Council candidates across England have been urged to ‘prioritise animal welfare’ and ensure the cost-of-living crisis doesn't have catastrophic consequences for the nation's pets.

The call comes as the RSPCA launches its new local government manifesto ahead of the elections in England on May 4.

Local government plays a key role in animal welfare, and the RSPCA works closely with councils on issues such as enforcement, licensing, kennelling, stray dog provision, and more.

Across large parts of England, on 4 May, more than 8,000 local government seats will be contested within 230 council areas, with the thousands of politicians elected at the ballot box in a unique position to transform the lives of animals.

RSPCA officers are seeing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the frontline with more people abandoning animals, more animals coming into the charity's care, and rehoming slowing as financial pressures bite.

The election comes at a busy time for RSPCA officers on the frontline. In 2022, the charity investigated and closed 63,563 complaints of alleged cruelty across England and Wales – a whopping increase of 23.4% on the previous year; and problems continue in 2023. 

In February alone, 1,324 incidents of animal abandonment were reported to the animal rescue charity - compared to 1,226 for the same month last year, a rise of eight percent - with cost of living pressures believed to be a major factor.

Lee Gingell, the RSPCA’s public affairs manager for local government, said: “Local authorities are responsible for enforcing many animal welfare laws, and stand with us on the frontline for animals.

“Sadly, levels of animal neglect remain very high - and the cost of living crisis is the single biggest challenge for animal welfare right now. Ahead of the elections in May, pet owners and their animals across England face such a tough time.

“But new Councils and Councillors elected in May will be in a unique position to transform the lives of animals. 

“From promoting resources like the RSPCA cost of living hub to residents to protecting the welfare of pets of people who are hospitalised, and prioritising support packages that keep pets in their homes with loving owners during the crisis, there’s so much we hope local authorities will do in these unprecedented times.

“The RSPCA manifesto –  ‘A local voice for animals’ – urges political parties and candidates to support a number of policies ahead of the election, including those aimed at:

• Improving animal welfare enforcement
• Protecting the vulnerable when they need help – and their pets
• Stopping exploiting animals for our entertainment
• Celebrating local authorities who go above and beyond