Sir Brian May, Queen guitarist and long-time advocate for animal welfare, has resigned from his position as vice-president of the RSPCA due to serious concerns regarding its food certification label.
The decision follows the revelation of significant issues in farms under the RSPCA Assured scheme, raising questions about the organisation’s ability to enforce its welfare standards.
Brian May’s Resignation Announcement
Sir Brian May announced his resignation from the RSPCA via a heartfelt Instagram post. He cited ‘profound sadness’ and extensive ‘soul-searching’ behind his decision, prompted by damning evidence of poor animal welfare standards within the RSPCA Assured scheme.
In his post, May expressed disappointment in the RSPCA’s response to the allegations. He stated that the organisation had been informed of serious welfare complaints on member farms for months but found their actions inadequate, leading to his decision to step down.
Investigations and Findings
Animal welfare activists have raised alarms about the conditions on around 40 farms under the RSPCA Assured scheme. Their undercover investigations uncovered issues such as overcrowding, poor hygiene, and even instances of physical abuse of livestock by farm workers.
The RSPCA had to conduct unannounced spot checks on over 200 farms, indicating significant oversight issues. Despite higher than legal standards set by RSPCA welfare scientists, the systemic failures highlighted the need for more robust measures to ensure compliance.
Reactions from Animal Welfare Groups
Claire Palmer, director of the Animal Justice Project, welcomed Brian May’s resignation as a responsible move. She emphasized that years of investigations have shown the RSPCA Assured scheme’s systemic failures.
Animal welfare groups, alongside Palmer, have consistently called for the suspension of the scheme, urging the RSPCA to take bold and decisive action to rectify these issues.
RSPCA’s Response and Review
The RSPCA responded by acknowledging Sir Brian May’s views and understanding his decision. They praised his ongoing work on issues like the badger cull and assured the public of their commitment to animal welfare.
To address the concerns, the RSPCA launched an independent review of its Assured scheme. This involved several months of investigations, including unannounced visits to over 200 member farms. They aim to analyse the findings and take necessary actions.
Historical Context of RSPCA Assured Scheme
The RSPCA Assured scheme, originally called Freedom Food, was established 30 years ago. It covers a variety of animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, and requires farms to adhere to strict welfare standards.
Despite these standards being higher than legal requirements in the UK, recent findings have cast doubt on the effectiveness of the scheme. This has led to calls for its overhaul or even disbandment to ensure genuine animal welfare.
Comments on Chris Packham’s Role
RSPCA President Chris Packham has also called for the suspension of the Assured scheme amidst the controversy. However, he has not yet made any public comments regarding his future role within the organisation.
The BBC has reached out to Packham for a statement, but as of now, there has been no response. His stance on the scheme remains a point of focus for animal welfare advocates.
Future Actions and Expectations
The ongoing independent review by the RSPCA is expected to lead to significant changes in the Assured scheme. The organisation has committed to implementing any necessary robust actions based on the review’s findings.
Sir Brian May’s resignation has brought critical attention to the issues within the RSPCA Assured scheme. The ongoing review and expected reforms will be crucial in restoring confidence in the organisation’s commitment to animal welfare.
As the RSPCA moves forward, the key will be ensuring that stringent welfare standards are genuinely upheld, providing the necessary care and respect for farm animals.
