Following its continued success, the RSPCA is inviting schools in Reading and the surrounding areas to take part in the RSPCA Great Debate event on April 3.

Pupils aged 11 to 14 will be allocated animal welfare topics like Brexit and its impact on animals, electric shock collars and keeping primates as pets to research before debating with other schools.

Schools who advance to the final will then debate the question of whose responsibility animal welfare is, weighing up the various responsibilities of the different agencies involved, including the Government, Local Government, RSPCA, vets, the police and the public.

The Great Debate is a free event and a unique opportunity for pupils to develop their debating skills alongside learning about animal welfare topics.

David Allen, head of education and prevention at the RSPCA, said: “The Great Debate is an opportunity to encourage young people to talk about some of the pressing animal welfare issues.

“The aim is to help the pupils develop research skills and give them experience of public speaking and debating, as well as an understanding of how government works.

“It’s vital that we open up the debate on animal welfare to the younger generation and it will be very interesting to see the attitudes and opinions of students.”

As well as Reading, the RSPCA’s Great Debate is running this year in Wales, Birmingham and Leeds.

The regional heats will take place on April 3 at Reading Civic Offices, and the final will be held on June 17 in London.

Mr Allen added: “At the RSPCA our aim is to develop informed, responsible and compassionate citizens of the future, and this event gives young people the opportunity to explore some of the pressing welfare issues facing animals today and in the future.”

For more information visit: https://education.rspca.org.uk/education/teachers/secondary/thegreatdebate.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, visit their website.