the process clear and auditable.
- Attendance on scheduled operations (warrants, repossessions, re-entry, void checks)
- Safe containment/removal of dogs (and other pets) so officers, engineers and trades can proceed
- Abandoned pet handling: assessment, veterinary checks, secure transport, and temporary kennelling/cattery with chain-of-custody
- Reports for court/complaints: attendance log, welfare notes, redacted photos, and outcomes
- Coordination with bailiffs, locksmiths, utilities and councils to keep one version of the truth
This results in fewer aborted visits, fewer injuries, and a document trail your clients can rely on.
Typical instructions we take
- Warrant/possession day where animals are present or likely present
- Utility warrant access with dog risk and owner non-cooperation
- Void/clearance where pets are discovered after entry
- Sensitive properties (multi-animal households, suspected neglect, or high-risk addresses)
- Multi-address programs requiring planned handler coverage and consistent reporting
On-site approach
- Brief with the enforcement lead: scope, risks, sequencing, contractors
- Risk & welfare check at the door; de-escalation and handling plan
- Containment using appropriate equipment only (toys, treats, slip leads, pole catch if required, secure crate)
- Safe work zone created so officers/engineers can enter and complete works
- Handover: animals secured on site or transported/placed via vetted partners
- Report & exit: time-stamped notes, redacted photos where appropriate, chain-of-custody if animals moved
Documentation you receive
- Attendance record (date/time, address, named handler)
- Welfare observations and actions taken
- Photographic log (redacted to instruction/policy)
- Chain-of-custody for any animal transport/placement
- Concise summary suitable for court bundles, complaints, or internal audit
Governance, standards & assurance
- Animal Welfare Act 2006 aligned handling; minimal-force, welfare-first methods
- DBS or SIA checked handlers; PPE and insurance in place
- Data handling: proportionate capture, redaction, and secure transfer; retention on request
- Multi-agency working: comfortable operating alongside bailiffs, utilities, councils and police
What we don’t do
- We’re not the statutory dog warden/stray service
- We don’t provide legal advice or determine enforcement strategy
- We don’t hold animals long-term; we arrange short-term placement and rehoming if required.