The Charity Commission has today concluded that the RSPCA are acting within their charitable purposes in conducting such campaigns as opposing the badger cull and the live export of animals for slaughter. It also clarrified that farmers involved in the badger cull will not be named and shamed by the RSPCA

In its conclusion the Commission said:

“We are satisfied that it is reasonable for the RSPCA to decide that campaigning against the badger cull and live animal exports is justified in furtherance of their objectives”.

The RSPCA have reconfirmed our publicly stated and long standing view, which is shared by the Commission, that it would be wholly inappropriate for any charity to undertake or advocate actions that might lead to any such harm of individuals.

The RSPCA in a press release today went on to say "In recent months, we have made numerous public statements expressing our abhorrence at all such forms of personal intimidation. As we made clear to the Commission and are pleased again to reiterate publicly, we will not be naming and shaming any farmers or farms involved in the badger cull.
Campaigning and political activity are legitimate activities for charities


The Commission’s announcement today also confirms that campaigning and political activity are legitimate and valuable activities for charities to undertake in furtherance of their charitable purposes.


In rejecting on all counts the NFU’s complaint, the Charity Commission has satisfied itself that we are running our campaigns properly in accordance with charity law and with the Commission’s own published guidance.


Mike Tomlinson, Chair of the Council of Trustees said:

“In a week which has seen the start of the badger cull pilot, we are unsurprised that the Charity Commission has found no grounds whatsoever for the NFU’s complaint.

    
“The RSPCA only ever conducted campaigns to further the charity’s animal welfare purposes in a lawful manner.  In relation to our badger cull and live animal export campaigns, the RSPCA will continue to be a strong, loud and ethical voice for the animals with our position rooted in science and evidence unlike the government’s badger cull programme.”

NFU says farmers won't be named

Farmers involved in the badger cull will not be named and shamed by the RSPCA as a result of an investigation by the Charity Commission, following a detailed complaint made by the NFU.

The NFU raised a number of concerns with the Charity Commission about the RSPCA’s campaigns on the badger cull and its activities relating to live animal exports. The concerns included the RSPCA’s Chief Executive calling for farmers involved in the badger cull to be named and for a boycott of milk from farmers in badger cull areas.

Today, NFU President Peter Kendall said  “I am extremely grateful to the Charity Commission, who took the NFU’s complaint seriously and carried out a thorough investigation of the issues we raised. The RSPCA has now clarified its position on the naming of farmers involved with the badger cull and that it condemns personal intimidation. The RSPCA has also now confirmed that it will not call for a boycott of milk. This gives us some comfort on behalf of our farmer members.”

The Charity Commission has highlighted the need for the RSPCA’s campaigns to be subject to oversight by its trustees, who must assess the reputational risks for the animal charity of controversial campaigns.  The Charity Commission has also clarified that campaigns must be handled responsibly and with proper consideration as to whether any campaign supports or furthers the charity’s purposes.