Tag: RSPCA

Shock new research reveals 4.6million animals could be ‘victims of illegal harm’

Stuart Mitchell

A major new animal welfare research centre has been labelled as “urgently needed”, amid shocking new research which suggests as many as 4.6 million animals are being illegally harmed across Great Britain every year. The Animal Welfare Evidence Centre officially launched last month – and has published findings which demonstrate the scale of criminal harm to animals taking place across the country. For too long, data related to animals has been patchy, fragmented and only available sporadically via many different bodies – making access a time-consuming, confusing and challenging process. But four…

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Pet grief: 90% of parents want more guidance to navigate loss as stigma remains

Stuart Mitchell

More than nine out of ten parents want more guidance on how to help kids cope with pet loss. That’s according to a groundbreaking new survey for the RSPCA – which found that many parents and carers feel unprepared for the questions and emotions that follow the death of a beloved family pet. Now, as part of its ‘Not Just a Pet’ campaign, the RSPCA has launched an updated toolkit – including tips on how to prepare a child for pet loss, supporting children through grief, and helping families remember their pets after…

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RSPCA warns of welfare ‘ticking time bomb’: Fears pet owners turning to AI over vet visits

Stuart Mitchell

The use of artificial intelligence bots could be replacing “vital” trips to the vets – with symptom checking and advice on pet behaviours the most common reason pet owners turn to AI. RSPCA welfare experts are now warning pet owners that while AI large language models can be a “helpful tool” in looking after their animals – they risk being a “ticking time bomb” for animal welfare.  And the call has been backed by celebrity vet Rory Cowlam, with the CBBC presenter urging pet owners to know when their smartphone…

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Welfare groups demand action to end 20 year-old pig welfare crisis

Stuart Mitchell

The UK Government must deliver a promised consultation on pig slaughter methods, in a move which could improve the welfare of millions of pigs and end a 20 year-old welfare crisis.   That is the message from the RSPCA – who handed in a petition of more than 22,000 signatures to Downing Street in July last year, urging the UK Government to phase out high-concentration carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas for stunning and killing pigs in slaughterhouses. The RSPCA is joined by welfare organisation Compassion in World Farming, to demand that the…

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‘Emotional’ RSPCA x Alesha Dixon film lands people’s vote gong

Stuart Mitchell

An emotional RSPCA video starring Alesha Dixon and a rescue dog named Roy has scooped a major prize at the 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards.   The four-minute film – produced by the RSPCA’s in-house broadcast team – bagged the prestigious Grand Prix People’s Choice Award at an online award ceremony. In the film, British singer, dancer and RSPCA supporter Alesha is recorded watching footage on a laptop of  Staffy-cross Roy being cruelly attacked by his former owner. The footage is so distressing the RSPCA has not released it to the wider public.…

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