RSPCA pressure group

A pressure group can be described as an organised group that does not put up candidates for election, but seeks to influence government policy or legislation. They can also be described as ‘interest groups’, ‘lobby groups’ or ‘protest groups’. Some people avoid using the term ‘pressure group’ as it can inadvertently be interpreted as meaning the groups use actual pressure to achieve their aims, which does not necessarily happen. In Britain, the number of political parties is very small, whereas the number of pressure groups runs into thousands; as the membership of political parties has fallen, that of pressure groups has increased.

One example of a pressure group is the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The RSPCA were the first pressure group to introduce a law to protect animals and they work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering. Furthermore, through campaigning they raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. With the support of the public, they push for laws to be changed, the improvement of the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks and in people’s homes.

The RSPCA use investigations and prosecutions to stand up to people who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message that animal abuse will not be tolerated. In addition, highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and work hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty.

This pressure group is an animal welfare charity and they rely on the continuing support of animal lovers to help them so they can continue to be there for animals. The RSPCA accepts donations from the public and people can get involved by campaigning, volunteering or fundraising to help the charity.

Moreover, the RSPCA is an insider pressure group. This means that the government will ask high place people with them for advice and it will be listened to more than an outsider pressure group. However, they are a charity and receive no government funding; they only rely on people to support this work through donations.