Citizens’ Assembly urges UK Government to act on animal welfare pledges

Among the recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly, which concluded in July, were a dedicated body to regulate pet ownership, welfare and breeding rules, in-store QR codes on meat and animal products which link to cigarette-pack style photos of welfare, and development which puts wild animals at its heart.

Despite current economic challenges, the outcomes of the Assembly confirm that the welfare of all animals remains a critical concern for the British public - and should be a key consideration for the UK Government.

Gemma Hope, Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence at the RSPCA, said: "The voice of the public is now clear: animal welfare is a top priority for people across the UK, so it is essential that the UK Government listens to these concerns from our Citizens' Assembly, and acts decisively to fulfil its promises.

"Despite the economic and political challenges we face as a nation, our Assembly shows that animal welfare still matters. For the public, strong protection for pets, farmed animals, animals in science and wildlife are not a 'nice to have' but should be central to our society. The UK Government needs to listen."

The calls follow this week's Labour Party Conference, which saw delegates back an animal welfare motion chosen in a priority ballot, which called on the UK Government to act on a number of animal welfare issues. The motion, moved by Cllr Stephen Barnes from Camborne and Redruth CLP, was backed by an "overwhelming" number of delegates in attendance.

The RSPCA had expressed disappointment earlier this year after a new, rapidly passed law downgraded UK standards for animal transport by permitting the two-leg catching and carrying of certain poultry, marking a disheartening step backwards for a government that had pledged 'the biggest boost for animal welfare in a generation'.

However, the RSPCA hopes the discussion at the Labour Party conference - along with the findings of its own Citizens' Assembly - will encourage the UK Government to keep animal welfare progress "on track".

Gemma added: "In its 2024 election manifesto, the Labour Party, now in Government, promised the UK would be a leader in animal welfare - but the first animal welfare law it passed in this parliament rowed back on protection for farmed chickens, and we need to see more action.

"That's why it was welcome that delegates at this week's Labour Party Conference chose to debate and backed a motion calling for action on issues such as illegal puppy farming, trail hunting, the import of hunting trophies, the use of animals in scientific testing, the import of heavily pregnant dogs and cats, the sale of animals with cropped ears, and the use of snare traps.

"We hope this, and the findings of our new Citizens' Assembly, will underline the importance people attach to animal welfare and ensure progress is kept on track." 

The Citizens' Assembly on the Future of Animal Welfare is part of the RSPCA's Animal Futures project, which launched in 2024. 

Citizens' assemblies - a form of deliberative democracy - bring together a representative group of citizens selected at random, and outcomes strongly indicate that the public wants the UK Government to prioritise animal welfare.

The Assembly - including an in-person event in Birmingham and online sessions- saw 44 Assembly Members take part in six discussion events across two months, where they also heard from 18 experts who gave talks on issues like the moral and legal status of animals, pet ownership, farming now and in the future, and the human impact on wild animals.

During the RSPCA-commissioned Assembly, participants voiced strong opinions on various animal welfare issues, advocating for enhanced protection for pets against irresponsible owners and breeders, a more compassionate farming system, and a need for government, industry, and public action on wildlife and nature protection.

Gemma added: "Many participants' views evolved throughout the assembly, leading to a more conscious consideration of animal welfare in their daily lives. Some have already begun to reduce their consumption of animal products as a direct result of their learning."

The full recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly, including a comprehensive roadmap for the future of animal welfare, will be formally announced at the RSPCA's annual Wilberforce Lecture on 6 November.

Our Animal Futures project has been encouraging the public to consider what the future may look like for animals by 2050 - and to share their own vision for a better world for animals and humans alike.

Thousands of people recently participated in an online conversation, sharing their thoughts on the steps needed to protect animals in England and Wales, and beyond.

The Citizens' Assembly process itself has been overseen by an independent advisory group and is being delivered by participation consultancy New Citizen Project.

More information on the RSPCA's Animal Futures project is available online - including an interactive game and a podcast.