For all animals

On behalf of the Scottish SPCA I would like to extend my congratulations to the Labour Party on their successful election and the formation of the new UK government. I would also like to congratulate all of Scotland’s new and returning MPs, and look forward to working with all of you throughout the next parliamentary term.

It has been encouraging to see the Labour party making a commitment to prioritising animal welfare, food security, and farming and I must stress that the hard work to see this come to fruition starts now. It is crucial that we work together to create a better and more sustainable world for all animals.?

Be under no illusion, there is an animal welfare crisis in Scotland and animals have never needed us more.? Here at the Scottish SPCA, we believe that it is the duty of everyone, including our political leaders, to work harder to stamp out the cruel, and selfish activity which is putting the health and wellbeing of all animals - domesticated, farmed and wild animals – at risk. We are urging politicians on all sides to back us in four crucial areas:

Animal Abuse - We need to connect a UK National Animal Offenders Register with international intelligence systems so that we truly make an impact when it comes to breaking the cycle of animal and human abuse.

Animal Breeding - We want to see an end to animals being bred in the UK with characteristics that impact their quality of life.

Animal Ownership – We want to see an animal ownership licensing register for anyone who has responsibility for an animal regardless of species must be established. Being responsible for an animal should be seen as a privilege.

Animals and the Environment – We want to live in a world where wildlife crime no longer exists. The restoration and regeneration of Scotland’s biodiversity across the country has been achieved.

The election of the new government presents a unique opportunity to drive positive changes for animal welfare, not only in Scotland but across the United Kingdom, and here at the Scottish SPCA, we stand ready to capitalise on this moment.

I am extending an invitation to all of our Scottish MPs to not only regularly engage with us, but to come and visit our animal care centres and see first-hand the vital work we do, or go out with one of our inspectors, animal rescue officers or community engagement teams and see the impact we have in communities across Scotland.

We look forward to engaging with the UK government and all of our elected representatives, to realise our shared goals and make meaningful progress in animal health and welfare.

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