The Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) had its first vegan fair organised by this charity. The event took place at Kempsey, Worcester, England, on 21st August 2022, and it was a great success.
Although due to their popularity organising vegan fairs may not seem a newsworthy event to report anymore, the fact this one was organised by the RSPCA is significant, as for many years this animal charity has not been very close to veganism. Founded in 1824, the RSPCA is the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world and is one of the largest charities in the UK, but has traditionally taken a not very vegan-friendly position separating itself from animal rights organisations that advocate for this philosophy and lifestyle. However, this fair may be a sign that the charity begins to realise the importance of veganism.
Claire Wood from RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch said to Worcester News, “We had such an amazing time at our first ever Vegan Fayre. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended, from the stallholders to those who came along to support us and of course our incredible volunteers…We had some lovely feedback and we do hope to bring it back again to The Holdings next year.” Organisers said that funds raised from the stallholders’ pitches fees and any donations from the day will go directly to the branch to help fund the ongoing care of the animals as well as animal welfare work in the community. Hopefully, all the funds stay local and do not go to fund some of the controversial RSPCA’s projects that still promote animal exploitation (as their RSPCA Assured Scheme which is used to support animal farms, but which has been unable to stop farms under the scheme to be accused of animal cruelty) and to promote antiquated oxymorons such as “humane slaughter”.
