Queen's Brian May makes 'painful' announcement after scary health ordeal

Queen guitarist Brian May has stepped down as the Vice President of the RSPCA, announcing his resignation on Instagram with a heavy heart due to "painful decision to make."

He shared: "My letter of resignation earlier today as a Vice President to the RSPCA. A very sad day - and a painful decision to make."

The celebrated musician, 77, expressed his dismay over how the charity handled its animal welfare scheme, adding: "But in the face of the recent revelations about conditions in some farms in the RSPCA Assured scheme, I feel the RSPCA have had ample time to do the right thing - but have tried to justify their position."

He continued, touching on the trust people put in the organisation's certification: "And meanwhile good folks out there are still paying extra for animal produce with the RSPCA sticker on it, thinking they are protecting farm animals from cruelty.", reports the Express.

Acknowledging the conflict he felt, May concluded: "A very hard decision, because of all the great things the RSPCA do, but in the end there was no other option for me. Bri."

This announcement comes shortly after Brian May experienced health issues, revealing he has had to take his recovery slowly following a "minor stroke". He confided that the incident severely limited his activities: "I think the good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days and I say this because I was in some doubt because that little health hiccup that I mentioned happened about a week ago and what they called it was a minor stroke and all of a sudden - out of the blue - I didn't have any control over this arm so was a little scary."

After the announcement of his resignation, one follower expressed dismay, saying: "Oh my goodness I thought this was a bad bad letter, I am upset to hear about the step down though, it is understandable however, we love you Brian! " A second fan commended him, stating: "This must have certainly been a well-thought decision, Sir Bri. We admire your courage."

Another chimed in with understanding, remarking: "You did the right thing Bri. Stand up for what you believe in. If you work with an organisation that isn't committing to sorting things out then what's the point? " While a fourth offered support, commenting: "This must indeed have been a difficult decision. I applaud your integrity and continuing voice for all animals, unable to speak for themselves."

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