RSPCA urges councillors to ‘prove they are for every kind’ as they chase votes
ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITY UNVEILS LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANIFESTO AHEAD OF NEXT WEEK’S ELECTIONS
THE RSPCA is calling on local councillors to show their commitment to animal welfare ahead of next week’s elections.
With local government elections in England taking place on May 2, the animal charity has launched a new manifesto which gives existing councillors and those seeking office the chance to “prove they are for every kind”.
Councils deliver stray dog services, award licences to premises like dog breeding establishments and cat boarders, and can take action to help fly-grazed horses, increase the procurement of higher welfare food in schools, and enforce rules around animal identification, littering and allowing pets in social housing.
They also have a leadership role to play in inspiring communities to treat every animal with kindness, compassion and respect, and to use their position to positively influence and contribute to the national animal welfare debate.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA local government manager for England, said: “Local authorities can deliver so much positive change for animals, and are so well placed to help communities radically rethink their relationship with all animals.
“From licensing dog breeding to banning pets as prizes, and allowing those in social housing to keep pets, we know the decisions of councils and councillors can make such a difference.
“Not only can they take tangible local action to protect and improve animal welfare, as democratically elected officials they can also play a crucial role in leading and influencing the national animal welfare debate.”
Now, existing councillors and candidates for the upcoming election are being invited to sign a pledge and work together with the RSPCA to meet five missions for animal welfare, which are:
■ Educate, inspire, unite: advocate for animals and foster responsible pet ownership.
■ Preserve today for tomorrow: commit to wildlife and habitat protection.
■ From farm to table: advance high-welfare and sustainable food procurement.
■ Empathy in action: raise awareness and build a compassionate community.
■ Strength in unity: collaborate and work together for animal welfare.
The RSPCA is encouraging councillors to support community engagement events to promote responsible pet care, champion dogfriendly Public Space Protection Orders that don’t unfairly restrict access to local dog walking spots, and to support pets being allowed to be kept in social housing.
Councils are also being urged to protect the environment by restricting the release of sky lanterns – which can pose a threat to animals – and to reduce litter.
Lee added: “We’re proud to launch our new local government manifesto. We can achieve so much together for animal welfare.
“By signing this pledge, local representatives can commit to using their position and influence to make our communities a kinder place for every animal.”
Members of the public also have the opportunity to write to their existing local representatives asking them to sign the pledge and are urged to discuss these ideas with candidates ahead of the elections.
The call comes as the RSPCA unveils a new brand during its 200th anniversary year – urging people to carry out one million acts of kindness for animals.
Lee added: “Animals need our help more than ever. But by rallying together and showing kindness to animals, we can create a better world for all.
“The role local government plays is going to be more important than ever – and our communities have a huge role to play in urging them to act.
“As we look to build a world that is better for every kind, and with a local election on the horizon in many areas, animal welfare advocates have a chance to urge their councillors to sign the pledge and discuss these important issues with those looking for their vote.”
More information is available on the RSPCA website.
Local authorities are so well placed to help communities radically rethink their relationship with all animals
Lee Gingell