Local Government Manifesto: A Local Voice for Every Animal
We are delighted to introduce our new Manifesto for Local Government - A Local Voice for Animals. Comprising five crucial missions, our manifesto aims to empower and motivate local authorities and councillors to champion animal welfare. Through concerted advocacy, collaboration and educational efforts, we aspire to create a world where every animal is respected and treated with kindness and compassion.
Our ask is simple: endorse our manifesto, advance the missions, and be a voice for every animal in your local community.
Our Five Missions for Animal Welfare
Educate, inspire, unite: advocating for animals and fostering responsible pet ownership
Preserving today for tomorrow: a commitment to wildlife and habitat protection
From farm to table: advancing high-welfare and sustainable food procurement
Empathy in action: raising awareness and building a compassionate community
Strength in unity: collaborating and working together for animal welfare
There's no time to waste. We know we can't stop animal cruelty and neglect alone. We must work together to create a world where every animal is respected and treated with kindness and compassion.
Take the pledge today, together we can make a difference.
1) Educate, inspire, unite: advocating for animals and fostering responsible pet ownership
I am dedicated to fostering responsible pet ownership as a cornerstone of my commitment to animal welfare. Through community engagement events, I aim to educate and inspire my local community to become responsible and compassionate pet owners. My advocacy extends to ensuring my council has a robust and sustainable programme for managing stray dogs and championing dog-friendly Public Space Protection Orders.
I pledge to work towards pet-friendly social housing policies, ensuring pets are recognised as important companions and welcomed where appropriate. Together, these form my mission to advocate for animals and cultivate a local community where responsible pet ownership is not only encouraged but embedded in our shared values.
2) Preserving today for tomorrow: a commitment to wildlife protection
I am committed to protecting our wildlife and their natural habitats. I pledge to ban sky lanterns and the use of flying rings on council-owned land, including beaches, and take a stand against potential harm to animals, habitats and our environment. I am dedicated to preserving wildlife habitats and natural green spaces and ensuring their protection.
I pledge to work with Keep Britain Tidy and ensure my council uses all the tools at its disposal to reduce the impact of litter. I oppose inhuman wildlife and pest control and advocate for animal-friendly measures to protect animal welfare and maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
3) From farm to table: advancing high-welfare and sustainable food procurement
I am committed to ensuring that my council's procurement of food and catering services upholds high animal welfare standards in its approach. This commitment extends across the Council's procurement policies, food plans, and health and wellbeing strategies. I pledge to actively engage in partnerships with other local authorities and relevant organisations to advocate for and promote the adoption of high-welfare food.
I commit to endorsing planning applications prioritising high-welfare farming, and safeguarding the welfare of farmed animals within our food supply chain. My advocacy extends to promoting a shift away from intensive farming practices, advocating for sustainability, and championing ethical treatment of animals in the agricultural sector.
4) Empathy in action: building a compassionate community
I am committed to actively raising awareness and providing support for animal welfare causes, acting as a dedicated advocate for animals. I champion impactful campaigns which are dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of leaving dogs in hot cars, taking them on hot walks and shedding light on critical issues related to pets and other animals.
My advocacy extends to promoting responsible firework use, prioritising the welfare of both animals and vulnerable people. I pledge to uphold ethical standards by advocating for banning using pets as prizes at fairs and events on council-owned land. Taken together, through these pledges I am to foster a community that values animals, respecting them and treating them with kindness and compassion.
5) Strength in unity: working together for animal welfare
I am committed to cultivating collaborative partnerships for a unified approach to animal welfare. I pledge to endorse the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare's 2021 report ("Improving the Effectiveness of Animal Welfare Enforcement") and ensure my council has access to dedicated animal welfare officers.
I aspire to lead the establishment of local and regional animal welfare forums, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and serving as platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint policy development. Through these efforts, my mission is to forge robust partnerships, working collectively to make a positive impact on animal welfare.
Further contact details
We welcome further engagement and discussion on the principles and objectives outlined in this manifesto. Your feedback, questions, and collaboration are essential in advancing animal welfare.
To connect with us, please find our contact information below:
E: lee.gingell@rspca.org.uk | politicalaffairs@rspca.org.uk
W: politicalanimal.rspca.org.uk | www.rspca.org.uk
X: @RSPCA_PATeam | @RSPCAofficial
Feel free to reach out to us via any of these channels. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to create a world where every animal is respected and treated with kindness and compassion.