SHAPE LOCAL POLICY
Use RSPCA evidence, policy tools and good practice guidance to help embed animal welfare in local decisions, strategies and services.
FROM COMMITMENT TO LASTING CHANGE
Councillors can influence animal welfare far beyond the decisions made in the council chamber.
Council strategies, procurement, housing, planning, licensing, land management and partnership arrangements can all affect animals and the people who care about them.
By asking the right questions and bringing animal welfare into existing policy processes, councillors can help move their council from isolated or reactive activity towards a more consistent, preventative approach.
PRACTICAL POLICY TOOLS
Use our growing collection of briefings, policy templates, evidence and examples to support local policy development.
POLICY TEMPLATES AND FRAMEWORKS
Start with adaptable wording and practical frameworks rather than a blank page.
DATA, EVIDENCE AND BRIEFINGS
Understand the issue, the local-government context and the case for preventative action.
CASE STUDIES AND GOOD PRACTICE
See how councils, housing providers and public bodies are improving animal welfare through the PawPrints Awards.
WAYS TO INFLUENCE POLICY
Depending on your role and your council's arrangements, you could:
1. Ask the relevant cabinet member, committee or officers to review an existing policy.
2. Raise an issue through overview and scrutiny.
3. Propose animal welfare commitments for a strategy, plan or procurement framework.
4. Request an assessment of current responsibilities, services and partnerships.
5. Bring together officers, local organisations and people with lived experience.
6. Ask how progress and outcomes will be measured and reported.
Animal welfare does not always require a standalone policy. In many cases, the strongest approach is to embed clear commitments within the strategies and services that already share local life.
DEVELOPING A PROPOSAL?
Speak to us about the issue you want to address. We can help you find the relevant evidence, identify RSPCA policy positions and consider practical approaches used elsewhere.
EXPLORE ANOTHER ROUTE
DO YOU WORK FOR A COUNCIL?
Visit our dedicated area for operational guidance, professional resources and local authority good practice.