Neil Parish MP works with RSPCA to help improve animal welfare in Devon

Tiverton and Honiton MP Neil hosted the RSPCA annual reception at the House of Commons on Tuesday 17th June. Neil Parish, who is also Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, met with RSPCA inspectors, as well as members of the police and representatives from local authorities.                                                                                                                               

A number of other animal welfare groups were also present, with the theme of the event: ‘Together we can’. Over the next parliament the RSPCA will work closely with other animal welfare groups, as well as representatives from the public and private sectors to ensure that animal welfare in the United Kingdom continues to improve.

Neil Parish will support this group of animal welfare charities in parliament in order to improve standards of animal welfare in Devon. Key RSPCA priorities for the next parliament include a ban on wild animals in circuses, which has cross-party support.

Other priorities include a review of legislation around pet dealing, which covers problems such as illegal puppy trading and the mis-selling of exotic pets. The latter problem costs the RSPCA substantial amounts each year as they are forced to care for and rehome animals that owners are no longer able to care for. Finally, the RSPCA continues to campaign for wider use of CCTV in abattoirs to ensure animals are slaughtered humanely, to the highest standards of animal welfare.

Neil Parish MP said: “I was delighted to have hosted the RSPCA’s annual reception and lend my support for their vital work. In particular I was pleased to meet some of their inspectors who do tireless work on the frontline to improve the lives of thousands of animals across the UK”.

“I will be working closely with the RSPCA throughout this parliament to help improve standards of animal welfare in Devon and across the UK.”

David Bowles, Assistant Director of Public Affairs at RSPCA, said: “We were delighted to see over 60 MPs and peers at our 2015 annual reception, including a large number of new MPs. We are keen to work closely with old and new faces alike, as we look to continue to improve the lives of animals across the UK during this parliament.

"In particular, we are calling on the Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses once and for all, as well as to review legislation around pet dealing and calling for CCTV to be installed in abattoirs.”