RSPCA urges councillors to sign pledge
The RSPCA is asking councillors to commit to five missions.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has urged prospective and existing local councillors to sign a pledge to protect animal welfare.
The pledge comes ahead of local elections in 107 areas, taking place on 2 May, as the RSPCA says councillors and local authorities could play a significant role in animal welfare.
As part of the pledge, the RSPCA is asking councillors to commit to five missions for animal welfare.
Firstly, they will pledge to ‘educate, inspire and unite’ their communities on animal welfare. As well as advocating for animal welfare, this will also mean educating those who care for animals on responsible pet ownership.
The second mission will see councillors ‘preserve today for tomorrow’, through a commitment to wildlife and habitat protection.
Councillors are also asked to support animal welfare in the food procurement process, including ensuring high-welfare and sustainable procurement ‘from farm to table’.
The fourth mission asks councillors to encourage empathy for animal welfare through their actions. They will be encouraged to raise awareness and build compassion in their local community.
Finally the animal welfare charity is calling for a culture of ‘strength in unity’, with all councillors and local authorities working together for animal welfare.
The responsibilities of local councils link them closely to animal welfare issues. This includes licensing dog breeding establishments and cat boarders, helping fly-grazed horses and stray dog services.
However, the RSPCA says the councillors will also have a responsibility to inspire local communities to consider animal welfare, and to use their position to influence the national debate.
It is asking that councillors support dog-friendly Public Space Protection Orders, as well as allowing pets in social housing.
Members of the public are invited to write to existing councillors to ask them to sign the pledge, and to start conversations with new candidates ahead of the election.
Lee Gingell, RSPCA local government manager for England, said: "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.
"That's why we're proud to launch our new local government manifesto - and to invite existing and prospective Councillors to sign a pledge to prove they are for every kind, and make a clear commitment to animal welfare.”
The pledge for local councillors can be found here. For a template to write to your local councillor, visit the RSPCA website.
Image © Shutterstock
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
