RSPCA’s new podcast launched with a robot pets discussion on Wednesday (5 February) with Kate Quilton being the host.

The charity's 'Animal Futures’ podcast will take a deep dive into the future of animal welfare - and explore how the decisions society makes today will affect the future  of pets, wildlife and farm animals.

Guests include David Halpern MBE, President Emeritus of the Behavioural Insights Team; Melanie Challenger, bioethicist, and author of ‘How to be Animal’, and environmentalist and author Dr Mya-Rose Craig. 

Other guests will include experts in alternative proteins, robot pets, nature and AI communication with animals.

The podcast explores everything related to animal futures - from our relationship with nature to whether robot pets could ever replace the real thing and if we’re ready to eat lab-grown meat.

Other topics will also include the legal status of animals in society, and how artificial intelligence could pave the way for humans to be able to talk directly to our pets.

Its launch comes as the RSPCA hopes thousands of people will take part in its Animal Futures: the Big Conversation, by having their say on the future they want to see for animals - and humans.

The podcast host - RSPCA Ambassador, journalist and broadcaster Kate Quilton - is best known for presenting a number of series on Channel 4, most notably Food Unwrapped since 2012. She has also presented programmes about improving diet, food inflation, meat production and the risks of chlorinated chicken.

 Kate said: “It has been fascinating to explore what the future might hold for animals - and us. I’ve spoken to leading experts in their field about everything from robot pets and alternative proteins, to the value of nature in our lives, and what it might mean if we can eventually use artificial intelligence to speak with animals.

“What is clear from the conversations that I’ve had is that we’re at a crucial moment for animal welfare and the choices we make today could change their futures and ours - for good or bad. Anyone inspired by what they hear can have their say on the future of animals, by joining Animal Futures: the Big Conversation online."

The guests on the inaugural episode will discuss the ethics and viability of robot pets - and whether these really could be a replacement for the real thing.

Ted Fischer is CEO of Ageless Innovation; a company which produces robot pets for people of all ageless; while Dr Leanne Proops is Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour & Welfare at the University of Portsmouth, and has undertaken research into whether children prefer interacting with a real animal or robot pets.

The opening episode followed a shock new polling from the RSPCA, which found 26% of people would consider getting a robot pet - with millennials (aged 25-34) the most likely at 42% to welcome one into their home.

New episodes will then land on February 12, February 19, March 19, March 26 and April 3.

The podcast will be available on all major platforms - including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon and YouTube, with audio and video available.

The podcast is part of the RSPCA's Animal Futures project - looking at what the future may hold for animals, and considering how the decisions we take now will influence the lives of animals for decades to come.

Earlier this year, the charity launched an immersive game, which set out five possible future scenarios for pets, farm animals and wildlife, which explore the impact issues like climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence, and intensive farming will have on our relationship with animals.

Now the charity wants to get the nation talking about animal welfare and is calling on everyone to take part in Animal Futures: the Big Conversation.