Stats show more care about animals in Wales than any other UK nation

Commenting on the publication of the 2026 Reform UK Wales' Senedd election manifesto, Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager for RSPCA Cymru, said: "Wales' consumers deserve more information about where the food they eat comes from and how it has been produced - so moves to introduce mandatory labelling, including for slaughter methods, are a positive step forward for consumer knowledge, and could give the public more information about how any animal products on their plates were made.

"Taking an evidence-led approach to tackling Bovine TB is always to be welcomed. But the evidence indicates that the Welsh Government needs to combat this devastating disease by focusing on cattle-based measures, and not killing badgers unnecessarily. The publication of the Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group for Wales' upcoming report will provide additional evidence in dealing with the wide-reaching impacts of the disease, which the next Welsh Government must take on board.

"Any redesign of the current Sustainable Farming Scheme could provide an opportunity to ensure animal welfare is made more central to a farm payments scheme in Wales. And any reform of Natural Resources Wales must ensure Wales is well placed to deal with wildlife crime, pollution, regulation for protected species and the monitoring of animal disease.

"Reviewing legislation and regulation is an opportunity to ensure it is as effective as possible, but any changes to general licences must not be a back door to weakening protections for many of our species in Wales.

"According to our Animal Kindness Index, Wales has the highest proportion of animal lovers of any UK nation - and voters will be eager to hear political parties' plans for animals of every kind. Ahead of May's 2026 Senedd election, we continue to encourage all political parties in Wales to outline their plans for animal welfare - including our pets, livestock and wildlife."

RSPCA Cymru has published its own manifesto ahead of the 2026 vote - and members of the public can let Wales' political parties know that animal welfare matters to them and take online action to help give animals a voice.

Billie added: "From recognising animal sentience in Welsh law, to making pet abduction a specific offence, and progressing the regulation of animal sanctuaries, rescues and rehoming centres, there's so much decision-makers can do for animals in the coming years. 

"And we can further improve animal welfare in Wales by granting the RSPCA the powers to get to animals in need more quickly, consolidating wildlife protections into a single law, regulating cat breeding and strengthening responsible dog ownership and breeding.

"We can also help ensure Wales' agricultural communities are renowned for good welfare - by banning the caging of farm animals, prohibiting any non-stun slaughterhouses from operating in Wales and incentivising farmers who adhere to higher standards of animal husbandry."