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RSPCA launches manifesto ahead of local government elections
The manifesto includes a proposal for localised bans on the giving of pets as prizes.

The charity urges potential councillors to prioritise animal welfare.

Ahead of England’s council elections in May, the RSPCA has launched its local government manifesto, and urges potential councillors to prioritise animal welfare. The election will see more than 8,000 seats contested within 230 council areas.

The RSPCA works closely with local councils on issues such as enforcement, licensing, kennelling and stray dog provision. The charity wants to gain the support of the council candidates to ensure that the nation’s pets are not adversely affected by the cost of living crisis.

The manifesto includes information for councils so that they can take action locally to protect and promote animal welfare. It encourages them to share details of the RSPCA’s cost of living hub that offers advice and resources to pet owners, and to prioritise support packages that keep pets in their homes during the crisis.

It encourages councils to work with the charity to stop the exploitation of animals, and includes proposals for localised bans on the giving of pets as prizes, and banning the release of sky lanterns on council-owned land. It also calls on the Government to introduce new legislation on the sale and use of fireworks.

In February, the RSPCA received 1,324 reports of animal abandonment, compared to 1,226 in February 2022. This represents a rise of eight per cent. It also investigated and closed over 63,000 complaints of alleged cruelty across England and Wales in 2022. This represents a rise of over 23 per cent compared with 2021.

Lee Gingell, the RSPCA’s public affairs manager for local government, said: “Sadly, levels of animal neglect remain very high - and the cost of living crisis is the single biggest challenge for animal welfare right now. Ahead of the elections in May, pet owners and their animals across England face such a tough time.

“But new Councils and Councillors elected in May will be in a unique position to transform the lives of animals.

“We know new Councils elected in May will have to make some really difficult decisions.

“But protecting funding of animal welfare services will be so important in keeping animals safe, upholding local standards and preventing criminality."

The RSPCA's manifesto can be read online.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.