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- End cruelty
- Change the law
Changing the law
Since our creation in 1824 we have worked to protect animals by using the law and where necessary called for legislative change to provide better protection. We engage with governments, institutions and public bodies and advise on key animal welfare issues or concerns. In particular, we encourage the development of new policies and laws that improve the welfare of animals.
As part of this, we provide information on important issues and campaigns so that our supporters can contact their elected representatives, for example, councillors, Assembly Members, MPs, MEPs, etc and make their points heard.
Making a difference in animal welfare
All our information, advice and campaigns are evidence-based, whether it is from our experienced legal and scientific teams or from our front-line teams working on a daily basis to improve animal welfare.
We work with all politicians and legal political parties in a non-party political way to secure improvements for animals. By working with politicians and decision-makers at a range of different levels we can make a real difference.
Whether it is changing policies or securing new legislation, taking part in the democratic process is vital to ensuring decision-makers are made aware of concerns about animal welfare.
What Brexit puts at risk for animal welfare
- 80 percent of current animal welfare legislation comes from EU law (with over 40 animal welfare laws).
- EU animal welfare laws cover four key areas - there are 17 laws relevant to farm animals, 11 laws for wildlife, eight laws covering animals used in research, and four laws about companion animals
- Now that we've agreed on five trade agreements, there's a possibility that new trade agreements will be made with countries that have lower animal welfare standards.
- For example, the USA gives growth hormones to their cows, still uses conventional battery cages (in most states), doesn't have species-specific slaughter regulations and still uses sow stalls in most pig production.
What we want to see for animal welfare post Brexit
Now we've left the European Union we want to see the UK and Welsh Governments put animal welfare at the forefront in legislation and trade negotiations.
We'd like to ensure the following is maintained or improved upon:
- Keeping our new laws, such as puppy imports, ending live exports, and enabling new ones such as food labelling and stopping fur imports
For further information on these issues, please read our briefing on core standards.
You can find a more detailed summary of animal welfare laws in the UK before and after Brexit in Brexit - getting the best for animals
Support our work
Make a real difference to animals and get involved with our campaigns.
If you are an elected representative (or work for one) please see our separate resource for politicians and their staff at politicalanimal.rspca.org.uk
