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RSPCA VP Resigns: Ashamed of Chicken Welfare Standards
6 Oct
Summary
- VP resigned citing shame over RSPCA certified chicken welfare.
- 97% of Australian chicken carries RSPCA certification.
- New standards don't phase out fast-growing chicken breeds.
Mark Steele, vice-president of RSPCA New South Wales, has resigned from his position, stating he is "sincerely ashamed" of the welfare standards associated with RSPCA-certified chicken. This certification is applied to 97% of the chicken consumed in Australia. Steele argues that the trusted RSPCA brand misleads consumers about the lives and deaths of these birds.
Fast-growing chicken breeds, prevalent in Australia, reach slaughter weight in just four to six weeks, a process that can cause significant physical stress. While the RSPCA has updated its welfare standards, effective by January 1, 2031, these changes do not require producers to abandon fast-growing breeds. Instead, a voluntary "enhanced" welfare category encourages slower-growing breeds, but lacks a consumer-facing label.
Steele criticizes the new standards for not setting a deadline to phase out fast-growing breeds. He believes the RSPCA's endorsement allows consumers to overlook welfare issues. The RSPCA acknowledges the desire for slower-growing breeds and encourages consumer support for this transition.
