Welsh schoolchildren debate animal welfare responsibility
The schools gathered at the National Assembly for Wales to debate who is responsible for animal welfare.
Schoolchildren across Wales have been putting the spotlight on animal welfare as part of the fourth RSPCA Cymru Great Debate.
Ysgol Plasmawr (Cardiff), Pembroke School (Pembrokeshire), Builth Wells High (Powys), Cardiff High (Cardiff), Ysgol Bryn Tawe (Swansea) and Ysgol Rhydywaun (Rhondda Cynon Taf) all took part in the event, which took place at the National Assembly for Wales on Friday (22 June).
The schools debated which agency or group should have responsibility for animal welfare, weighing up whether the general public, the Welsh government, vets, local authorities, the RSPCA or the police are ultimately responsible for keeping animals safe and well.
The day featured an RSPCA quiz hosted by celebrity supporter Matt Lissack and a tour of the Senedd. RSPCA chief inspector Elaine Spence also fielded questions from pupils about the work of RSPCA officers on the frontline.
“The debate gives schoolchildren hands-on experience of the National Assembly for Wales and allows them to research and explore animal welfare in a building where so many decisions for our fellow creatures are made in Wales,” said RSPCA education, training and development adviser Rebecca Dunning.
"It truly is an amazing day - and the schools in attendance embraced all the opportunities on offer - from debating to acting as journalists, experiencing Wales' democracy, quizzing a senior RSPCA officer and meeting celebrity DJ Matt Lissack."
The schoolchildren took part in a vote at the event, asking if they felt animal welfare should feature on the school curriculum, and – if so – from what age. All 38 pupils taking part felt the topic should be taught to pupils in schools.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
