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Animal Rising has released footage from facilities as part of its probe into the RSPCA’s “Assured Scheme,” which certifies farms, food producers, and retailers meeting specific animal welfare standards.
The RSPCA responded by stating it takes poor animal welfare allegations “incredibly seriously.” The charity denied claims of inaction, highlighting increased unannounced visits and exploring the use of bodyworn cameras and CCTV as measures to address concerns.
In June, the RSPCA commissioned an independent review of 200 farms under its scheme, concluding it was “operating effectively” to ensure welfare on member farms. Speaking to Radio 4’s PM programme, Chris Packham announced his resignation from the RSPCA.
While acknowledging the charity’s significant contributions, Packham described the Assured Scheme as a “millstone” and accused the RSPCA of “propping up the meat industry” despite inadequate welfare standards.
He pointed to “serious transgressions” at assured farms and abattoirs, referencing the “horrific” footage uncovered. The RSPCA suspended implicated facilities and launched investigations, but Packham said such responses had become routine without substantial change.
Packham, a long-time campaigner for reform within the Assured Scheme, said he could no longer exert meaningful pressure from within the organization and had to step away. In a statement on Animal Rising’s website, he emphasized prioritizing his “love for animals” over his role, citing “irrefutable evidence of abuse.”
He criticized the RSPCA for failing to enact “meaningful change” despite years of advocacy and accused the charity of losing its mandate to protect animals from cruelty.
Caroline Lucas echoed these concerns in a separate statement, citing undercover footage from Animal Rising as the “final straw.” She condemned systemic abuse at RSPCA-approved slaughterhouses, including improper stunning of pigs, banned electric prodding of cows, and widespread panic among animals during slaughter.
Lucas criticized the RSPCA for suspending implicated facilities without addressing broader flaws in the scheme, arguing this approach risks misleading the public and enabling cruelty.
The RSPCA responded, expressing agreement with Packham and Lucas on many issues but differing on strategies to address farmed animal welfare. The charity defended its actions, noting the independent review confirmed the scheme was improving welfare.
It outlined steps taken, including unannounced visits, bodyworn cameras, and CCTV, supported by a £2m investment. The RSPCA highlighted its pioneering work in introducing industry improvements, such as CCTV in slaughterhouses and banning outdated farming practices.
Animal Rising’s investigation focused on four abattoirs, alleging systemic cruelty. The group reported severe violations, including improper stunning of pigs, electric prodding of cows, panic behaviors, and abusive treatment by workers. It criticized the scheme for failing to prevent these practices, urging stronger measures to protect animals.
Sweet shop closed over illegal tobacco and vape sales
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PCC to fund video doorbells to stalking victims
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Police Arrest Two Men on Suspicion of Attempted Child Abduction in Middlesbrough
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Arrest made within 10 minutes of suspected stolen motorbike being spotted
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A paedophile who carried out a sequence of sex offences against a schoolgirl has been jailed for 16 years.
A paedophile who carried out a sequence of sex offences against a schoolgirl has been jailed for 16 years. Peter Dellbridge raped and sexually abused his victim in the early 2000s ago at an address in the Northumberland area. Two decades later, the brave woman reported the abuse to NorthumbriaContinue Reading
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🔴UPDATE: The woman featured in the below appeal has now been identified.
Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal. Her photo and personal details have now been removed for privacy reasons.(Original post content removed)Continue Reading
🔴 UPDATE: Madison has been found safe and well.
Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal. Her photo and personal details have now been removed for privacy reasons. (Original post content removed)Continue Reading
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A69Â –Â Road traffic collision
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On April 16, 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling stating that, under the Equality Act 2010, the terms “woman” and “sex” refer exclusively to biological sex assigned at birth. This decision has significant implications for the legal recognition of transgender individuals in certain contexts. Background of theContinue Reading
Appeal for information after collision in Sunderland
Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a collision in Sunderland left a man with serious injuries. Shortly after 10.45am on Monday (April 14), police received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the A690 Durham Road at the junction of Ettrick Grove. It was reported that aContinue Reading
Our Top Stories This Week
Sweet shop closed over illegal tobacco and vape sales
A Middlesbrough store has been shut down over the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes. The Sweet Shop in Beaumont Road, North Ormesby was the subject of numerous complaints over illicit cigarette sales, including to children and young people under 18. Teesside Magistrates heard that test purchasing was undertaken byContinue Reading
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The biggest celebration of arts, culture and sporting activities ever seen in Scarborough will be staged to help to attract more visitors and engage with the seaside resort’s local communities. Over the course of three months, there will be five festivals featuring more than 260 events in 74 locations, allContinue Reading
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Family pays loving tribute after a man sadly dies following a collision in North Tyneside. Shortly before 4.30pm on Monday, April 7, police received a report of a collision between a black and brown Harley Davidson motorcycle and a brown Mercedes Sprinter van, on Stephenson Street, near the Hadrian RoadContinue Reading
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A man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child – as his brave survivor speaks out about the lifelong effects of his crimes.
