The future of animal welfare is in everyone's hands

With a general election on the horizon, we want to make sure that animals aren't forgotten and that commitments are made.

Sadly, 2022 has been disappointing for animals. When the UK Government turned its back on the promising Kept Animals Bill, animals paid the price.

This broken promise means we stand to lose so much including an end to live exports, a crackdown on imports of puppies and ear cropped dogs, and vital changes for primates.

The future of animals depends on us

We must take action to ensure that MPs know that animals can't be left behind.

The changes we want to see for animals

We've developed our very own manifesto, overflowing with recommendations to make the UK a kinder place for animals.

Our nine manifesto asks include

  • The phase out the use of animals in experiments
  • A high welfare food strategy
  • The UK's animal welfare standards protected in trade agreements
  • Protect wild animals
  • Licensing of animal sanctuaries, rehoming and rescue centres  
  • Restrict the use of fireworks in England
  • Improve the welfare of farm animals when slaughtered 
  • A better deal for dogs

Get our changes on the political agenda

Take action now to let your MP know that animals should remain on the political agenda.

Make your voice heard

The Government Food Strategy, released on 13 June 2022, includes the role of food labelling (see Creating a more transparent food system: 2.3.5). It covers a range of labelling options, including ‘method of production’ labelling for animal products. However, the Food Strategy only recommends further discussion on this.

It is frustrating that the sole action on labelling committed to in the Food Strategy is another consultation – and one that is not scheduled to start until 2023. The RSPCA believes this is an entirely unnecessary delay as the Government has both the ability and momentum to introduce labelling. Under the provisions of the Agriculture Act 2021, the UK Government has the power to introduce labelling schemes for all agricultural produce, including those involving animals. In September 2021, it published a call for evidence on introducing ‘method of production’ labelling for animal products in England, which received more than 1,500 responses. The Government should act on the existing consultation and begin to develop plans for implementing ‘method of production’ labelling.

If you can trust the label, you can trust your choices. The RSPCA would like to see a commitment to introducing mandatory labelling for all animal products, including processed foods and ingredients. We need your voice. Better labelling can make it easier for you to make choices that support the animals you care about – by selecting higher animal welfare products. 

Make your voice heard and help support our call for mandatory labelling by responding to the consultation. By doing so, you can encourage greater farm animal welfare and trust the label on the animal products in your shopping basket. 

If you can trust the label, you can trust your choices. #BetterLabellingBetterChoices