Leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, welcomed the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Emma Reynolds MP, to its London Centre last week to launch the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy.
The Secretary of State was joined by actress and presenter, Dame Joanna Lumley, and influencer and animal welfare advocate, Faye Winter, to discuss how the new Strategy aims to improve the lives of farm, wild, and companion animals across the UK.
Battersea’s Director of Operations, Lucy Hastings, and Operations Manager, Rebecca MacIver, led the guests on a tour of the London site, introducing them to several of the charity’s current residents. Two-month-old Jack Russell Terrier puppies, Carrot and Potato, stole the group’s hearts. The pair were born on site after their heavily pregnant mum arrived as a stray. Thanks to round-the-clock care from Battersea staff and their foster carer, both puppies are now thriving with loving homes already lined up.
In the Cattery, the Secretary of State and guests met with staff and volunteers to learn about the vital behind-the-scenes work of caring for and rehoming rescue cats. She was also introduced to Newt, a three-month-old black kitten who arrived as a stray and has since blossomed into a loving and playful companion thanks to Battersea's dedicated carers.
The UK has seen significant progress for animal welfare this year, following the passing of both the Renters’ Rights Act and the Animal Welfare (Imports) Act within months of each other after years of campaigning by the Battersea. However, the visit highlighted how stronger protections and clearer regulation could further reduce the number of animals entering the charity's care.
Michael Webb, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Battersea, said: “Battersea welcomes the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy. The reforms laid out in the Strategy will address some of the key issues that we as a charity have been campaigning for over many years, including regulating the rescue sector, tackling bad breeding practices and putting an end to puppy smuggling.
“There is clearly still a lot of detail to work out, and the Strategy does not claim to tackle every problem animals face. However, Battersea is hopeful that it will be the catalyst for real, lasting change and ultimately make a brighter future for animals across the country. We look forward to working alongside the Government to ensure these promises are implemented effectively and ultimately safeguard the welfare of dogs and cats.”
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Notes to editors
• At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
• In 2024 Battersea directly cared for 2,766 dogs and 2,454 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
• In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
• To find out more visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea