RSPCA Joins The Voice Of The Majority: “Do More On Animal Welfare!”
A new survey highlighting public concern for animal welfare has prompted the RSPCA to call on the Government to stop a slide in standards as neighbouring countries challenge our mantle of ‘a nation of animal lovers’.
“Defra’s own survey shows that 57% of respondents believe the Government ought to be doing more about animal welfare,” said David Bowles, RSPCA Head of External Affairs. “This follows our recent findings that 73% of people feel that for a society to be truly civilised, animal welfare must be a key priority.1
“The Government cannot just take note of public feeling: it must act to stop modern Britain sliding down the European league table when it comes to the way animals are treated.”
Many respondents in Defra’s 2007 Survey of attitudes and behaviour in relation to the environment show concern in particular for farm animal welfare – a concern the RSPCA shares.
“Over 900 million livestock are produced in the UK each year, and ensuring an acceptable quality of life for all farm animals is of key importance if we are to pride ourselves on our fabled animal welfare pedigree,” said Mr Bowles. “A good start would be to work with industry to reduce the numbers of live veal calves going to the continent.”
Likewise the RSPCA is calling on the Government to bring about an end to the use of wild animals in circuses – an issue on which other countries have already stolen the lead.
“It is high time Britain brings an end to the sight of majestic tigers jumping through hoops in the name of Big Top entertainment,” said Mr Bowles. “It is embarrassing to be lagging behind European neighbours such as Austria and Hungary in declaring this unacceptable.
“If Britain rests on its laurels with regard to animal welfare, the circus issue will not be the only European advance to overshadow us. It’s time for the Government to take a stance and put animal welfare at the heart of policy.”
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