Frequently Asked Questions

Ho Do I Know if a Product is RSPCA Assured?

The only way of knowing if a product is RSPCA Assured is if it carries our label on it. If it doesn't have the RSPCA Assured label, it didn’t come from a farm where we have assessed the welfare of the animals to the RSPCA’s higher welfare standards.

Why Does RSPCA Assured Allow Indoor Farming?

Good animal welfare is not as simple as indoor versus outdoor. Both Indoor and outdoor farms, including free-range and organic, can be members of the RSPCA Assured scheme as long as the RSPCA’s strict welfare standards are met, although cages and farrowing crates are strictly prohibited.

Can RSPCA Assured Meat Be Factory Farmed?

No, we do not allow factory farming on our scheme. Both the RSPCA and RSPCA Assured strongly oppose intensive farming practices, which are characterised by the use of close confinement systems (e.g. cages and crates), low space allowances for the animals, and barren environments, none of which are permitted on RSPCA Assured certified farms. 

We also strongly condemn the use of fast-growing breeds. We regard this practice as cruel and unethical and we do not permit the use of such breeds on any RSPCA Assured certified farms.

We believe that by increasing the proportion of animals being farmed to higher welfare standards and reducing the number of farmed animals overall, we will see a reduction, and eventually an end, to the intensive farming of farm animals. 

How Often Are RSPCA Assured Farms Inspected?

All farms on the RSPCA Assured scheme will receive a visit from one of our trained assessors at least once a year under normal circumstances.

What if a Farm Does Not Keep to the Standards?

When we become aware of a minor infringement of our standards, this could be anything that does not have a direct impact on the health and welfare of an animal, record-keeping, for example, the member is given a short period to prove they have put the problem right. 

If a member fails to meet the RSPCA’s welfare standards or terms of the RSPCA Assured membership agreement, we do not hesitate to suspend or remove them, when necessary. Only when we are satisfied that a member has done everything they can to rectify an issue, do we allow them to remain or rejoin the scheme.

Does RSPCA Assured Have Its Own Farms?

No, we do not own or run any farms. RSPCA Assured is a farmed animal welfare assurance scheme. We conduct assessments on farms to ensure the RSPCA’s higher welfare farmed animal welfare standards are being maintained.

Does RSPCA Assured Receive Payments From The Farming Industry?

No, as a non-profit charity, we do not receive any payments from the farming industry, nor do we receive any public or government funding. The only income we receive is an annual membership fee from our members and a licence fee for the use of the RSPCA Assured logo. 

Neither of these fees are taken as profit, they are reinvested back into the scheme and used to cover costs and make improvements. More on how RSPCA Assured is funded.

What Is RSPCA Assured?

RSPCA Assured is the RSPCA’s not-for-profit ethical food label and farmed animal welfare assurance scheme. The RSPCA works closely with industry experts, veterinarians and welfare specialists to develop higher welfare farmed animal standards. Farms can become members of RSPCA Assured when they implement these standards.

What Does RSPCA Assured Do?

We assess farms, hauliers and abattoirs to ensure they are following the RSPCA’s strict higher welfare standards for farmed animals. By adhering to these standards, farms which produce animal products can put the RSPCA Assured logo on their products. Consumers can be sure that all RSPCA Assured labelled produce has come from animals who have led better lives. 

Why Does RSPCA Assured Exist?

The sole aim of RSPCA Assured is to improve the lives of millions of farmed animals. A large portion of the world consumes animal products and the number of animals being farmed annually is increasing. Many of these animals are farmed in lower welfare conditions and under intensive farming practices, something RSPCA Assured is staunchly opposed to. We exist to progress farmed animal welfare by encouraging the food and farming industries to adopt higher welfare standards and educating consumers on higher welfare options.