TURN YOUR SUPPORT FOR ANIMAL WELFARE INTO ACTION
Our latest survey shows strong cross-party support for animal welfare among councillors, with many recognising its importance to their communities.
The RSPCA's Local Government Manifesto builds on this by setting out practical, achievable ways councils and councillors can go further.
Pledging your support is a simple first step towards turning that support into action.
Councillors care about animal welfare. Now is the time to act.
Animal welfare matters to local communities, and it matters to councillors too.
Our 2026 Political Sentiment Survey shows strong cross-party support for animal welfare among councillors across the country.
But support alone does not always lead to consistent local action. Councils play an important role through their statutory duties, wider policy influence, and local leadership.
That is why we have launched our Local Government Manifesto: to provide a practical route forward for councillors who want to strengthen animal welfare in their local communities.
A simple first step for councillors.
Pledging your support for the manifesto is a quick way to show that animal welfare matters to you and the community you represent.
Pledging is simple, non-binding, and a first step towards stronger local action.
Councillors who pledge will be better placed to access practical resources, policy tools, and future opportunities to take this work further locally.
Can't access the form? You can still pledge by emailing Lee Gingell at lee.gingell@rspca.org.uk.
Please include your name, council, and confirmation that you pledge your support.
Five missions for kinder communities
The manifesto sets out five practical missions to help councils improve outcomes for animals and the people who care about them.
1. Protect Pets and Promote Responsible Ownership
Support responsible pet ownership, strengthen animal licensing and enforcement, and help keep people and pets together through local policy and services.
2. Raise Welfare Standards for Farm Animals
Use procurement, leadership and influence to support higher welfare standards and more compassionate food systems.
3. Safeguard Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Protect wild animals through ethical land management, safer public spaces and better local decision-making.
4. Enforce Animal Welfare Laws Effectively
Support effective, proportionate enforcement and joined-up responses to animal welfare concerns.
5. Build Partnerships for Lasting Impact
Work with partners, communities and campaigners to drive sustainable local progress for animals and people.
What happens after you pledge?
Pledging your support does not commit you to immediate policy action. It is a first step.
If you choose to go further, the RSPCA can support you with:
- Practical guidance and best practice resources,
- Model motions and policy tools
- An Animal Welfare Charter and strategic roadmap
- Opportunities to connect with other councillors working on animal welfare
Explore the evidence.
Want to see what councillors are saying about animal welfare?
Show your support for kinder communities.
Animal welfare has strong support in local government. Pledging your support for the manifesto is a simple way to help turn that support into action.
Struggling to access the pledge form?
Can't access the form? You can still pledge by emailing Lee Gingell at lee.gingell@rspca.org.uk.
Please include your name, council, and confirmation that you pledge your support.
Want to chat to us?
Want to talk through your next steps? We're here to help.
Lee Gingell: lee.gingell@rspca.org.uk
Public Affairs team: politicalaffairs@rspca.org.uk
Twitter/X: @RSPCA_PATeam | @RSPCAofficial