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"One constant is the fear the establishment has over the RSPCA electing progressive people to its council," Stallwood tells me. "It's a longstanding battle because they don't want it to become a progressive organization. The last thing they want is an organization with so much public influence being over-critical of factory farming and animal research. The establishment financially benefits from all of this work on animals."In fairness, the RSPCA is critical of farming practices and animal testing, and has been instrumental in bringing reform. But the organization, from necessity, works hard to remain middle of the road. "The extreme end of any ethos will always attract attention," a spokesman told me.In the case of Lyons, this "extremism" means wanting policy reform that takes animal welfare into account. "The relevant policy fields in DEFRA, the Home Office, and across government have either been captured by animal harm interests or prioritize deregulation and economic growth over everything else, including animal welfare," he says.These demands aren't outrageous. That our first reaction to the words "animal rights activist" elicits responses like "crusties," "lunatics," and "thugs" (replies to my not-very-scientific vox-pops) is convenient to those who profit from our complacence.In the meantime, if Lyons is elected to the RSPCA council, he's expecting more bad press. "I don't see the mass media surrendering their allegiance to elitist, reactionary interests any time soon," he says.Follow Frankie on Twitter.READ ON MUNCHIES: Animal Rights Activists Don't Want You to Swing Chickens for God