RSPCA Assured UK - Farm Animal and Chicken Welfare

Learn about pig welfare in our new documentary series

M&S to be the first retailer stocking 100% slower-growing fresh chicken

We’re improving the lives of chickens

Many farmed animals in the UK are still reared in bare, overcrowded conditions; that's why our team of assessors inspect almost 4,000 hatcheries, farms, hauliers and abattoirs to ensure the RSPCA’s higher welfare standards are being met.

RSPCA Assured is the only assurance provider dedicated solely to animal welfare. Look for our logo on products and menus across the UK.

Find out more

Our assurances...

No cages… ever

Whenever you buy something carrying the RSPCA Assured mark, you can be sure that animals were reared to the RSPCA’s higher welfare standards.

Enriched living conditions

The RSPCA’s welfare standards insist that farmed animals are provided with a physically and mentally stimulating environment.

Humane slaughter

Unlike some other schemes, RSPCA Assured inspects the welfare of animals from birth right through to slaughter, including transport.

More living space

In many cases, the RSPCA welfare standards specify space allowances above legal requirements and other assurance providers.

Responsible antibiotic usage

We require that animals are given antibiotics when they actually need them, such as if an animal is sick or injured.

Traceable from farm to shelf

In addition to the RSPCA standards for farmed animals, RSPCA Assured also has its own set of standards for food manufacturers.

Farm animal welfare...

Chickens

Egg-laying hens

Dairy cows

Beef cattle

Pigs

Salmon & trout

Turkeys

Transportation and slaughter

Welfare standards comparison

What we do...

RSPCA welfare standards

The RSPCA write hundreds of standards for eleven species of farmed animal that cover the whole of their life. Find out more...

The History of RSPCA Assured

RSPCA Assured has been helping farm animals for over twenty-five years now. Take a look at our history and the important steps we've taken in that time.

Farm investigations

An investigation is launched whenever RSPCA Assured receives a valid complaint or is made aware of potential welfare issues on one of its member’s farms. Find out more...

Farm assessments

What is our process for inspecting farms, abattoirs and other RSPCA Assured scheme members? Find out more about how we conduct investigations.

RSPCA monitoring

Who are the RSPCA's Farm Livestock Officers and how are they different from RSPCA Assured farm assessors? Let's find out more and meet some of the FLOs...

Our governance

How is RSPCA Assured governed? Find out more about the function and responsibilities of our board of directors and their chairperson.

Sanctions guidelines

The sanctions we can impose when a member does not adhere to the RSPCA welfare standards. Find out more...

Funding and investments

RSPCA Assured is a charity and therefore run not for profit. Our sole purpose is to improve the welfare of farmed animals. Find out more...