The RSPCA has developed animal welfare standards for layer hens, pigs, meat chickens and turkeys that set a high level of welfare for the animals in these farming systems. These standards are much higher than those recommended by the model codes of practice for the welfare of poultry (Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry: http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/22/pid/3451.htm) and farmed pigs (Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Pigs: http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/5698.htm).
Layer hen, pig, meat chicken and turkey producers whose farms meet the RSPCA’s standards can apply to join in the Approved Farming Scheme. Once the farm has been approved, the RSPCA logo may be used on the packaging of product from that farm. Consumers are then able to choose to buy these products, knowing that the animals have been kept according to the RSPCA’s high welfare standards. Approved farms must allow regular assessments to ensure that the welfare requirements are maintained.
The aim of the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is ultimately to improve the conditions for farm animals. The RSPCA believes that farm animals must be treated in a way that meets their physical, physiological and psychological needs. As well as having appropriate food, shelter and veterinary care, they must have the freedom to express natural behaviours. Many common practices in animal farming, including keeping hens in battery cages and the use of sow stalls for pigs, do not meet the animals’ needs. However, these practices are not illegal. By raising public awareness and ensuring that consumers have access to welfare-friendly alternatives, the RSPCA aims to create a demand for these welfare-friendly products. As consumer demand increases, producers will have a greater incentive to adopt humane farming practices. The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme forms part of this strategy.
Under the RSPCA standards for layer hens, battery cages are not allowed. The hens have litter to use for dust bathing; space to flap their wings, stretch and socialise; nests for egg laying; adequate perch space; constant access to food and water; and protection from predators and the elements.
The standards for pigs require that pigs are kept in a well-managed environment — either an extensive outdoor system or an enhanced indoor system — that provides for the animals’ behavioural and physical needs, and require that considerate handling, transportation and humane slaughter are used. The RSPCA does not approve pig producers who keep their pigs in intensive confinement. Use of sow stalls and farrowing crates is not allowed under the RSPCA standards, and the housing system must provide bedding and the space for pigs to perform most normal behaviours.
The standards for meat chickens and turkeys ensure good bird welfare by focussing on the housing conditions that affect bird welfare and also by providing birds with straw bales to peck and perch on, a longer dark period so they can rest properly, and sufficient space to move freely.
RSPCA Approved farms are assessed at least twice every year.
Approved layer hen, pig, meat chicken and turkey producers pay a royalty to the RSPCA. These royalties are used to pay for regular farm assessments, fund the further development of certification standards, promote the Scheme to consumers, retailers and producers, as well as to help fund campaigns aimed at improving the welfare of farm animals.
To learn more about the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme visit our website.
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