Abattoir rap sees Packham quit the RSPCA

FRUSTRATED wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham has quit as president of the RSPCA after two probes made allegations of cruelty at its approved abattoirs.

- Jon Coates

Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has also resigned as vice-president of the animal welfare charity, with both expressing "sadness" at leaving and citing the RSPCA's lack of action as the reason.

In the latest exposé last week, campaign group Animal Rising shared footage of alleged mistreatment at "RSPCA Assured" slaughterhouses in England and Scotland. In May, the group had also revealed alleged abuse - which failed to bring significant change to the RSPCA's scheme, whereby approved farms must comply with its "stringent higher welfare standards".