Organic farming is widely perceived as better for animal welfare, but the evidence is mixed - some aspects are superior, others are not, and the relationship between organic certification and welfare is complex.
Organic farming offers genuine welfare improvements in some areas - slower-growing broiler breeds, outdoor access, and avoiding some pharmaceuticals that cause problems. But the relationship is not consistent. Organic dairy cattle can have higher disease burdens from management philosophy conflicts with disease treatment. Organic certification focuses on inputs (what cannot be used) rather than outcomes (how animals actually fare). Welfare-specific certification schemes like RSPCA Assured or higher-tier free-range standards may better predict actual welfare outcomes than organic certification alone.