Animal Sanctuaries

Although animal welfare sanctuaries, rescues and rehoming centres (AWEs) undertake hugely important work, the RSPCA has been required to prosecute a number of establishments in England where serious failings in animal welfare have arisen.

As it stands, anyone can set up an AWE regardless of whether they have the skills, experience and ongoing funds needed to care for animals. AWEs can be set up without the oversight of any inspection regime or any legal requirement for strong welfare standards and contingency plans to be put in place.

Ensuring that AWEs always have enough competent staff to care for the animals as needed can be a challenge - especially as many undertake their duties on a voluntary basis. Additionally, many AWEs are entirely funded by donations from well-meaning members of the public - the majority of whom are unaware that these establishments are currently unlicensed and unregulated.