LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANIMAL WELFARE SURVEY 2026
Animal welfare is a growing priority for communities - and for councillors.
Our 2026 Local Government Animal Welfare Survey, based on responses from over 500 councillors in England, provides one of the most comprehensive insights into how animal welfare is understood, prioritised and acted on at a local level.
The findings are clear: there is strong political support, but a significant opportunity to turn that into consistent local action.
KEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE
STRONG POLITICAL SUPPORT EXISTS: 70% of councillors rank animal welfare as a priority, with consistent backing across political parties and leadership roles.
PROGRESS IS LIMITED: While most councils are delivering baseline activity, only 7% have formal frameworks such as an Animal Welfare Charter.
COMMUNITY CONCERN IS DRIVING THE AGENDA: Issues like wildlife protection, cruelty and fireworks dominate - reflecting strong public visibility and concern.
PREVENTION HAS BROAD BACKING: Councillors strongly support early intervention, responsible ownership and preventative approaches.
THE GAP IS STRUCTURAL, NOT POLITICAL: There is a willingness to act - but limited frameworks, tools and pathways to translate this into policy.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The survey highlights a clear shift in how animal welfare is understood.
It is no longer seen as a standalone or specialist issue, but as part of wider community wellbeing, public safety and local leadership.
However, this shift is not yet consistently reflected in how councils operate. In many areas:
- Animal welfare is not embedded within strategic plans
- Action depends on individual champions rather than systems
- Prevention is underutilised despite strong support
This creates a clear opportunity to move from reactive activity to structured, preventative and strategic delivery.
FROM SUPPORT TO ACTION
Councillors are ready to act, but action is most likely where there are clear, practical pathways.
The strongest support is for:
- Adopting Animal Welfare Charters
- Proposing council motions
- Embedding animal welfare into existing strategies and plans
These are proven mechanisms that translate ambition into tangible local change.
WHY PREVENTION MATTERS
The findings reinforce a critical insight: prevention is the most effective and sustainable approach to improving animal welfare.
Focusing on early intervention and responsible ownership:
- Reduces long-term demand on enforcement and rescue services
- Supports better outcomes for animals and communities
- Delivers more cost-effective, long-term impact
This is not just good for animal welfare, it is good public policy.
WHAT COUNCILLORS NEED
There is a strong demand for practical support to enable action: almost nine in ten councillors (88%) said they would benefit from additional guidance.
Priority areas include:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Training and guidance
- Case studies and best practice
- Policy templates and tools
Councillors are not just supportive, they are actively seeking solutions.
TAKE ACTION
There is a clear opportunity to strengthen animal welfare at a local level.
Councillors can take the next step by:
- Pledge support for the RSPCA Local Government Animal Welfare Manifesto
- Raising animal welfare within council priorities
- Adopting an Animal Welfare Charter
- Supporting council motions and policy development
- Focusing on prevention and early intervention
If you work in local government or you're a member of the public, speak to your councillors and encourage them to act; if you have local elections this year, ask candidates where they stand.
HOW THE RSPCA CAN SUPPORT YOU
We are working with councillors and local authorities across England to drive meaningful change.
We offer a range of resources and support, including:
- Practical policy tools, including charters and model motions
- Guidance, training and best practice resources
- Campaign materials and local engagement support
- Recognition and opportunities to connect with other councillors and local authorities through our PawPrints Awards scheme
ABOUT THE SURVEY
The survey was sent to over 14,000 councillors across England, with more than 500 responses. It provides a snapshot of how animal welfare is viewed and delivered in local government.
FINAL THOUGHT
The mandate is clear. The opportunity is real.
Animal welfare already has strong, cross-party political support - the next step is turning that support into consistent, practical action across every council.
Contact Us
Want to talk through how you can support animal welfare? We're here to help.
Lee Gingell: lee.gingell@rspca.org.uk
Public Affairs team: politicalaffairs@rspca.org.uk
Twitter/X: @RSPCA_PATeam | @RSPCAofficial