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Animal welfare is a big deal. And a big business deal. The world's oldest and largest animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, confirmed that on October 11 by hosting a glamorous event at the Natural History Museum to celebrate UK businesses that have taken important steps to become more animal friendly.
SmartPlanet went along to find out who the winners were, as chosen by independent experts in the fields of food, fashion and beauty. Over recent months the judges have scrutinised applications from companies eager to be rewarded for their efforts.
Waitrose won in the supermarket category, while organic delivery company Able & Cole walked away with the prize for most animal-friendly food retailer. Leon and The Swan Inn topped the restaurant category -- chain and independent respectively. For the second year running, Lush picked up the cosmetics award, while M&S as 'large fashion retailer' and Wildlifeworks UK as 'fashion retailer' were awarded for being the most animal-caring companies in the fashion industry.
Richard Johnson, awards judge and broadcaster, applauded the winners saying: "While others may turn a blind eye to the source of the animal-derived produce used in their outlets, each of these award winners have demonstrated their commitment to combat cruel practice, and for that I’d like to kiss them!"
But it's not all about winning for the RSPCA. This year there were awards for innovation and progression in promoting and improving animal welfare. These awards went to Tesco (for its sustainable dairy initiative), Liz Earle beauty products, Urban Decay cosmetics, Cubana restaurant, Moshi Moshi sushi chain, Beyond Skin shoe company and Pepperfield Farm.
The RSPCA’s David Bowles said: "A healthy rivalry to improve on each other’s welfare protocols seems to be emerging, particularly in the food retail sector. This is great news for discerning consumers who, like the RSPCA, continue to demand that animals are treated without cruelty when merchandise is produced."
Photo: RSPCA
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