These shocking photos highlight the reality of many animal rescues and rehoming centres across the UK where animals are being kept in filthy, squalid conditions without their basic needs being met. Animals are shown little or no respect and are treated like rubbish, with no accountability on the part of the owner of the facility. Many are operating in circumstances like these because they are not subject to licensing agreements or national standards and there is no mandatory inspection system.

Currently there is no national register of animal rescues or rehoming centres, with many hidden away; this example of an unscrupulous rescue may be one of, potentially, hundreds that no-one is aware of.

Anyone can set up a rescue or rehoming centre, even if they have no specialist knowledge in terms of animal welfare or management skills.

The existence of such appalling examples of so called rescue facilities also tarnishes the reputation of the many reputable rescues in the UK who demonstrate excellent care and professionalism.

We urge the Government to amend the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 to include the proper licensing of animal rescues, rehoming centres and sanctuaries. The RSPCA supports a proposal to improve the welfare of animals kept in such establishments.

This type of animal cruelty and neglect must stop, rescues like the one shown in the photos must stop. Please sign and share this petition to raise awareness and ask for action. Contact your local MP if you can.

10,000 signatures are needed for the Government to respond to this petition. 100,000 are needed for this to be discussed in a Parliament. Please add your support and demand that animal welfare facilities are accountable for their actions and treat our pets with the respect they deserve.