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FAQ Standards

Why can’t the RSPCA prosecute farmers for keeping animals in battery cages, sow stalls and farrowing crates?

There are common practices in farming that don’t meet the animals’ behavioural, social or physiological needs however are not illegal. T...

Why does the RSPCA have standards for dairy calves?

Raising excess dairy calves for veal or beef is one way to increase the value of an animal that would otherwise be considered a by-product and destine...

Will the Scheme introduce standards for cattle and sheep?

The nature of beef and lamb farming in Australia means that animals generally aren’t affected by the same welfare concerns related to behavioural re...

Do the RSPCA’s salmon standards address the potential environmental impact of aquaculture systems?

Yes. Aquaculture companies participating in the Scheme in addition to meeting government regulations, must demonstrate ongoing compliance with a recog...

Why does the RSPCA have a Standard for farmed Atlantic salmon?

Aquaculture remains one of the fastest-growing animal protein production sectors in the world, so as an animal welfare organisation, the RSPCA conside...

Is free range better than RSPCA Approved?

Good animal welfare isn’t just about outdoor access or stocking density. Our standards focus on a combination of factors in order to provide animals...

Is RSPCA Approved free range?

The RSPCA’s standards accommodate farming systems that may house animals in enriched indoor environments; or in systems where they are housed in...

How are the RSPCA’s standards developed?

RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme standards are based on animal welfare science, RSPCA policy, leading farming practices in Australia and overseas and tak...

How do RSPCA Approved standards compare with the law?

RSPCA Approved standards go beyond legal requirements. See our comparison tables for a summary of what this means for layer hens, meat chickens and ...

Are the RSPCA’s standards the highest standards possible?

Our standards set a high level for animal welfare by aiming to give some of Australia’s most intensively farmed animals a better quality of life. Th...