Society

Society drives animal welfare standards while our relationship with animals is among those elements which underpin our cultural identity. That relationship imposes a duty on us to protect animals from exploitation and cruel use.

Society has a duty to recognise this through education and public awareness. Public opinion is critical in determining laws and standards governing the treatment of animals and in calling for effective enforcement. People and animals share living space, and are susceptible to common health risks, so good public health is dependent on the prevention of animal disease. All these factors influence and impact on our work.
 

RSPCA International and society

We work with governments, local animal welfare organisations and regional specialists to develop humane methods of animal population management and catching techniques. Inhumane practices, apart from the welfare concerns they raise, have been proved to be ineffective in addressing the underlying factors that create large stray animal populations. Moreover, effective catching methods can help to prevent the spread of disease.

We also promote animal welfare education and responsible pet ownership for the benefit of both animals and people. Our education department designs materials which show children that harming animals can have wider societal consequences. We work with partners to link animal welfare into local curriculums and to train teachers.

The development and enforcement of effective animal welfare legislation and standards underpins the relationship between animals and people in society and we actively work towards its improvement. Well-enforced legislation can prevent conflict between animals and people, by defining social parameters and the treatment of animals within them.
 

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