Why I’m telling government it’s ‘time to walk the walk’ when it comes to animal welfare
When I found myself in a pub in rural Hereford quizzing the locals about the breeds of sheep I’d seen on my 10-day hike recently, I knew my attitude towards animals had changed.
Originally from Australia, I moved to Edinburgh in 2015 via the Netherlands, for post-graduate studies in trade policy, and had always considered myself an animal lover with a fair knowledge of animal welfare.
That changed when I took part in an RSPCA-commissioned Citizens' Assembly on Animal Welfare this summer, an experience that broadened my perspective on this critical issue - it was a truly eye-opening journey.
An invitation through my letterbox, sent to a representative sample of the population, combined with a friend's recommendation of a book on Dutch democracy and citizens' assemblies, sparked my interest, so I volunteered to take part. My tutors in Edinburgh had also spoken about the success of citizens' assemblies in tackling divisive issues - like reproductive rights or climate change - plus their potential as a policy development tool - so I really felt this could make a difference.
Going into the assembly, I expected to encounter people with very firm views, but compromise and deliberation were very much on the table, aided by our facilitator.
My understanding of animal welfare issues was limited to puppy farming and caged hens. Learning that many current animal welfare laws are largely based on legislation from the 1950s was shocking and made me question if they are still fit for purpose.
Hearing from the 18 experts on diverse topics, from the moral and legal status of animals to pet ownership, farming, and human impact on wild animals, was incredibly informative. This and hearing the perspectives of others in small groups, truly helped me to shape my own views.
I found it incredibly brave and courageous for a 200 year-old charity like the RSPCA to think outside the box like this. The Assembly really acknowledged they want to hear ideas from the public too. Simply, without the public, change won’t be possible.
It was inspiring to see people from all walks of life, including someone who works in an abattoir, which really challenged preconceptions, and led to some interesting discussions!
Significantly, I learned that many animal welfare laws are outdated, with the Animal Sentience Act 2022 being a notable exception, as it recognises animals as sentient beings and established a committee to consider their welfare in government policies.
It's clear that now is the time to really consider the future we want to see for all animals, and not just pets - all animals everywhere.
I hope both the RSPCA and governments will take our recommendations seriously, including a dedicated body to regulate pet ownership, in-store QR codes on meat and animal products which link to ‘cigarette-pack style’ photos of welfare, and housing development which puts wild animals at its heart.
The broad support from such a diverse group of people lends immense credibility to the recommendations. With the current UK Government having previously committed to delivering the biggest boost for animal welfare in a generation, and with Senedd elections in Wales next year, there's a real opportunity here.
The recent Animal Sentience Act was passed due to public concern and NGO pressure, following fears that Brexit would weaken animal welfare protections. Without that outcry, the government might not have legislated on animal sentience at all, so I understand more than ever that now is the time to update our legislation. From my policy background, I know the importance of sharing ideas, being innovative and considering what can be implemented.
I’m hopeful the Citizens' Assembly's recommendations will have a significant impact on animal welfare in the UK. Witnessing how a truly diverse set of individuals could come together and find common ground, and make suggestions, was inspiring and reassuring; an example of what deliberative democracy can achieve. I also feel positive about the RSPCA's Animal Futures project and its goal for animals by 2050, seeing it as a good opportunity to reframe our approach now.
I've spoken to friends and family about my experience, and my message to the public and the government is that there is broad, solid support for these recommendations.
Talking through these issues helped me feel more confident and informed and I now find myself considering animal welfare more consciously in my daily life.
To governments in the UK: these are not unreasonable asks. They are realistic, credible, and devised by people. It's time for our animal welfare laws to be updated, and for the UK to set an example for the rest of the world. It's time to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Andrew McKeown was one of 44 Assembly Members to sit on a Citizens Assembly for Animal Welfare.
