TV presenter Chris Packham and former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas have stepped down from their roles as president and vice-president of the RSPCA following allegations of animal cruelty at the charity's approved abattoirs. Mr Packham said on social media it was with "enormous sadness" he resigned from his position at the animal rights charity.
Ms Lucas echoed his comments, saying she left a role of more than 15 years with "huge sadness" but the charity's Assured Schemes risked "legitimising cruelty". RSPCA Assured is a scheme whereby approved farms must comply with the organisation's "stringent higher welfare standards", according to its website.
But an investigation by campaign group Animal Rising published last week alleged cruelty at "RSPCA Assured" slaughterhouses in England and Scotland, with the campaign group sharing footage of alleged mistreatment. The RSPCA said it was "taking strong steps to improve oversight of welfare", including exploring the introduction of new technology.
Mr Packham shared the news of his resignation on social media, saying: "It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. "I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty.".
Ms Lucas said on X she and Mr Packham failed to get the charity's leadership to act. Be the first to get Breaking News. Install the Sky News app for free. She posted: "With huge sadness I'm resigning as VP of the RSPCA, a role I've held with pride for over 15 years.
