The RSPCA has issued a 10-point challenge to the future incoming Westminster government featuring goals to improve animal including farm animals.
As well as new and improved laws stopping live animal exports and non-stun slaughter and ending Breed Specific legislation, the RSPCA’s proposals include initiatives to protect farmers’ livelihoods and farm animal welfare standards.
RSPCA head of public affairs, David Bowles said: “Our 10-point manifesto challenges the next government to protect and improve animal welfare.”
“The RSPCA also wants UK farmers to be rewarded for investing in higher welfare farming systems, and for there to be mandatory method of production and slaughter labelling so consumers can make informed choices about the food they eat.”
Mr Bowles continued: “A future government must make sure that UK farmers are not left at a disadvantage to other producers in any existing and future trade agreements, by ensuring that all imports are consistent with our own high animal welfare standards.
“The RSPCA also wants UK farmers to be rewarded for investing in higher welfare farming systems, and for there to be mandatory method of production and slaughter labelling so consumers can make informed choices about the food they eat.”
RSPCA’s 10-point manifesto
- Higher welfare farming;
- An end to live animal exports;
- An end to Breed Specific Legislation;
- Increased sentencing for animal cruelty offences;
- Animal sentience recognised in law and an Animal Welfare Commissioner;
- High animal welfare standards in free trade agreements;
- A ban on non-stun slaughter;
- Animal welfare education in schools;
- Local authority funding; and
- An alternative evidence-based approach to stamping out bovine TB
