RSPCA

Today, we are pleased to hear that the majority of respondents to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the licensing of animal establishments, activities, and exhibits support a phased end to greyhound racing in Wales 🙌 As well as considering the future of greyhounds, we're also delighted that proposals to regulate animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehoming centres have also received overwhelming support as such action would provide stronger protections for some of Wales' most vulnerable animals. Both of these outcomes represent a major step towards a kinder world for animals and we look forward to working with the Welsh Government, Members of the Senedd, and our sector partners to ensure the very best outcomes for animal welfare.

XL Bullies Judicial Review update 👩⚖️ The Judge has found that although the UK Government did breach their duty under the Equality Act, the decision to ban the XL Bully was not unlawful and sadly the ban will not be overturned. While we’re bitterly disappointed with this outcome, we commend the Don’t Ban Me - Licence Me group for all their hard work and for taking a stand to speak out for XL Bullies and their owners. We will continue to call for this approach to dog control to be reviewed and replaced. To make a real difference to public safety and properly protect dog welfare, we need a complex approach which is backed by robust evidence.

Marc Cooper has changed the lives of hundreds of millions of farmed animals during his 20 years at the RSPCA 🐔 Heading up our Farm Animals department, his team develops animal welfare standards which have pioneered vital improvements for farmed animals, such as slower-growing breeds of chickens, an end to barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, and CCTV in slaughterhouses. Without it, millions of animals on farms would have worse lives. Low-welfare farming is the single biggest animal welfare challenge we face, as they have very little protection, which is very poorly enforced. While 94% of people currently choose to eat animal products, the work of Marc's team is vital in driving up welfare standards as we continue to campaign for better legal protection for farmed animals. Read more about Marc's challenging but rewarding role in our latest spotlight piece 👇

Boss: Not everything is a two person job Us:

Why do people see doves as a symbol of peace but deem pigeons to be pests? They're part of the same family so the only difference is perception. Both are stunning creatures which deserve our kindness equally 💙

Four animal welfare updates you need to know this week 👩⚖ 1. Over 50 MPs attended our drop-in to support the Fireworks Bill, thanks to our supporters who emailed their MPs. The Second Reading of the Bill brought by Sarah Owen MP will take place next month. 2. Separately, MPs debated fireworks following two external e-petitions which highlighted concerns regarding animals, anti-social behaviour and the fact that they are now being used year-round rather than just for traditional celebrations. 3. Defra published its food security report revealing the public's concerns about access to healthy, affordable food. They also announced plans to release a food strategy in the new year to ensure more nutritious food which has less impact on the environment and drives economic growth. We will push for farmed animal welfare to be considered as part of the strategy. 4. The Senedd passed regulations to ban disposable vapes in Wales as of June 2025. In October, the UK Government also announced a ban on disposable vapes in England. This is great news for wildlife and the environment which can be harmed by these.

The Court of Appeal has ruled that farming animals with fast-growing genes, which can lead to severe suffering, is highly likely to be unlawful 🐔 Although the appeal case was dismissed on technical grounds, the judgment has supported our arguments. 95% of UK chickens endure a life of suffering, genetically bred to grow so rapidly they develop painful health problems and often die prematurely. This outcome is a vital step forward in protecting chickens that are born and bred to suffer, and we're proud to have backed The Humane League UK by giving evidence as part of this judicial review. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4goBSCb

POV: your manager asks if you're free for a "quick chat"

Do you have a passion for animal welfare, and want to join us on our mission to create a better world for every kind? We're looking for dedicated individuals to join our incredible team of Animal Rescue Officers! 🚐 We know it’s our people who enable us to achieve what we do. We truly believe that people from all backgrounds and identities bring fresh ideas and perspectives, helping us make an even bigger impact for animal welfare ⭐ Apply for a role here: https://bit.ly/49fNbd6

Robot pets: yay or nay? 🤔 Our Animal Futures report imagined what the world might be like in 2050, which could include robot pets - but the thought of a robot rather than the real thing is unthinkable for many animal lovers. Find out the pros and cons: https://bit.ly/4g9tUNa