The RSPCA is currently in the process of reviewing its animal welfare assurance scheme following claims that the system is not meeting expectations. With nearly 4,000 farms holding RSPCA Assured certification, signifying that their animal products meet strict welfare standards beyond legal requirements, the label has been used to indicate superior animal welfare to consumers. However, activists have raised concerns about the scheme’s efficacy in preventing welfare issues on certified farms.
In response to these claims, the RSPCA has initiated a detailed review of its processes, including unannounced visits to over 200 assured farms in recent months. This scrutiny comes on the heels of a coalition of 60 organisations, supported by celebrities like Ricky Gervais and Joanna Lumley, urging the RSPCA to discontinue the scheme. Earlier this year, activists exposed breaches of legal standards on around 40 farms that were RSPCA-certified, citing instances of overcrowding, poor hygiene, and alleged mistreatment of livestock.
Chris Packham, the RSPCA president, called for the suspension of the scheme when these allegations surfaced. The RSPCA emphasised its diligent response to any welfare concerns, asserting that the core focus of RSPCA Assured is ensuring animal welfare. The charity highlighted the ongoing independent review of RSPCA Assured, including visits to numerous members, to uphold better welfare practices than standard farming methods.
The RSPCA disclosed that the review process is still ongoing, with findings to be released once completed. Welfare scientists at the RSPCA establish the standards farms must adhere to for certification. RSPCA Assured products are available in supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Lidl, as well as in restaurants like McDonald’s and Frankie & Benny’s.