RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on the future of animal welfare in the county – as part of the RSPCA’s Big Conversation.
But animal lovers in the area have just three weeks to have their say, with the first phase of Animal Futures: The Big Conversation closing on February 28.
The charity wants this to be the “biggest ever conversation about animals” – with West Midlands residents invited to join a dedicated online platform on topics such as how society uses animals; including the future role of technology; farmed animals and food systems; and animals in the wild.
RSPCA experts believe animal welfare is now at a crossroads – with issues such as climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence, and intensive farming posing new challenges for the role of animals in society.
But the charity is keen to emphasise that the decisions people across the region take will influence the lives animals enjoy in the future – and last year launched an interactive game, where people in the county could explore five possible scenarios that depicted very different futures for animals.
Now, participants in The Big Conversation will get the chance to have their say on the world they want to see for animals and humans on a new dedicated online platform – with the role of AI, meat substitutes like lab grown meat and society’s access to nature set to be major talking points.
Gemma Hope, the RSPCA’s assistant director of policy, advocacy and evidence, said: “The future for animals in the West Midlands is in the hands of people across the area.
“But animals currently face some huge challenges and the decisions we take now will influence the lives animals enjoy in the future and whether they will live better lives or suffer worse welfare.
“That’s why we are launching Animal Futures: The Big Conversation, which we hope will be the biggest ever conversation about animals – and is a real unique opportunity for people to be heard. This is everyone’s chance to have a say on the world they want to see for animals and humans, and explore how we can create it together.”
The consultation follows shocking new polling from the RSPCA – which found 26 per cent of people in the UK would consider adding a robot pet to their family, rising to 42 per cent for those aged 25-34, raising question marks about the future role pets may play in society.
In the wider West Midlands region, the number interested in a robot pet was even higher – at 34 per cent.
After an initial online conversation, the RSPCA will launch a second phase where people will get a further opportunity to have their say – between March 17 and April 6.
To sign up to the Animal Futures: The Big Conversation visit the RSPCA’s website.
