RSPCA welcomes Government Animal Action Plan

RSPCA welcomes Government Animal Action Plan

11.05.21

The RSPCA has today welcomed the Government's Action Plan for Animal Welfare and urged them to 'have courage' in delivering it.

Calves being transportedAn unprecedented coalition of 50 animal welfare charities called for the UK Government to take a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to redefine our relationship with animals through a new animal health and welfare strategy and released a green paper - "Act Now For Animals" - setting out the sector's priorities. 

Animal loving personalities including wildlife presenter Chris Packham, DJ Sara Cox, TV personality Angela Rippon, choreographer and TV presenter Arlene Phillips, actress and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna and actress Carol Royle added their support in a video. 

A real and lasting difference to animals' welfare

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA today applauded the Government's plans to take action on more than a dozen animal issues which the public care passionately about, including ending exports of live animals for fattening and slaughter, banning keeping primates as pets, tackling puppy smuggling. 

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA, said: 

These announcements could make a real and lasting difference to animals' welfare, so we're pleased the Government is committed to improving animals' lives in the UK and abroad. 

We can no longer ignore the inextricable link that exists between the way we treat animals, our own health and that of the planet - but to really achieve a step change, it will take courage from right across Government. 

We urge the Prime Minister to put animal welfare at the heart of policy making and make these announcements just the beginning of an evolving, holistic animal health and welfare strategy.

We need to create an Animal Sentience Committee

Chris added that as well as needing courage, the Government needs to create an Animal Sentience Committee with real teeth to ensure animals are considered in relevant policy making.

He added: 

Robin stuck to glue trap"An Animal Sentience Committee is crucial to the success of future legislation; it must be independent, made up of leading animal welfare experts and be able to meaningfully hold ministers to account. It must not be a token gesture.

"We are pleased the Government will be taking action on many of the top welfare issues that we know the public care passionately about and look forward to working with them to identify further opportunities to improve animal welfare."

Act Now for Animals

A new era of animal welfare campaigning is upon us

We've come together with our friends at 50 animal organisations to release a brand-new report called "Act Now For Animals". With 40 recommendations covering companion animals, wildlife and farm animals.