200 Years of RSPCA's Fight for Farmed Animal Welfare

This week marks the anniversary of the Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act of 1822. Pioneered by founding RSPCA member, Richard Martin MP, it was the first animal welfare law to protect farmed animals.

The act prevented cruelty to cattle and horses in England and was the first legislation in the world aimed specifically at protecting animals. Crucially, the legislation made it an offence to “beat, abuse, or ill-treat any horse, mare, gelding, mule, ass, cattle, sheep, or other livestock”. While it faced opposition from the public, the act marked a significant step forward in recognising legal protection for animals.

Emma Slawinski, RSPCA Director of Policy & Campaigns

“Farmed animal welfare has been an integral part of our rich history over the last 200 years. It’s inspiring to think about all the changes we have seen for farmed animals over the years, from the first-ever animal welfare law to protect cattle from cruelty, right up until this year when live exports were finally banned in Great Britain after 100 years of campaigning.

This truly is a full-circle moment for the RSPCA as we celebrate 202 years since the passing of the trailblazing Cattle Act which the RSPCA was first set up to enforce. This law highlights how farmed animal welfare has been an integral part of the charity since its inception.”

Richard Martin MP

Banning Live Exports

In the two centuries since the Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act was passed, the RSPCA has campaigned hard to ensure a better deal for farmed animals in law. Today, the RSPCA is marking another milestone moment for farmed animals with the banning of live exports, which became law in May of this year and is due to come into force soon.

To celebrate the live exports ban, the RSPCA released this video, including interviews with current and former RSPCA inspectors who have witnessed livestock being transported in lorries and ferries undergoing gruelling journeys, lasting up to 100 hours in cramped and poor conditions, as they were transported abroad. Figures from Defra show up to 40 million farmed animals*, including sheep, calves and pigs, have been exported from Britain for further rearing or slaughter since the 1960s. This equates to an astonishing 13,888 a week or 82 animals every hour.

Kevin Degenhard, Former RSPCA Inspector & Special Operations Unit Officer

“I spent a lot of time at the ports witnessing the conditions the animals were kept in and as an RSPCA officer, it was extremely concerning. At that time, it was illegal to transport animals without food and water for more than 12 hours and suddenly they were often going for well over 30 hours across the Channel and beyond, often without food or water being provided.

A heartbreaking image that really sticks with me is seeing the tongues of the calves poking out of the ventilation slats desperately trying to get some moisture from the outside of the lorry if it was raining. You’ve also got to remember that the calves were only six or seven days old and used to being fed every few hours on a bottle. Then they are loaded into packed lorries for these long, arduous journeys.

I’m so pleased it’s over. It’s a real relief. And I’m so grateful to all of the campaigners, who went down to the docks and demonstrated and reported back to tell us what was really going on when we couldn’t be there.”

The landmark celebration on 15 May 2024 saw the RSPCA, Compassion In World Farming and Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) project a thank you message to all those who helped make the live exports ban happen on the White Cliffs of Dover, one of the ports from which live animals have historically been shipped.

Working Hard To Protect Farmed Animals

Live exports are not permitted on the RSPCA Assured scheme and we strongly supported the RSPCA and others in their campaign to end live exports.

The RSPCA welfare standards also have strict regulations around the maximum time and distance an animal can be transported, specifying that journey times for animals must not exceed eight hours. In fact, for some species, RSPCA welfare standards maximum journey times can be much lower.

We’re doing our bit to improve farmed animal welfare, but we need your help to do more. By eating less animal produce and opting to only buy higher welfare options when you do choose animal products, you can help us continue our mission to ensure all animals are reared to higher welfare standards. Take action by lobbying your supermarket to only sell higher welfare produce.

23 Jul 2024