Development and evaluation of the Animal Welfare Pilot Programme

Purpose This study aims to address the lack of research and intervention development specific to animal neglect offences, which are often conflated with intentional animal abuse in the literature. This study seeks to understand the psychological and behavioural factors underpinning animal neglect and evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed Animal Welfare Pilot Intervention Programme delivered by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (RSPCA). Design/methodology/approach A sample of 50 adults convicted of animal welfare offences participated in the intervention. A pre- and post-intervention design was used to assess changes in animal welfare knowledge, empathy, attitudes towards animals, impulsivity and emotion regulation. Findings At baseline (Time 1), participants demonstrated difficulties in emotion regulation, empathy and holding supportive attitudes towards animals. Post-intervention (Time 2), statistically significant improvements were observed in participants’ animal welfare knowledge, attitudes towards animals and impulsivity. No significant changes were found in measures of empathy and emotion regulation. Practical implications The findings provide initial support for the RSPCA’s Animal Welfare Pilot Intervention Programme in addressing knowledge gaps and attitudinal change in individuals convicted of animal neglect. However, the lack of change in empathy and emotion regulation suggests further adaptation of the programme is required to target these areas more effectively. Originality/value This study contributes to a largely underexplored area of forensic psychology by focusing specifically on animal neglect rather than abuse. It is the first known evaluation of an intervention tailored for this offence type and offers important insights for the development of targeted, evidence-based responses to animal neglect within the criminal justice system.