In the next few months the UKs first owl cafe is due to open in Hinckley.

My primary worry is centered around animal welfare. Owls are meant to live freely in the wild, not confined within a loud cafe for our entertainment.

Owls require specific environmental conditions to thrive—sufficient space to fly, darkness to mimic nighttime conditions, and a quiet setting away from human disturbances. A cafe  where people come and go, socialise, and take photos does not meet these needs, and could lead to significant distress and health issues for the owls involved.

Animal welfare organizations, including the RSPCA, have voiced their concerns about the use of owls in such environments, highlighting that this can be a form of animal abuse. Owls are not like typical pets; they are wild animals with needs that a public cafe cannot satisfy. I have tried contacting the RSPCA but as this business should be licensed they can't do anything unless requested by the Local Authority.

Let us come together as a community in Hinckley to make a stance against the use of wild animals for entertainment. Our values should reflect compassion and respect for wildlife, encouraging sanctuaries and conservation efforts rather than exploiting animals for commercial gain.

Please sign this petition to prevent the opening of the owl café in Hinckley and to protect the rights and welfare of these incredible creatures. Your signature can make a difference for the owls and set a positive example of wildlife ethics for other communities. Please sign this petition and share widely.