Chris Packham 'enormously sad' as he announces RSPCA resignation with brutal verdict amid animal cruelty claims
WATCH HERE: Chris Packham ventures into Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, for an episode of Springwatch
BBC
Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham has resigned as president of the RSPCA over allegations of animal cruelty at some of the charity's approved abattoirs.
Packham announced his departure on social media, stating: "It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty."
The resignation follows an Animal Rising investigation that uncovered alleged mistreatment at RSPCA-approved slaughterhouses in England and Scotland.
"I believe the charity has lost sight of its mandate to protect all animals from cruelty and suffering," Packham added as he delivered his damning verdict of the organisation.
Animal Rising's investigation revealed severe welfare breaches at four RSPCA-approved abattoirs.
In one slaughterhouse, 85 percent of pigs were reportedly stunned incorrectly, leaving animals conscious during slaughter.
Chris Packham has stepped down from his role at the RSPCA
PA
At another facility, 96 percent of cows were prodded with an electric goad - a practice banned by the RSPCA - while 46 percent showed clear signs of panic or escape behaviours.
The footage also documented frequent verbal and physical abuse from workers, with animals witnessing others being killed or stunned in front of them.
Workers were seen kicking and hitting pigs, inappropriately stunning sheep, and hitting cows in the face with paddles.
Speaking to Radio 4's PM programme, Packham said he resigned "sadly and after much contemplation."
Chris Packham remains a familiar face on BBC nature shows
PA
While acknowledging the RSPCA does "enormous amount of good work," he criticised the Assured Scheme as being like a "millstone" around the charity's neck.
"When I saw the footage that had been collected from those establishments... I can't speak it was so horrific," he said.
Packham revealed he had been campaigning over the assured schemes for some time but had "been unable to see the reforms I needed to see."
He concluded he could no longer "exact any more pressure in a useful way on the inside."
In response to the resignations, the RSPCA said it was "simply not true" that the organisation had failed to take urgent action.
The charity said it had launched an independent review of 200 farms which concluded the scheme was "operating effectively" to improve animal welfare.
The RSPCA announced it is implementing stronger oversight measures, including significantly increasing unannounced visits.
The organisation is also exploring new technology such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, supported by £2 million of investment.
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It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA . I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty . Thank you https://t.co/GKMrA4wxEK
— Chris Packham (@ChrisGPackham) December 21, 2024
The charity defended its work, stating that while 94 percent of people continue to eat meat, it is the "right thing to do" to work with farmers to improve animal welfare.
Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas also stepped down as vice-president of the RSPCA, a role she had held for over 15 years.
Lucas announced her resignation on X, stating: "With huge sadness I'm resigning as VP of the RSPCA. But their Assured Schemes risk misleading the public & legitimising cruelty."
She revealed that alongside Packham, she had attempted to engage with the charity's leadership through "numerous fruitless meetings."
"The systemic cruelty exposed was unbearable to witness," Lucas said, criticising the RSPCA's response of suspending facilities and launching investigations rather than addressing deeper issues.
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