The first portrait of King Charles III’s after his coronation was taken by a group of animal activists called Animal Rising.
For the demonstration at the Philip Mold Gallery in London, two ‘Wallace and Groomit‘ stickers were used, and although these protests are not normally destructive, they are very impressive.
In the video circulating on social media, two guys are seen; one pasting Wallace’s face from ‘Wallace and Groomit’ on top of King Charles’ face, and the other pasting a dialogue vignette to the side.
The quote reads, “No cheese, Gromit. Look at all this cruelty on RSPCA farms!”
‼️BREAKING: No Cheese Gromit! King Charles Portrait Redecorated‼️ @RoyalFamily
‼️Find out why King Charles, Patron of the RSPCA should ask them to drop the Assured Scheme -> https://t.co/pTneW0QCWf 👈 pic.twitter.com/jYLHFuxtHB
— Animal Rising (@AnimalRising) June 11, 2024
Buckingham Palace has not yet made any statement about this act, nor is it known if the attackers were arrested.
The good news for King Charles is that it looks like Wallace’s face can come off right away.
The reason for the demonstrations has to do with the RSPCA organization, of which King Charles recently became royal patron. This organization that supposedly works to improve the quality of the lives of farm animals has been criticized by Animal Rising, a group of activists who firmly believe that the RSPCA does more harm than good.
What is RSPCA?
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a charity based in England and Wales that focuses on promoting animal welfare.
The RSPCA relies mostly on voluntary donations for funding. Established in 1824, it holds the title of the oldest and largest animal welfare organization globally and is one of the biggest charities in the UK. Additionally, the RSPCA extends its efforts internationally, working across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
RSPCA Controversies
The RSPCA has faced several controversies over the years. These controversies range from its role as a prosecutor to governance issues and even a controversial rebranding. Here are some of the controversies:
Prosecution Role Reversal:
The RSPCA historically acted as a prosecutor in animal welfare cases. However, after criticism and concerns about its approach, the RSPCA decided to cease acting as a prosecutor and focus on assisting investigations instead. Other leading charities, such as the NSPCC and RSPB, had already abandoned private prosecutions decades ago.
Conflict of Interest:
In 2014, the Wooler Report highlighted shortcomings in the RSPCA’s prosecution practices. It emphasized the conflict of interest between the RSPCA’s roles as a charity, fundraiser, and prosecutor of welfare offenses. The report questioned why a charity should spend funds on prosecutions when an independent prosecuting authority (the Crown Prosecution Service) already existed.
Media Scrutiny and Governance Issues:
The RSPCA faced relentless attacks from certain media outlets. Critics questioned its governance structure and decision-making processes. While some criticism was unfair, others raised valid concerns.
Controversial Rebranding:
The RSPCA’s first rebrand in 50 years faced backlash. Although not directly a controversy, it highlights the challenges faced by the organization in maintaining public trust and relevance.
