Brian May resigns from RSPCA role due to farming conditions
As the controversy over the RSPCA Assured scheme grows, Queen guitarist Brian May has publically stepped down from his role as vice president of the organisation. This decision comes after May was left with “no other option” due to revelations about farming conditions fostered by the RSPCA.
The legendary rock guitarist has always been vocal about animal rights and welfare, which is why he was given the role of vice president of the RSPCA back in 2012. Over the past 12 years, the 77-year-old has repeatedly made valuable contributions to the running of the charity, helping to keep the RSPCA afloat during a particularly tumultuous time for charities in the UK.
Now, mere weeks after May suffered a minor stroke which raised questions about his own health and wellbeing, the Queen songwriter shared a statement to social media outlining the fact he would be leaving the RSPCA, as well as the reasons for this decision. “It is with profound sadness and not without massive soul-searching that today I have to offer my resignation as a vice president of the RSPCA,” the statement began.
Reportedly, this decision came after May was made aware of complaints detailing “appallingly bad standards of animal welfare in member farms of the RSPCA Assured scheme.” Originally, the Assured scheme was set up to keep consumers informed and aware about where their food was coming from. Essentially, if you saw a product in a supermarket that had an “RSPCA Assured” sticker on it, you could rest easy knowing it was created ethically.
However, the scheme has come under fire recently after animal welfare inspectors visited many of the farms operating under the scheme and found that legal standards were not being enforced in many cases. For their part, the charity has remained largely quiet about the situation. “As more and more evidence comes to light,” May wrote, “I find the RSPCA’s response completely inadequate.”
May continued to voice his disappointment at the organisation he has helped to lead, writing, “I feel the only acceptable policy would have been complete dismantling of the scheme. Instead, the RSPCA have tried to defend their position, and in doing so, in my view, have sacrificed their integrity.”
Concluding the statement, the musician derisively said, “I cannot in all conscience remain a figurehead of the organisation while the RSPCA avoids its responsibilities to put its house in order.” At the time of writing, the future of the charity’s Assured scheme remains largely unknown, though May has voiced his support for an organisation opposing the scheme, For Charlie.
Brian May’s recent health problems following stroke
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Brian May had suffered a minor stroke. The incident reportedly left the 77-year-old unable to move part of his body, so it was unclear whether he would ever be able to perform onstage unassisted ever again. Luckily, the stroke did not seem to have clouded May’s spirits, and its physical symptoms soon went away.
Providing a health update shortly after recovering from the incident, May shared, “I’m here to bring you first of all some news, I think. The good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days.”
So, it seems as though the Queen guitarist is back in relatively good form. However, he is currently under strict medical orders to stay at home for the forseeeable future.
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