Farm Livestock Officer - Roger Briddock

Roger has been in his current role since 2008 when he left his role in Trading Standards to take up his dream job, working for the RSPCA.
 

When I saw a Farm Livestock Officer (FLO) job had come up I knew I had to have it! I agree completely with the ethos of what we (the RSPCA) are trying to achieve in terms of farm animal welfare.

The role of a FLO

Roger's role as a FLO requires him to carry out spot checks on members of the Freedom Food scheme and to ensure the RSPCA’s welfare standards are being maintained.

He also gives advice and answers any queries farmers might have. It is obvious that Roger is very proud of his job.
 

We gather valuable information on the ground, which can be fed back to the Farm Animals Department at the RSPCA - helping to support the continual development of the standards!

The reality of animal welfare

A FLO is often out and about early, travelling long distances to be on farms and the majority of their time is spent carrying out unannounced visits. This allows Roger and the other FLOs to see the reality of what is going on behind the scenes on a farm.
 

Within a few minutes on being on farm you can see where the welfare standards are making a difference to the quality of these animals’ lives.

Of all the farm animals Roger sees on a daily basis he finds pigs to be the most aware and affected by their environment.
 

Pigs are very sociable, inquisitive animals. They are like toddlers – they love to play, get bored easily and need plenty of company. I love the fact that with pigs, you can see very clearly when they are content.

Find out more about how we are helping farm animals.