RSPCA infiltrated by extremists
7 June 2001
RSPCA ‘infiltrated by extremists’
By Jeremy Hunt
CONCERN is growing that the RSPCA has been infiltrated by extremists who want the organisation to toughen its stance against farmers.
Candidates standing for election to the RSPCA council have branded farmers cruel and greedy, and called for a tightening of welfare legislation.
The candidates for the council, which shapes RSPCA policy, severely criticised the society for not being tough enough with farmers.
They have demanded more stringent welfare codes covering livestock produced under the Freedom Food system.
The most bitter attack on farmers was made by Jacqueline Denham, a business adviser from St Austell, Cornwall.
Her manifesto states: “Farmers are more interested in their pockets than the welfare of their animals.”
It adds: “Cattle are left standing for months during the winter, hemmed into a byre, inches deep in slurry.
“This practice, which is currently perfectly legal, is to prevent the animal exercising and needing more fodder.
“The present financial situation has encouraged farmers to cut corners as far as feeding and attending to the medical needs of their stock is concerned.
“The only recourse is far-reaching legislation which is properly enforced and the offenders severely dealt with.”
Another candidate, Susan Drake, says the RSPCA condones inherently cruel conditions involved in livestock reared under the Freedom Food system.
“I do not support Freedom Food; it is unworkable.
“The RSPCA condones cruel conditions, mutilations, and the same long transport and slaughter as non-accredited farms.”
Ms Drake adds that continuous campaigning is needed to “raise awareness of the brutality and suffering within the euphemisms of meat and food production”.
Dairy and beef producer Rupert Nuttall, who farms near Yeovil, Somerset, is a member of the RSPCA. He said he was incensed at the council candidates.
“I am deeply insulted and angered by these accusations but equally saddened that the RSPCA is being infiltrated by these extremists.”
He added: “Every RSPCA candidate in the societys council election has radical anti-farming views.”
An RSPCA statement said: “Our council elections are entirely democratic. People should read each manifesto carefully; they are entitled to vote for the people they support.”
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