Council tax, potholes and bin collections. But what about animal welfare?
If you live in one of the 23 local authorities set to go to the polls, it's very possible you've had a knock at the door - or a leaflet - from someone hoping to become your next local councillor.
And in that literature, or during that doorstep chat, there's a decent chance your local candidate will have referred to the usual local election fare - potholes, council tax, or bin collections.
But it's far less likely that any of your local candidates, or political parties, will have made a pitch to you about animal welfare. Yet that does a disservice to an issue which local authorities have huge amounts of power, control and influence over.
It's a source of pride for us at the RSPCA that when people talk about improving animal welfare, they often think about us. And for more than 200 years, we've been lobbying for positive change for animals, and helping them escape cruelty and neglect in communities across the country.
But councils too have a huge - and often exclusive - role to play. There's no doubt that the 1,641 councillors elected next month - and their policies which council officers will enact - can have a seismic role in changing the lives of many pets, farm animals and wildlife. Put simply, local authorities can supercharge animal welfare.
Councils have big statutory powers with regards to animals. From providing a stray dog service, to licensing of dog breeding establishments, and the enforcement of standards, there's so much councils can do to make life better for animals.
It’s important too to remember that in many areas, it’s county councils who hold some of the biggest responsibilities for animals - especially when it comes to farm animal welfare, regulating animal sales, and prosecuting and enforcing animal welfare standards. County councils, too, are vital partners in protecting, improving and promoting animal welfare.
And the list doesn't stop there - boarding establishments for pets, regulating cat cafes and horse riding establishments all fall on a council's to-do list.
Many of the big legislative developments for animals in recent years - whether it be the compulsory microchipping of cats and dogs in England, to the third party sale of puppies and kittens, or changes in zoo licensing, are also the responsibility of councils. So while these policy announcements were often the cause of national government celebration, it's the role that councils play in implementing them that really makes a difference.
Yet service provision is disjointed. In 2022, a report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare found the local government structure can make enforcement "fragmented"; with a lack of understanding and resources a persistent problem. At that time, it found that just under one in two councils in England do not have a single animal welfare officer in place dedicated to dealing with animal welfare issues - whereas 16% have between three and five officers, and 1% have more than that. Depending on where you live, the animal welfare response can look markedly different.
Yet service provision is disjointed. In 2022, a report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare found the local government structure can make enforcement "fragmented"; with a lack of understanding and resources a persistent problem. At that time, it found that just under one in two councils in England do not have a single animal welfare officer in place dedicated to dealing with animal welfare issues - whereas 16% have between three and five officers, and 1% have more than that. Depending on where you live, the animal welfare response can look markedly different.
But a council's role doesn't stop with enforcement. From banning the giving of goldfish as pets on their land, to allowing pets in social housing, local authorities often trailblaze policies that deserve national attention.
Yet, despite this huge potential, lots of councils aren't speaking up enough about animals. New research from the RSPCA shows that while nearly eight out of ten (79%) of councillors in England rate animal welfare as an important issue - some 94% report the matter is rarely or never discussed in council meetings.
Ahead of Thursday's vote, the RSPCA is proud to have launched our 'Every Councillor for Every Kind' campaign. Sitting councillors and candidates are invited to back a pledge - and commit to promoting responsible pet ownership, raising farm standards, safeguarding natural habitats, enforcing animal welfare laws effectively, and building partnerships to create a lasting impact.
Whether it be urging councils to invest in stray dog services, serving higher welfare food products across public services, or prohibiting trail hunting on local authority land, our manifesto is packed full of ideas that political groupings and councillors can adopt. And by training dedicated animal welfare officers, leading campaigns to promote pet microchipping, and supporting pet-friendly housing, councils are best placed to enact change on so many issues.
Thankfully, many councils already do great work for animals. And for nearly two decades, the RSPCA has recognised public bodies going above and beyond statutory minimums and making communities a kinder place for animals - by handing out PawPrints awards to high achievers. But voters have a huge role to play in scrutinising what their local authorities are doing for animals too - and encouraging representatives to unleash the potential local democracies have for every kind. So, next time a prospective councillor knocks on your door looking for your vote, and you’ve covered bin collections and potholes, why not ask what they'll do for animals in your area too?
Lee Gingell is the RSPCA's public affairs manager for local government. His work is focussed on building relationships with Councils across England, and working with them in the interests of animal welfare. He also manages the charity's flagship Pawprints scheme, which recognises public bodies and politicians who go above and beyond for animals.
