RSPCA Assured is one of the UK's most recognized farm animal welfare certification schemes, but understanding what it does and does not require is essential for consumers.
RSPCA Assured provides genuinely higher welfare standards than the legal minimum for all species it covers. For broiler chickens, it requires lower stocking densities, enrichment, and slower-growing breeds. For pigs, it prohibits sow stalls entirely. However, certification does not mean animals have outdoor access or that all welfare concerns are addressed. Understanding what specific standards apply to each species helps consumers make more informed choices within the certified segment.