Last week, we received two letters from Chris Sherwood of the RSPCA. One letter addressed our investigation into C&K Meats, and the other provided updates on the findings of their ‘Independent Review’ of RSPCA Assured. Here’s what they had to say in response to our investigation and campaign work, and why it’s absolutely crucial we keep the pressure on them. 

C&K Meats Investigation

Chris Sherwood informed us that RSPCA Assured has "addressed all welfare issues at the site." As part of this, RSPCA Assured has sanctioned two unannounced visits to monitor the slaughterhouse within the next 12 months. Sherwood went on to suggest that we’re both after the same thing: “seismic systematic change.” Yet, he fails to recognise that the RSPCA approach is, in fact, hindering this change.

Sherwood elaborated:

“We all know that farmed animal welfare isn't good enough. We also want to see a radical reduction in the number of animals farmed and a significant reduction in meat consumption […] We know we need to do more, which is why RSPCA Assured continually drives up standards and why we launched an independent review of the Assured scheme. Change is slow, but it makes a difference to animals now.”

While Sherwood’s response offers some constructive points, it also exposes the scheme's deeper issues and their inability to change. In one sentence, he admits, “animal welfare isn’t good enough,” but in the next, boasts that the scheme “drives up standards” in welfare. This contradiction is telling. By his own admission, welfare is not good enough. Yet, he remains committed to it. Transformative change is desperately needed to improve the lives of animals. That means no more welfare schemes with our collective focus shifting to animal rights.

The RSPCA needs to take a bolder stance and work toward phasing out animal agriculture instead of continuing to endorse it. While they mention a "significant reduction" in meat consumption, we’ve seen no major steps toward making that vision a reality in their strategies. By stamping their logo onto the dead bodies of animals, they are actively promoting the farming, transportation and slaughter of millions of animals every year, which is not something one would associate with “seismic systematic change”.

Independent Review

In his video statement, and in a private letter sent to us, Chris Sherwood shared that the ‘Independent Review’ found that “the Scheme is operating effectively to provide assurance that animal welfare standards are being met across members.” From this, he concludes that the scheme is effective at protecting animals. Yet, our investigations into RSPCA Assured farms continue to reveal a very different story.

Sherwood added in the letter to us:

“Your work against the RSPCA is a distraction from the critical issues facing animals. We are not going to step back from RSPCA Assured and its vital work improving the lives of millions of animals.”

Here, he missed the mark entirely. Time and time again, our investigations have exposed the failures of RSPCA Assured. Whether that’s our exposé of an assured hatchery, multiple ‘free-range’ egg farms, pig transportation, and more. Yet, instead of addressing these shortcomings, Sherwood claims our work is a “distraction” from real issues facing animals. We ask this, Chris: have you actually visited an RSPCA Assured farm and seen the reality for yourself? We still have nightmares about the ones we visited. 

What’s Next?

We’re not stepping back either. The animals on RSPCA Assured farms deserve our unwavering efforts, just like those on non-Assured farms. Every animal deserves protection and a few centimetres of extra space will never justify their deaths. The RSPCA must also step up and join us in promoting a vegan future if they want system change. Our movement is united in this mission, and we will continue to press forward, revealing the truth to the British public and advocating for a rights based approach. 

As always,

For the animals!