The RSPCA responded on the 25th informing me that they are aware of the research that has been done into hamster cage sizing and would consider changing their guidance at the next round of updates. 
Below is an exact copy of what they said -

“Hi Emma

Thank you for contacting us.

The 100cm x 50cm x 50cm for a Syrian or a pair of Dwarf hamsters & 80cm x 50cm x 50cm for a single Dwarf hamster are the sizes we already include in our licensing conditions and it is also what we recommend to adopters and fosterers.

The reason why small animal accomodation sizes (apart from rabbits) are not on our website is due to the fact that there was no evidence to back the minimum accomodation sizes when the advice was written few years ago. As an evidence based organisation it is crucial to us at all the advice we give is backed by scientific research. We are however aware that new research has emerged since and so we will consider adding some of the accomodation sizes which can now be backed with research to our online advice webpages with the next round of updates. 

Best wishes

RSPCA Advice Team”

I asked them a few key questions such as ;

• When would the updates be happening?
• What will they update the guidance to say?
• How will they ensure major pet retailers stop selling cages that are substantially below the recommended minimum?
• If they needed any further research and what they needed. 
  
  

I was elated that change was finally happening but quickly struck back to reality when they replied stating -

“Hi Emma

Thank you for your further email.

We are afraid that we do not have the available resources at the moment as we are having to prioritise our work.  We are unable to answer any of your further questions at this time.

Thank you for your understanding.”

I am almost positive that they only sent the first response to see if I would take the petition down and essentially give up. I will never give up on these creatures which we as a country have spent decades neglecting when it would take less than an hour to update the guidance. There are no excuses anymore. 

I strongly encourage anyone reading this to email the RSPCA directly at enqserv@rspca.org.uk or find their phone number on their website and take a stand for these creatures which we have a duty to protect.