Latest news with #Billie-JadeThomas
South Wales Argus
12-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Wales is officially most animal-loving country in the UK
The findings come from the RSPCA's latest Animal Kindness Index, which shows that 75 per cent of people in Wales describe themselves as animal lovers—higher than in Scotland, England or Northern Ireland. The survey also found that 85 per cent of Welsh adults believe animal welfare should be protected by government legislation. The results were published the same day RSPCA Cymru launched its manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election, titled Securing A Better Future For Animal Welfare in Wales. Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager at RSPCA Cymru, said: "It's clear that Wales is a nation of animal lovers and that animal welfare is important to a staggering majority of prospective voters, which is something we'd urge political parties and candidates to really take on board before next year's Senedd election."
South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
RSPCA Cymru welcomes 'landmark' animal welfare announcement
Currently, animal welfare establishments including rescues, sanctuaries and re-homing centres are not regulated in Wales. This means that anyone can set up one, irrespective of their experience, skills, or resources. The Welsh Government intends to develop proposals based on "clear feedback" from its consultation to regulate these establishments. This follows years of campaigning by RSPCA Cymru, who found that 82 per cent of AWEs supported regulation. RSPCA Cymru's senior public affairs manager, Billie-Jade Thomas, said: "This is a landmark milestone for animal welfare in Wales and follows our long-standing campaign calling for regulation. "Many owners of sanctuaries and other animal welfare establishments undertake hugely important work, but the lack of regulation and oversight has long been a major concern for the RSPCA." In 2023, RSPCA Cymru launched a report highlighting the "urgent need" for regulation, with 88 per cent of the Welsh public agreeing. The report also revealed that only five per cent of the public were aware that AWEs are currently unregulated in Wales. The Welsh Government will also consider regulating pet grooming, which is currently unregulated. It is described as a "skilled and specialist activity".
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
RSPCA calls for 'outdated' goldfish prizes practice to end
According to new figures from the RSPCA, 89 per cent of adults in Wales consider keeping a goldfish in a bag to be animal cruelty. The animal charity has relaunched its #NoFunAtTheFair campaign, calling for a ban on giving pets as prizes—a practice it describes as outdated and harmful. Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager at RSPCA Cymru, said: "As we approach the summer holidays and fairs and shows become more commonplace, we're urging our supporters to vote with their feet and not take part in the types of games where you can win a goldfish." Goldfish are the animal most commonly given away as prizes, although all 22 councils in Wales have banned it on their land. Since 2020, the charity has received 53 reports involving 400 animals given away in this manner. Evie Button, RSPCA animal welfare expert, said: "We all want to see a world where pets are acquired responsibly, well looked after and respected. "But sadly, many goldfish are at risk with their welfare hinging on the spur-of-the-moment result of a carnival game." The RSPCA is calling for a UK-wide ban on the practice, noting that it remains legal on private land in both England and Wales.
