Celebrities and Former RSPCA Board Member Speak Out Against Assured Scheme
Comedy writer Ricky Gervais, singers Moby and Bryan Adams, and actors Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margoyles, and Sadie Frost, along with former vice-chair of the RSPCA’s own board Jane Tredgett, have come together to urge the RSPCA to end its controversial Assured scheme. This scheme endorses meat products and is often seen on items such as chicken, sausages, milk, and eggs. The celebrities and experts have accused the RSPCA of misleading the public with this program.
In an open letter addressed to RSPCA’s chief executive Chris Sherwood and board chair Claire Horton, the signatories expressed their concerns about the welfare of farmed animals under the Assured scheme. They argue that the program fails to ensure the welfare of these animals and instead “welfare-washes” animal cruelty, giving the public a false impression that animals can be farmed without suffering.
The letter, signed by 170 individuals including vets, doctors, and professors, highlights the need for the RSPCA to prioritize the welfare of farmed animals, who are the largest group of animals suffering. The signatories point out that numerous investigations have uncovered shocking levels of cruelty on RSPCA Assured farms and slaughterhouses, including animals being stamped on, kicked, hit with blunt instruments, and subjected to inhumane conditions.
Mounting Pressure and Investigations
The RSPCA is facing mounting pressure over its Assured scheme, with the Advertising Standards Agency launching an investigation into adverts by the charity following complaints of misleading information. Several investigations have revealed instances of needless suffering on RSPCA Assured farms, such as workers hitting pigs and cows, as well as other forms of abuse towards the animals.
The signatories of the open letter accuse the RSPCA of hiding injuries, disease, fear, and pain suffered by animals on Assured farms. They argue that by endorsing animal cruelty, the RSPCA is eroding the public’s trust and hindering progress towards a more humane society. Even the RSPCA’s own president, Chris Packham, has spoken out against the evidence of cruelty within the Assured scheme.
The Impact on Animals and Society
The letter emphasizes the detrimental effects of farming animals on the climate, nature crises, and antibiotic resistance. Dale Vince, founder of energy company Ecotricity, criticizes the RSPCA for promoting an idealized image of farms that does not reflect the reality of animal agriculture. He describes this practice as “welfare-washing” and calls for greater transparency and accountability from the charity.
An RSPCA spokesperson defended the organization’s farmed animal-welfare standards, stating that millions of animals have benefited from these standards. The RSPCA assures that any welfare concerns on farms are taken seriously and that non-compliance with the scheme standards is unacceptable. The charity has initiated an independent review of the Assured scheme to address the concerns raised by the signatories and ensure the welfare of farmed animals.
The comprehensive review includes unannounced visits to over 200 farms participating in the scheme, with ongoing analysis to assess the findings. The RSPCA pledges to communicate the results of the review once they are available, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing animal welfare issues.
In conclusion, the call to end the RSPCA’s Assured scheme reflects a growing awareness and concern for the welfare of farmed animals and the need to hold charitable organizations accountable for their endorsements. By listening to the voices of celebrities, experts, and concerned individuals, the RSPCA has an opportunity to reassess its practices and prioritize the well-being of all animals under its care.
