His work in the field was described by an RSPCA spokesperson as “invaluable” and “devoted,” citing issues he has campaigned on including the badger cull and hunting.
Following Sir Brian’s resignation, a spokesperson for the charity said: “We have been very proud to have Sir Brian May, a passionate campaigner for animals, as our vice president and we share his desire to create a better world for all animals.
“We have different views from Sir Brian on how best to approach this complex challenge but we respect his views and understand his decision to step down.”
They added that “improving standards for farmed animals is tough” and that they agree with the musician that “the rapid growth of low welfare industrial farming is the biggest welfare issue facing animals.”
Chris Packham, the president of the RSPCA, has previously called on the charity to suspend its Assured scheme, calling it “utterly indefensible”.
Ayesha Smart, former RSPCA prosecutor and specialist animal welfare barrister, reviewed the footage from Animal Rising and found a total of 280 breaches of the law, and a further 94 breaches of Defra regulations.
She said: “For the UK’s most trusted animal charity to be assuring farms that do not even comply with basic legal requirements is not only misleading the public – it is fraudulent. It is clear the RSPCA Assured scheme cannot legitimately say that it ensures the welfare of its farmed animals and is no longer fit for purpose.”