Debate on animal cruelty
EAST Runcorn and Frodsham MP Mike Amesbury MP has met RSPCA representatives and inspectors at the House Of Commons to highlight the issue of animal welfare.
Since being founded in 1824, the charity has expanded its influence across the UK and beyond, and its work encompasses pets, livestock, wildlife and animals used in research, from education and campaigning to enforcement, rescue and rehabilitation.
In 2016, the RSPCA received over 1.1m calls to its cruelty line and investigated nearly complaints of harm against animals.
Among the topics raised by the charity was its eagerness to maintain and improve animal welfare protections as the UK leaves the European Union (EU).
David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs said the charity is keen to work with politicians on ending live animal exports, reforming the Common Agricultural Policy to boost farm animal welfare and increase the quality of food labelling.
Mike said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA and the work that their inspectors do to protect animals on the ground in Weaver Vale.
“It was fantastic to meet some of their hard-working inspectors and to thank them on behalf of the animal lovers in our area for all that they do.
“I know how important animal welfare issues are to my constituents and it is an issue that I intend to take up on their behalf in this Parliament.
“I am looking forward to working with the RSPCA to ensure that animal welfare is also a key part of the Brexit debate and that the protection of the idea that animals are ● Mike Amesbury with RSPCA staff sentient beings continues to be enshrined in UK law after we leave the EU.”
Mr Bowles said: “It is always a pleasure to be able to highlight the work that our outstanding team of inspectors do day in, day out, 24 hours a day.
“Despite having limited resources the RSPCA continues to be the leading enforcement organisation for animal welfare in England and Wales, as the fact that we receive a call to our cruelty line every 27 seconds shows.
“The RSPCA has been working to improve the laws that protect animals since we were founded in 1824.”