6th May 2025
RSPCA Welfare Standards for Laying Hens
The current version of the RSPCA welfare standards for laying hens that RSPCA Assured members are required to implement is dated August 2017. As part of the on-going process of reviewing the welfare standards, they have now been amended and updated, which includes the addition of a number of new standards and guidance (information boxes).
The review process, which is undertaken in consultation with the farming industry, veterinary profession and welfare research sector, is necessary to ensure that the standards take proper account of the latest scientific research, veterinary knowledge and practical developments, and therefore continue to represent ‘good practice’ in farm animal care.
These changes will be incorporated into a revised edition of the RSPCA welfare standards for laying hens, to be issued in July 2025. All the amendments made to the August 2017 version of the standards are listed below and have been
marked with NEW or REVISED. RSPCA Assured scheme members have until 11th July 2025 to fully implement these changes, unless otherwise stated by the standard.
Please note: All standards in the August 2017 edition that are not shown below or are shown but do not have a NEW or REVISED next to them remain unchanged in the new edition. Due to the amendment process, some existing standards have been re-ordered and therefore re-numbered.
Information Source: RSPCA Farm Animals Department | 11th April 2025
DOWNLOAD a copy of the RSPCA welfare standards for laying hens amendment Document.
