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RSPCA launches ‘Big Conversation’ survey
The RSPCA is calling on 10,000 people to respond to the survey.

The survey will consider the future of animal welfare.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has launched its Animal Futures: The Big Conversation survey for 2025.

The online survey, which runs from 23 January to 21 February, invites people in England and Wales to share their views on animal welfare and the future of animal care.

RSPCA believes that animal welfare is facing numerous challenges. It says that climate change, artificial intelligence and intensive farming are each changing the role of animals in society.

To investigate how new developments will impact animal futures, RSPCA will be asking questions on four different themes.

The themes explore how we use animals, the relationship between animals and technology, the role of animal welfare for farmed animals, and animals in the wild. Key talking points include the role of technology, the potential for meat substitutes and society’s access to nature.

The welfare charity hopes that the survey will be the biggest ever conversation about animals, as it calls on more than 10,000 people to take part in the discussion.

The survey will run from 23 January to 21 February.

After the online conversation, the RSPCA will launch a second phase from 17 March until 31 March. This will involve the charity sharing initial findings with a select group, recruited to represent a variety of viewpoints.

This group will join a Citizens’ Assembly to discuss the issues affecting animal welfare, which will continue to engage with the RSPCA. The charity says that it is the first assembly of its kind to be dedicated wholly to animal welfare.

At the end of the project the RSPCA will publish a report to inform their campaigning work for the year ahead.

This is the second year of the Animal Futures project, which last year saw them envisage five future scenarios with an interactive game. This year, the RSPCA will be launching the Animal Futures podcast to explore topics in more detail.

Gemma Hope, RSPCA’s assistant director of policy, advocacy and evidence, said: “We know it takes everyone to create a better world for every animal - and this Big Conversation will look at how society uses animals; the future role of technology; farmed animals and food systems; and animals in the wild.

“And what people say will really matter. The views of the public will help shape future RSPCA policy and conversations with the UK and Welsh governments for years to come.”

The survey can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone introduced across Wales

News Story 1
 An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced across Wales.

From 30 January, all bird keepers in Wales must implement strict biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds. This includes a mandatory self-assessment checklist.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency has already introduced AIPZs in Scotland and England, with mandatory housing in some parts of England. The avian influenza interactive map reveals where restrictions are in place, with further information about Wales' AIPZ here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.