Editor’s note: this image selected by Tasmanian Times, not by AJP.
Media release – Animal Justice Party, 29 April 2020
Incoming RSPCA Tasmania CEO must earn the community’s trust
Former head of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Jan Davis, has asked for the community to ‘give her a go’ in her new role as CEO of RSPCA Tasmania, but she needs to earn the community’s trust, says Animal Justice Party Tasmanian State Convenor, Tim Westcott.
“The AJP has significant concerns about the appointment of Ms Davis, as do many other animal advocates in Tasmania and around the country,” he said.
“While the RSPCA board may be comfortable with Davis’ positions, the community is deeply concerned that she has previously espoused many positions that directly contradict RSPCA policies.”
These positions include her support for the live export industry, caged eggs, and 1080 baiting, all of which are opposed by the RSPCA. Davis has also been a vocal opponent of activist investigations that have uncovered abuse on livestock production facilities, including in Tasmania.
“It is unclear whether she has changed her positions and will put animals first in her new role, or whether the RSPCA board has chosen to overlook these issues” Mr Westcott said.
The Animal Justice Party has also raised concerns as to how Ms Davis will handle conflicts of interest between her new role with the RSPCA and other roles, including her agribusiness consultancy and her position on the board of Australian Seafood Industries Limited.
“The AJP is seeking to meet with Ms Davis, and we would encourage her to meet with other Tasmanian animal advocates as well if she wants to earn the community’s trust.”
