UK Govt must ‘prioritise and lead’ for animals as Westminster set for RSPCA debate

Ruth Jones MP to lead debate for RSPCA’s milestone 200th birthday

The new UK Government will today (Wednesday 9 October) be urged to “prioritise and lead on” animal welfare – as the 200-year history of the RSPCA is celebrated at a Parliamentary debate in Westminster Hall.

Member of Parliament Ruth Jones will today lead the debate, which falls during the 200th anniversary year of the world’s oldest animal welfare charity, and will explore the seismic progress that has been made for animals over the last two centuries.

The Newport West and Islwyn MP says the animal welfare charity “inspired a movement” and now wants UK nations to “go further” to improve animal welfare.

The RSPCA was founded in a London coffee shop in 1824 – and, since that day, has worked with Parliamentarians from across the political divide to change more than 400 laws for animals.

However, the RSPCA is also warning that the biggest challenges for animal welfare are still to come – with climate change, the cost of living crisis, demographic changes and the loss of natural habitats leaving the future for animals “at a crossroads”.

The charity is now calling on a new Animal Action Plan from the UK Government to be brought forward, and for it to prioritise policies including consulting on an end to cages for farm animals, tackling puppy imports, and a transition away from animal experiments.

Ahead of the debate, Ruth Jones MP said: “The RSPCA inspired a movement and drove us to become the nation of animal lovers we are today.

“I am honoured to be leading a Westminster Hall debate to mark their 200th year and champion animal welfare in Parliament.

“We must go further to make Britain the best it can be for our animals and I would ask every pet owner and animal lover to play their part.”

When the RSPCA was formed – thanks in part to parliamentarians William Wilberforce and Richard Martin – the country was very different. It was only nine years after the Battle of Waterloo, and just 17 years after slavery was abolished. Pets were uncommon, bear and bull baiting was common, and Parliament Square contained one of the most notorious dog fighting pits in the country.

Since then, the RSPCA has successfully championed changes such as the prohibition of cruelty to dogs in 1835, the first comprehensive all-animal protection legislation in 1911, and the Animal Welfare Act in 2006, which set out to prevent unnecessary suffering and embedded an animals’ five welfare needs into law.

Further improvements in recent years saw the recognition of animal sentience into Westminster law in 2021, and a ten-fold increase in the maximum prison sentences for the perpetrators of the worst animal abuse the same year.

The charity’s new Animal Kindness Index suggests 85% of people believe animal welfare should be protected by government legislation.

Harriet Main, from the RSPCA’s public affairs team, said: “We are so grateful to Ruth Jones MP for bringing this debate forward.

“It’s a hugely proud moment for the RSPCA in our 200th anniversary year to be the subject of a debate that will celebrate the last two centuries, and how far we’ve come for animals.

“Society has made seismic strides for animals since 1824. Together, we’ve been changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives. And now for millions of people, pets are now members of our families – and, in so many ways, their status in our communities, and in society, have been transformed.

“And yet we know the future for animals remains at a crossroads. Intensive farming, climate change, war and the cost of living crisis post countless risks to animals; so it’s vital the new UK Government prioritises and takes a lead on animal welfare, so we can continue to create a better and kinder world for every kind.”

During the debate, Ruth is expected to say: “There is clearly more work to do in legislating for improvements in animal welfare, and as legislators and the UK Government, we should do everything we can to ensure the UK is the best in the world for animal welfare.”

The RSPCA recently launched its new Animal Futures report – including an immersive online game that encourages the public to consider how the world may look for animals by 2050, and how their own decisions can influence that outcome.

It is hoped the future publication of the new UK Government’s Animal Action Plan will be the next step in creating that better world for animals.

Harriet added: “There’s still so much we need to achieve for animals – and as we confront these challenges, we hope the new UK Government will be proactive and ambitious towards our fellow living creatures.

“From consolidating complex wildlife laws, to consulting on an end to cages for farm animals, and tackling puppy imports, there’s so much for animals in this new administration’s in-tray.

“Banning dangerous electronic shock collars on cats and dogs, and ending the use of snares – which have both already happened in Wales – would be a huge step forward, too.

“And there’s policies this new UK Government can champion that can have a real global impact too. From transitioning away from the use of animal experiments, to a new food strategy that promotes higher welfare, and protecting UK animal welfare in trade agreements, it’s vital that animal welfare is a priority for this new government – both for animals, and all of humankind.”

During its 200th anniversary year, the RSPCA is aiming to inspire a one million strong movement to work together and improve animals’ lives.

Ruth Jones’ debate – entitled ‘Government support for the RSPCA’ – will take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am on Wednesday (9 October).