Spotlight on Head of Animals in Science, Penny Hawkins: 28 years of service

1) When did you join the RSPCA and in what capacity? Has your role changed since you started?

I joined on 25 November 1996, 3 days before my 30th birthday! (’Breathe’ by The Prodigy was number 1, and ‘Tomorrow’s World’ on prime time BBC 1 featured the latest in traffic cameras.) I was a Scientific Officer in what was then the Research Animals Department, which works to replace animal experiments wherever possible, reduce animal numbers and suffering, and improve welfare for as long as lab animal use continues. I can still remember how excited I felt to walk up the stairs in the Manor House, our former HQ. I was really happy to be promoted to Senior Scientific Officer a couple of years later, then Deputy Head, and I became Head when my predecessor Maggy Jennings retired at the beginning of 2015.

2) What has kept you at the RSPCA for all these years?

I love working for an organisation where we all share the same goals, and which aligns so closely with my personal vocation to speak up for animals and try to do something about the injustices they suffer. Scientists, animal technicians, lab animal vets, regulators and policymakers really listen to and trust the RSPCA, because of our reputation for having a solid evidence base and working constructively with all stakeholders. Since 1996 I have seen attitudes towards lab animals, and understanding of their welfare, improve significantly within the scientific community worldwide - and we have played a significant role in this. Maggy was instrumental in achieving a mandatory ethics committee (AWERB - Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body) at every lab to challenge whether and how animals are used, and I am proud to continue our work to further empower these.? I have so much respect for all my colleagues and I still feel as honoured to work for the RSPCA as I did on my first day.

3) What have been your favourite moments working here? (Can be one or more!)

Representing Eurogroup for Animals (the umbrella organisation for European animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA) on working groups advising on a major European Directive regulating animal experiments. I had opportunities to directly influence laws, and codes of practice, that would impact on the lives and welfare of millions of animals. I was often the only animal advocate present, and although it could be difficult and frustrating, I was able to have a positive influence for animals. It was a huge responsibility and privilege to be there.

4) Do you have any idea of how many animals you’ve helped through your work at the RSPCA?

Our impact is best evidenced by positive feedback from stakeholders. For example, after a user session at a university, showing people how to use our Roadmap tool to better understand lab animals’ experiences, they told us that we had really made them think - and they would embed the Roadmap in their own processes! We do have figures for the RSPCA’s priority to end ‘severe’ suffering for lab animals. The number of ‘severe’ experimental procedures has fallen from 149,917 in 2014 to 49,701 in 2023 - a decrease of 67%. This is great progress, and we’re also getting strong support for the RSPCA’s top priority of phasing out lab animal use.

5) What’s your favourite animal and why?

My favourite individual animal is our retired racing greyhound Mya (formerly known as Morrissey’s Cross). She’s excitable and clumsy (like me) and a kleptomaniac, specialising in boots and underwear (unlike me). My favourite species is the rat. They often get bad press as ‘nasty’ animals, but they are empathetic and look out for one another. I find them very sweet (speciesist, I know) and I never fail to stand up for them, inside and outside the lab.

6) What do you think is the most pressing issue for animals today?

I would have to say the climate crisis. This is already affecting the welfare of wild, farmed, companion and lab animals in unprecedented ways, and I think it’s grossly unfair that they have to pay such a price for poor human decisions.?

7) Anything else you’d like to add?

It amazes me that I have been here for 14% of the RSPCA’s existence, and for almost half my life! Working for the organisation has been truly life-changing and I hope I still have a lot to give, because I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be.

Two hundred years ago, a group of people met in a London coffee shop, determined to change animals’ lives for the better. That goal has been the beating heart of the RSPCA ever since. Find out more about our history and join our Million-Strong Movement for every kind today!