RSPCA NSW vice-president quits over welfare standards for RSPCA-branded chicken
Mark Steele, vice-president of RSPCA NSW, has resigned in protest over the organization's certification of fast-growing chicken breeds. He argues that the RSPCA Certified label misleads consumers about the welfare standards of the vast majority of chickens sold in Australia.
Why it matters
The resignation highlights a significant ethical conflict within major animal welfare organizations regarding the tension between industrial farming practices and consumer trust.
Almost all the chickens slaughtered for meat in Australia are from one of two fast-growing breeds. Animal welfare experts say this rapid growth can stress the animals’ bodies./Getty Images Almost all the chickens slaughtered for meat in Australia are from one of two fast-growing breeds. Animal welfare experts say this rapid growth can stress the animals’ bodies./Getty Images Chicken RSPCA NSW director quits over welfare standards for RSPCA-branded chicken Mark Steele says he is ‘ashamed to be associated’ with the RSPCA Certified scheme, which badges 97% of chicken sold in Australia
Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast
Prefer the Guardian on Google RSPCA New South Wales’s vice-president has left the animal welfare group, saying he is “sincerely ashamed” of the standards for RSPCA-certified chicken.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in