In a significant turning point for animal welfare advocacy, Chris Packham, a well-known wildlife presenter, alongside Caroline Lucas, a former Member of Parliament representing the Green Party, has officially resigned from their positions as president and vice-president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Their resignations come in the wake of serious allegations regarding animal cruelty at certain abattoirs that are approved under the RSPCA’s “Assured Scheme.” This scheme is designed to certify farms and food producers that comply with specific animal welfare standards.
The allegations were brought to light by the campaign group Animal Rising, which released disturbing footage obtained from some of the facilities. These images prompted intense public scrutiny, as the investigation revealed possible systemic issues related to animal cruelty in the certified abattoirs. The RSPCA responded firmly, stating that they take such allegations seriously and asserting that claims claiming they had not acted promptly are unfounded. Their statement emphasized that they have increased unannounced visits and are currently exploring the implementation of body-worn cameras and CCTV to enhance oversight.
Animal Rising’s investigation specifically identified four abattoirs allegedly involved in severe animal cruelty practices. They reported shocking findings, indicating that in one slaughterhouse, a staggering 85% of pigs were improperly stunned, resulting in animals remaining conscious during the slaughtering process. Moreover, evidence showed that 96% of cows were prodded with an electric goad—a practice expressly banned by the RSPCA—while 46% exhibited clear panic or escape behaviours. The inquiry also uncovered instances of verbal and physical abuse by workers, alongside horrifying scenes where animals watched in terror as their companions were killed or stunned.
Reflecting on his resignation, Chris Packham expressed his deep sorrow over the decision but emphasized that it was borne from introspection and disappointment. He acknowledged that while the RSPCA undertakes a commendable amount of work across the UK, it is burdened by the controversies surrounding its Assured Scheme. Packham described the scheme as akin to a “millstone” affecting the charity’s operations, particularly given what he termed “serious transgressions” observed at some farms and abattoirs the RSPCA has approved.
Packham articulated the emotional toll witnessing the footage of abuse took on him, stating that it was “horrific” and incredibly difficult to watch. He stated that the RSPCA had made efforts to suspend the implicated abattoirs and initiate an investigation, but he lamented that the responsiveness in bringing meaningful reform to the Assured Scheme had been inadequate despite his years of advocacy for change. He resolved that without the ability to effect change from within, he would have to pursue his efforts outside the organization.
In a similar vein, Caroline Lucas echoed Packham’s sentiments, expressing that the disturbing revelations of abuse represented the final straw for her decision to resign. She described the systemic cruelty revealed in the investigation as unbearable and criticized the RSPCA’s approach of merely suspending implicated facilities without addressing the underlying issues of the scheme itself. Lucas warned that this method not only undermined the standards of the RSPCA but could also mislead the public into thinking that cruelty was being appropriately managed.
The RSPCA, in its official response to the resignations, acknowledged the respect both individuals hold within the organization and the numerous collective achievements towards improved animal welfare. However, they clarified that they have actively undertaken urgent actions, including conducting an independent review of the standards across 200 farms that reportedly affirmed the effectiveness of their welfare improvement strategies. The charity further stated that they are committed to investing significantly in better oversight measures to enhance the welfare of farmed animals.
This collective exodus from the RSPCA by two prominent figures shines a light on the ongoing complexities of animal welfare policies and the challenges faced in enforcing humane practices within the agriculture and food industry. Their departure raises substantial questions about the future operations of the RSPCA and the broader implications for animal welfare standards in the UK.
