RSPCA Animal Futures

• Are we ready to talk to animals?

  Society has always been fascinated by the prospect of one day being able to talk to animals.But if we did all turn into Dr. Dolittle overnight, what would animals want to tell us? And would we like what they have to say?And amid the growth of artificial intelligence, will we soon be able to communicate better with our animals than ever before? Or is the proliferation of bad advice online, and the way some animals remain undervalued by society, mean we're a bit tone deaf to animals' wants and needs?Broadcaster and journalist Kate Quilton is in conversation with Professor Daniel Mills, from the University of Lincoln, who has spearheaded research about the variety of facial expressions pulled by cats, and utilises computer vision technology to interpret what they mean. He discusses how we process information about what our pets are thinking and feeling; and considers whether animals would ever even want to have conversations with humans!Kate also catches up with the RSPCA’s own Dr Samantha Gaines, who is the charity’s Head of Companion Animals. She talks about whether we are any good at reading our pets signals, and how the internet can be both a force for good and bad in sharing animal training information. In a must-listen moment, she also grapples with the challenging topic of how we can ever truly know if the pets we share our homes with are happy.The Animal Futures podcast is part of the RSPCA Animal Futures Project, which explores five possible scenarios of what the world could be like for animals in 2050. People can have their say on the future of animal welfare by joining The Big Conversation, and playing the RSPCA’s Animal Futures game.Host: Kate QuiltonGuests: Professor Daniel Mills and Dr Samantha GainesProduced by: Mark Adams, Chris O'Brien, Emily Prideaux and Jo Toscano.Animal Futures Project: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/animalfuturesAnimal Futures Game: https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/animalfutures/Animal Futures: The Big Conversation: http://rspca.org.uk/bigconversation

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• How do we keep nature open to all?

  The wonders of nature, including the wild animals that share our spaces, are undeniable.And the great outdoors can be so good for us - mentally, and physically; helping people to appreciate the importance of animal welfare, and the natural world around us, in so many ways. But why is nature so important for us? And is everyone sharing the benefits right now? And if not, does society need to do something about it?Broadcaster and journalist Kate Quilton chats to ornithologist, author, blogger, and activist, Dr Mya-Rose Craig - also known as 'Bird Girl'. She discusses why birdwatching means so much to her, how nature can transform the lives for young people, and her work to ensure everyone, regardless of their background, enjoys and experiences nature, and everything good that comes with it.She is also joined by chair of the National Trust René Olivieri. The National Trust has found three quarters of children want to spend more time in nature, and is urging governments to ensure youngsters live no more than a short walk from outside green spaces. René talks about the power of nature, and why people don't need to go to the countryside to enjoy it.The Animal Futures podcast is part of the RSPCA Animal Futures Project, which explores five possible scenarios of what the world could be like for animals in 2050. People can have their say on the future of animal welfare by joining The Big Conversation, and playing the RSPCA’s Animal Futures game.Host: Kate QuiltonGuests: Dr Mya-Rose Craig and René Olivieri, CBEProduced by: Mark Adams, Chris O'Brien, Emily Prideaux and Jo Toscano.Animal Futures Project: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/animalfuturesAnimal Futures Game: https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/animalfutures/Animal Futures: The Big Conversation: http://rspca.org.uk/bigconversation

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• Do animals deserve a voice in society?

  The terms 'animal rights' and 'animal welfare' are often used interchangeably - but they can actually mean very different things. But what are animal rights, and how do they differ from good animal welfare? And what might a society that embraces animal rights look like, and is it realistic?Broadcaster and journalist Kate Quilton chats to Dr Sean Butler, who lectures Animal Rights Law at Cambridge University; and is Director of the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law. He explains what animal rights are, how they differ from animal welfare, and why he thinks huge changes in how society and laws think about animals could be coming in the next 50 years.She’s also joined by author and bioethicist Melanie Challenger, an RSPCA vice-president. Her work explores if, and how, animals can be represented in the process of making crucial decisions that affect their lives. Melanie’s 'Animals in the Room' project is a global collaboration, bringing together philosophers, scientists and others to consider and test models for the representation of non-humans in decision-making.The Animal Futures podcast is part of the RSPCA Animal Futures Project, which explores five possible scenarios of what the world could be like for animals in 2050. People listening between 5 and 28 February or 17 March to 6 April 2025 can join The Big Conversation. After that, you can find out more by playing the interactive Animal Futures game.Dr Butler's views are his own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law.Host: Kate QuiltonGuests: Dr Sean Butler and Melanie ChallengerProduced by: Mark Adams, Chris O'Brien, Emily Prideaux and Jo Toscano.Animal Futures Project: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/animalfuturesAnimal Futures Game: https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/animalfutures/Animal Futures: The Big Conversation: http://rspca.org.uk/bigconversation

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• Is lab-grown meat a game-changer for animals and would you try it?

  With the world's population growing, and so many farm animals needed to keep everyone fed, is our food system sustainable? And what are the consequences for animal welfare? Broadcaster and journalist Kate Quilton chats to Riley Jackson, Head of Partnerships and Marketing at Ivy Farm Technologies, about one possible alternative - lab-grown, cultivated meat; and whether it could revolutionise where our food comes from, and society's reliance on animals. Kate also chats to Professor David Halpern CBE, President Emeritus at the Behavioural Insights Team, or the 'Nudge Unit'. He talks about the role governments have played in 'nudging' us to think differently about food - including making the humble potato a Royal delicacy! David discusses the role such strategies could play in encouraging the public to consider a future where lab-grown meat and alternative proteins regularly feature on our supermarket trolleys.The Animal Futures podcast is part of the RSPCA Animal Futures Project, which explores five possible scenarios of what the world could be like for animals in 2050. People listening between 5 and 28 February or 17 March to 6 April 2025 can join The Big Conversation. After that, you can find out more by playing the interactive Animal Futures game.Host: Kate QuiltonGuests: Riley Jackson and Professor David Halpern CBEProduced by: Mark Adams, Chris O'Brien, Emily Prideaux and Jo Toscano.Animal Futures Project: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/animalfuturesAnimal Futures Game: https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/animalfutures/Animal Futures: The Big Conversation: http://rspca.org.uk/bigconversation

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• Could robot pets ever replace the real thing?

  Broadcaster and journalist Kate Quilton speaks to entrepreneur and CEO of Ageless Innovation Ted Fischer and animal behaviour specialist Dr Leanne Proops, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Portsmouth, about the role of robot pets and what it could mean for animals in future. Ted shares how robot pets can transform the lives of older people experiencing isolation and loneliness, and whether others could benefit from them too. Dr Proops discusses her research into how children respond to robot pets and their potential use in therapy, whether they could ever replace real animals and whether they might even one day become sentient like the real thing.The Animal Futures podcast is part of the RSPCA Animal Futures Project which explores five future scenarios of what the world could be like for animals in 2050. People listening between 5 and 21 February or 17 March to 6 April 2025 can join The Big Conversation. After that, you can find out more by playing the interactive Animal Futures game.Host: Kate Quilton Guests: Ted Fischer and Dr Leanne Proops Produced by: Mark Adams, Chris O'Brien, Emily Prideaux and Jo ToscanoAnimal Futures Project: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/animalfuturesAnimal Futures Game: https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/animalfutures/Animal Futures: The Big Conversation: http://rspca.org.uk/bigconversation

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