Updated dairy cattle standards: what RSPCA Assured members need to know

The revised standards will come into effect from 20 April 2026 and are designed to support better welfare outcomes, while remaining practical for farms to deliver.

Affected members were notified in January 2026, giving time to review what’s changing and plan ahead.

What’s changed?

The updated standards reflect the latest science and best practice, shaped by advice from vets, farmers and welfare specialists.

With a focus on improving comfort, health and quality of life for cattle at every stage, they support farmers in their commitment to higher animal welfare standards.

The main updates include:

• Adult cattle must have access to pasture for at least 120 days a year, for a minimum of four hours a day (where conditions allow). Heifers must also go out to pasture before first calving
• Teat feeders are now required for calves, and abrupt weaning is no longer permitted. Calves must also be provided with appropriate enrichment sooner, from three weeks old
• From 1 January 2029, all cattle must be transported directly to an RSPCA Assured-certified slaughterhouse, using a scheme-approved haulier. There are also new parameters and safety requirements for electrical stunning
• Bull pens must allow bulls to both see and have physical contact with other cattle.

These examples highlight some of the key changes, but members should make sure they read the full updates document to understand all of the requirements and how they apply on their farm.

Support to help you meet the standards

Alongside the updated standards, you’ll find grey information boxes (iboxes) throughout the document.

These offer practical guidance, additional welfare advice and insight into how the standards may develop in the future.

If you need help understanding or meeting the updated dairy cattle standards, I – along with the rest of RSPCA Assured’s farming and technical engagement team – am here to support you.

Find out more

You can read the full updated dairy cattle standards on the RSPCA Assured and RSPCA websites.

Thank you to our members for continuing to play a vital role in delivering higher welfare for dairy cattle.

Download the updates to the new RSPCA dairy cattle standards.