A Citizens Assembly on the future of animal welfare has called for a ‘Community Habitat Service’ to be established – as new data reveals East London is one of England’s most wildlife supporting communities.
Plans for a Service – where members of the public in East London and beyond could be called up to restore local habitats and protect nature – is one of 15 recommendations made by the Citizens’ Assembly.
Other recommendations made include:
Teaching animal welfare in East London’s schools
Banning activities where animals are shot for sport
Recording how pets are bred, sold and looked after through a ‘Pet Life Certificate’
Placing QR codes on meat products to give consumers more knowledge about how farmed animals were reared.
The recommendation features in the new report ‘Animal Futures: Creating a better world for every animal’ – which will be unveiled at the RSPCA’s annual Wilberforce Lecture in London this evening (6 November).
East London a ‘hot spot’ for wildlife help
It comes as the RSPCA reveals volunteers on its Wildlife Friends scheme in the East London post code area have carried out 34 good deeds for wild animals so far this year – making it one of the leading localities in the country. The programme encourages people to take actions in gardens and green spaces to help wildlife.
But community-driven schemes to help wildlife could be “supercharged” following this new recommendation made by the 44-strong Citizens Assembly, which is looking at how to create a better future for every animal.
Under the plans, local authorities and environmental bodies would work with local wildlife and animal welfare groups to identify local priority areas where wildlife habitats need support – and facilitate opportunities for the public to “get stuck in”.
The Citizens’ Assembly believes a Community Habitat Service could provide an “opportunity for community cohesion and socialising”, and bring together local community groups, schools and employers. The service would also support local economies by offering training opportunities for jobseekers, with those taking part potentially eligible for volunteer accreditation.
Gemma Hope said: “We already know East London has some of England’s greatest wildlife champions – with communities showing tremendous support for the RSPCA’s Wildlife Friends initiative.
“But recommendations from this Citizens’ Assembly could supercharge wildlife protection in the area, and right across the country.
“Establishing a Community Habitat Service is one of many exciting, innovative proposals to come out of this first ever Citizens’ Assembly for Animal Welfare.
“It’s an idea that gets a big thumbs up from the RSPCA. We know nature and wildlife are at real risk of decline – but the public can play such a big role in changing that. By working with community groups and identifying opportunities to restore nature, local government and the voluntary sector can bring people together, offer life-changing opportunities and protect habitats in our local areas. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Wildlife Friends – top ten post code areas for taking out good deeds
Nottingham
41
Guildford
40
Oldham
38
Doncaster
36
Birmingham
34
East London
34
Peterborough
32
Portsmouth
25
Bristol
22
Brighton
21
The RSPCA says there is a clear appetite for people to get involved in a Community Habitat Service – with volunteers already “answering the call” for nature as part of the successful Wildlife Friends scheme – undertaking tasks such as building dead hedges, constructing bug hotels and leading litter picks.
But the charity believes a more formal Service, as recommended by the Citizens’ Assembly, could “change the game” for the nation’s embattled wildlife.
Gemma added: “We know people’s passion for wildlife is growing – and we’re proud that thousands have already been answering the call to volunteer for nature. From litter-picking, to cleaning bird feeders and creating wildlife habitats in gardens, we’ve been overwhelmed by the efforts volunteers have gone to for wildlife – but a dedicated Community Habitat Service, supported by the government, could take things to the next level, help more people get stuck in, and change the game in terms of wildlife protection.”
The Citizens’ Assembly that devised the plan is part of the RSPCA’s Animal Futures project, with Assembly Members making recommendations on the future of animal welfare after six formal meetings.
The report will be unveiled as part of the RSPCA’s Wilberforce Lecture this evening – which will include a panel discussion featuring Jane Lawton from the Earth Species Project, the RSPCA’s Director of Advocacy and Prevention Thomas Schultz-Jagow and writer, researcher and broadcaster, and RSPCA Vice President, Melanie Challenger.
Melanie said: “It’s always a privilege to speak at this event, and especially now as we will discuss some of the ideas to come out of the Citizens’ Assembly.
“Animals face enormous challenges today – from climate change to the rapid rise of transformative technology.
“That’s why citizens’ assemblies and other inclusive approaches are both necessary and worthwhile – allowing the public themselves to make their values and their desires to help animals heard, and to come up with ideas that government and the sector must take really seriously.”
Citizens’ Assemblies – a form of deliberative democracy – bring together a representative group of citizens selected at random.
Participants learn about, discuss and make recommendations on a particular issue – with notable examples across the world including discussions on reforming the electoral system in Canada, considering the future of nature in the UK, and planning how to deal with climate change in France.
RSPCA’s Animal Futures project
The RSPCA’s Animal Futures project has been encouraging the public to consider what the future may look like for animals by 2050 – and to share their own vision for a better world for animals and humans alike.
Before the Citizens’ Assembly convened, thousands of people took part in the ‘Big Conversation’, an online discussion, giving their thoughts on what steps need to be taken to protect animals in England and Wales, and beyond. The RSPCA also launched an interactive game – giving the public the chance to explore five different futures and uncover how the choices they make for animals today will influence that future.
An Animal Futures podcast, hosted by broadcaster and journalist Kate Quilton, was also launched; taking a deep dive into topics such as robot pets, alternative proteins and using artificial intelligence to talk to animals. Guests included author, ornithologist and activist Mya-Rose Craig, known as Birdgirl, and David Halpern CBE, founder of the Behavioural Insights Team, Nudge Unit.