A man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child – as his brave survivor speaks out about the lifelong effects of his crimes. Jordan Woods, now 27, sexually assaulted the schoolgirl almost a decade ago in the North Tyneside area. After years of keeping what had happened to herself,Continue Reading
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Officers are appealing for information after a woman sadly died following a collision in Northumberland. Shortly before 4.30pm on Tuesday, February 18, police received a report of a collision between a black Land Rover Freelander and silver Skoda Octavia, on the Old Great North Road at the junction with BlagdonContinue Reading
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Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward as they investigate reports of attempted robbery in Newcastle. Shortly after 6.20am on Wednesday, April 23, police received a report that a woman had been followed by two males on pedal cycles near to The County Hotel on Neville Street. When challengedContinue Reading
Police Arrest Two Men on Suspicion of Attempted Child Abduction in Middlesbrough
Police are investigating an incident in Middlesbrough after receiving reports that five children were approached by two men on Homerton Road at around 5:15pm on Tuesday, April 22. The children were able to run away and alert an adult, who immediately contacted the police. The two men, aged 51 andContinue Reading
Arrest made within 10 minutes of suspected stolen motorbike being spotted
One person in handcuffs within 10 minutes – after we spotted a suspected stolen motorbike in North Tyneside. Just before 9.30pm yesterday (Tuesday) a BMW motorbike which was reported to have been stolen from the Ashington area of Northumberland was seen on High Street East in Wallsend. Within minutes, weContinue Reading
A paedophile who carried out a sequence of sex offences against a schoolgirl has been jailed for 16 years.
A paedophile who carried out a sequence of sex offences against a schoolgirl has been jailed for 16 years. Peter Dellbridge raped and sexually abused his victim in the early 2000s ago at an address in the Northumberland area. Two decades later, the brave woman reported the abuse to NorthumbriaContinue Reading
Suspected drug dealer charged after haul of drugs and cash found in Newcastle address
A suspected dealer has been charged – after a haul of drugs and thousands in cash was found in a Newcastle address. A team of detectives from Northumbria Police paid an early morning visit to a property in the Fenham area on Tuesday, April 22. This followed information relating toContinue Reading
Two healthcare support workers win prestigious Chief Nursing Officer Awards
TWO healthcare support workers from Teesside have won prestigious Chief Nursing Officer Awards. Rozi Murray and Mark Bond both from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were over the moon to be honoured with the national accolades from NHS England. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Healthcare Support Worker Awards (HCSW)Continue Reading
🔴UPDATE: The woman featured in the below appeal has now been identified.
Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal. Her photo and personal details have now been removed for privacy reasons.(Original post content removed)Continue Reading
🔴 UPDATE: Madison has been found safe and well.
Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal. Her photo and personal details have now been removed for privacy reasons. (Original post content removed)Continue Reading
Missing North Tyneside girl
Officers are appealing for help to locate a missing North Tyneside teenage girl. Madison Parr, 15, was last seen in the North Shields area at around 10am on Friday, April 18. She was believed to have been travelling into Newcastle city centre with some friends but did not return home. EnquiriesContinue Reading
A69Â –Â Road traffic collision
County Northumberland/Cumbria Direction Eastbound Impact Road Closure Effect Expect Delays The A69 between Northumberland and Cumbria is closed eastbound due to a serious collision at the Greenhead junction (B630). The closure is in place between the A6071 at Brampton and the A686 at Haydon Bridge. Northumberland Police are conducting aContinue Reading
​UK Supreme Court Rules ‘Woman’ Defined by Biological Sex Under Equality Act
On April 16, 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling stating that, under the Equality Act 2010, the terms “woman” and “sex” refer exclusively to biological sex assigned at birth. This decision has significant implications for the legal recognition of transgender individuals in certain contexts. Background of theContinue Reading
Appeal for information after collision in Sunderland
Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a collision in Sunderland left a man with serious injuries. Shortly after 10.45am on Monday (April 14), police received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the A690 Durham Road at the junction of Ettrick Grove. It was reported that aContinue Reading
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