The RSPCA has issued a statement in response to the recent King’s Speech, highlighting the organisation’s support for two Bills aimed at improving animal welfare.
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, expressed support for the Renters Rights Bill, which seeks to grant tenants the legal right to keep pets, barring any justifiable objections.
“We believe that the Renters Rights Bill will give tenants a legal right to have a pet, unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so – ending blanket bans that exist at present on the keeping of beloved companion animals in rental homes,” Bowles stated.
The RSPCA has long advocated for this change, arguing that it would prevent many pet owners from having to choose between housing and their pets. Additionally, it could enable more people to adopt rescue animals, offering countless pets new homes.
Tobacco & Vapes Bill: Addressing Environmental Concerns
The RSPCA also supports the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, which aims to restrict the sale of disposable vapes. Bowles highlighted the environmental hazards posed by discarded vapes.
“Discarded disposable vapes pose a threat to the environment and animals. Five million single-use e-cigarettes are thrown away every week, and many of them end up as litter in our environment, our rivers and the ocean where they can cause harm to animals and marine life,” Bowles noted.
English Devolution Bill: Local Solutions for Animal Welfare
The RSPCA is closely monitoring the English Devolution Bill, which proposes new powers for metro-mayors and combined authorities. Bowles suggested that these new powers could lead to better animal welfare policies at the local level.
“The RSPCA will be monitoring the English Devolution Bill closely as new powers for metro-mayors and combined authorities could potentially open up opportunities for improved animal welfare policies at a more local level, and local solutions to animal welfare challenges,” he explained.
Future Plans and Commitments
Bowles also also touched on the UK Government’s plans to advance various animal welfare initiatives. These include phasing out the use of animals in scientific research, ending trail hunting, tackling illegal imports of puppies and kittens, and stopping the import of dogs with cropped ears.
“This new UK Government was also elected on plans to accelerate the phasing out of the use of animals in science, to end trail hunting, tackle illegal puppy and kitten imports, and end the import of dogs with cropped ears – and we look forward to working with new Ministers to ensure these plans are brought forward as soon as possible in this Parliament,” Bowles concluded.
