Chris Packham and Caroline Lucas Resign from RSPCA Leadership
“I believe the charity has lost sight of its mandate to protect all animals from cruelty and suffering. After years of raising concerns about salmon farming and tirelessly pushing for reform within the Assured Schemes, I’ve seen no meaningful change. With the irrefutable evidence of abuse uncovered, I must prioritise my love for animals above all else and step down immediately. ”
Chris Packham
“The recent horrific revelations of abuse at RSPCA-approved slaughterhouses, filmed undercover by Animal Rising, were the final straw for me. The systemic cruelty exposed was unbearable to witness. While the RSPCA’s response was to suspend the implicated facilities and launch yet another investigation, they failed to confront the deeper flaws of the scheme itself. This approach not only fails to uphold their own standards but also risks misleading the public and legitimising cruelty." - Caroline Lucas
We have monumental news to share. Following Animal Rising’s investigations into RSPCA Assured farms and slaughterhouses, both Chris Packham, the RSPCA’s President, and Caroline Lucas, its Vice President, have resigned from their positions.​
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Their resignations follow similar action by Queen’s Brian May, a former Vice President of the RSPCA, who stepped down earlier this year. Public figures like Ricky Gervais, Joanna Lumley, Bryan Adams, Moby, and over 60 animal organisations have also called for the RSPCA to abandon its harmful Assured Scheme.
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These departures highlight an urgent issue: influential advocates for animals can no longer support an organisation that perpetuates harm through misleading welfare labels. How many more voices will it take before the RSPCA commits to meaningful reform?
This moment underscores the power of investigations, collaboration, and individuals standing up for what is right. As we look ahead to 2025, we have bold plans to continue our work for animals—and your support is crucial in making that possible. Investigations like these are resource-intensive, but they drive real change.
Please consider starting a monthly donation today to help us continue our fight for a better future for all animals. Together, we can make it happen.​ Read the Times article here
For 30 years, the RSPCA, the world's oldest and largest animal charity, has used its trusted name to endorse animal products through the RSPCA Assured scheme (formerly Freedom Food). This scheme promotes a false, idyllic image of happy animals living on well-cared-for farms. In reality, the UK's most trusted animal charity is misleading the public and legitimising the industry.
This report is the second in a series and builds on our findings from 37 randomly selected RSPCA Assured farms, which uncovered widespread factory farming and industrial levels of animal cruelty. Part 2 of our investigations focuses on RSPCA Assured slaughterhouses.
RSPCA Assured farms
RSPCA Assured slaughterhouses
This year we put everything we had into exposing the lies and cruelty of the RSPCA. The cost of this massive exposé was approximately £150,000. Because of its press-sensitive nature we have not been able to fundraise until now. We urgently need your support to help us keep our heads above the water so we can keep doing our vital work.
CAMPAIGNS
PLANT-BASED COUNCILS
A volunteer-driven campaign urging UK councils to combat the climate crisis by promoting plant-based eating and adopting 100% plant-based internal catering. By transitioning to a plant-based food system, we can free up land for rewilding, reduce greenhouse gasses, and restore natural habitats.
This campaign empowers communities to take action locally, encouraging councils to lead by example and inspire others to make plant-based changes for a sustainable future.
PLANT-BASED UNIVERSITIES
A student-led campaign supported by Animal Rising that calls for universities to switch to 100% plant-based catering in order to address the climate and nature crises.
Universities hold significant influence in shaping ethical and sustainable practices, and their shift to plant-based menus sets a powerful example for governments and institutions to take meaningful climate action.
VEGANS SUPPORT THE FARMERS
This project seeks to build allyship between vegans and farmers, challenging the media narrative that pits them against each other. Our goal is to collaboratively address issues in our food and farming systems while advocating for a fully plant-based future. However, we are committed to ensuring a just and sustainable transition for farmers, recognizing the needs of rural communities and rejecting any changes that perpetuate injustice toward them.
ANIMAL TESTING ON TRIAL
In December 2022, Animal Rising supporters rescued 18 beagle puppies from Marshall BioResources (MBR) Acres, a facility that breeds around 2,000 dogs annually for testing, and has previously come under fire for welfare breaches (with recorded fly infestations, unhygienic buildings, lack of bedding, and dogs without access to outdoor spaces or enrichment).
Now, 18 people face charges and up to 10 years in prison. This trial challenges the legitimacy of animal testing in the UK, potentially setting a precedent for its abolition. With rising opposition to outdated testing methods, this case could mark a significant shift. We need your support.
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