Chris Packham and Caroline Lucas Resign from Honorary RSPCA Positions Over Abattoir Cruelty Claims

Vegan wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham and former Green Party MP Caroline Lucas resigned from their honorary roles as president and vice-president of the RSPCA, the UK's oldest animal welfare charity, following allegations of animal cruelty at RSPCA-approved abattoirs. The resignations came after Animal Rising released videos showing sheep, pigs, and cows being mistreated at slaughterhouses, resulting in the suspension of certification for three facilities. The report by Animal Rising exposed widespread factory farming and industrial levels of animal cruelty at RSPCA-Assured farms.

In response to the resignations, the RSPCA acknowledged Packham and Lucas's advocacy for animals but noted differing views on farmed animal welfare as the reason for their step back from their roles. This incident follows similar resignations from animal advocates due to the failure of the RSPCA-Assured scheme to protect farmed animals from cruelty.