Locality already one of England’s most wildlife-supporting communities
A representative from London who was part of a Citizens Assembly on the future of animal welfare has called for a ‘Community Habitat Service’ to be established – as new data shows people in the capital city are carrying out acts of kindness towards wildlife.
Andrew McKeown from London was one of 44 people who participated in the Assembly – which included six discussion events across two months. As part of their deliberations, the Assembly heard from 18 experts who gave talks on issues like moral and legal status of animals, pet ownership, farming now and in the future, and the human impact on wild animals.
Plans for a Community Habitat Service – where members of the public across London and beyond could be called up to restore local habitats and protect nature – is one of 15 recommendations now made by the Citizens’ Assembly.
Other recommendations made include:
Teaching animal welfare in 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.
Originally from Australia, Andrew moved to the Netherlands in 2015 and then to Edinburgh for post-graduate studies in trade policy. He took part in an RSPCA-commissioned Citizens’ Assembly on Animal Welfare earlier in the summer.
Andrew said: “With an ongoing interest in local wildlife, I had always considered myself an animal lover with a fair idea of what makes for good welfare.
“Before the assembly, my understanding of animal welfare issues was limited to things like puppy farming and caged hens, and based on what I’d learned 10-20 years ago. I quickly realized how much had evolved, especially with technology, industrialization, and large-scale farming. The assembly was an opportunity to reposition my understanding.”
He added: “Learning that many current animal welfare laws are largely based on legislation from the 1950s was shocking and made me question if they are still fit for purpose.”
The recommendations feature 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).
London a ‘hot spot’ for wildlife help
It comes as the RSPCA reveals volunteers on its Wildlife Friends scheme across all regions of London post have carried out 55 good deeds for wild animals so far this year. 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 a 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, Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy And Evidence at the RSPCA, said: “We already know 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
East London
34
East Central London
1
North London
9
North West London
2
South East London
4
South West London
4
West London
1
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 Ambassador, Melanie Challenger.
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.
