Farm animal science

Hundreds of millions of farm animals are reared every year in the UK alone. Unfortunately, many are reared, transported and slaughtered in ways that, although legally permitted, do not adequately meet their behavioural and physical needs, and so do not ensure good standards of animal welfare.

Pig rooting on Freedom Food Farm © Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary

When lobbying governments and the food and farming industries for national and international change, it is scientific and practical evidence that carry the most weight.

Freedom Food Indoor Reared Meat Chickens © Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary

Our team of farm animal welfare specialists therefore work in a number of different ways to encourage improvements, always using the latest evidence from farm animal welfare research and practical farming experience to support their arguments.

You might be interested to learn more about our farm animal welfare specialists and the constructive, evidence-based ways we work to improve farm animal welfare.

 
We've pledged to increase the proportion of animals reared
under higher welfare systems.

Will you take our pledge?

  • Farm animals Piglets in arc with straw © Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary

    Find out about how animals are farmed, our work to improve their lives, and how you can help.