6 June 2011

The RSPCA is leading calls for animal welfare to play an integral role in the granting of planning permission. The charity has cited the recent widespread media and public interest in large-scale farms as a reason why animal welfare should become a “material consideration” within the planning system.

RSPCA chief executive Mark Watts has written to Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to express concern that animal welfare is not currently accorded due consideration in the planning process. The letter highlights the need for welfare issues to be given more weight when considering applications that are for either farm or companion animals housing such as kennels, catteries or farms.

In a press release, the RSPCA revealed it had chosen to act now because the government is looking to amend the planning system. The charity feels this presents an opportunity to highlight the issue and help move the debate forward in a constructive way.

Mark Watts said,  “While planning departments are willing to accept comments regarding animal welfare- and where appropriate the RSPCA has submitted our concerns about specific applications - planning departments do make it clear that it is not a ‘material consideration’ and thus an application cannot be turned down on those grounds.”

Watts continued that giving greater consideration to welfare as a matter of course will not only protect animals, but ensure that all applications are handled consistently regardless of whether the application is for five dog kennels or a farming facility for 3000 cows.

The charity has said it expects such planning decisions to become more prevalent in the future, as many sectors of the farming industry could seek to expand in an attempt to remain viable.