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About the new laying hen standards

What is the point of the RSPCA welfare standards?

The main ambition of the RSPCA standards is to set high standards for farmed animal welfare based on the latest research, knowledge and on-farm experience whilst also remaining practical and achievable for farmers.

The aim of all RSPCA welfare standards is to set them:

at the limit of what may be achievable in terms of animal husbandry and commercial viability (i.e. challenging yet practical) so that they deliver improved animal welfare, above and beyond ‘standard’ or typical UK production in key areas.
to at least represent good practice, and where possible, best practice.
to strive to provide animals with a ‘good life’.

The new laying hen welfare standards

The RSPCA continually reviews all its welfare standards and aims to publish fully revised and updated versions of the standards every two years. We are always striving to improve farmed animal welfare and to lead the way for the farming industry.

The RSPCA always undergoes a thorough consultation process when developing standards, but we’ve dedicated a lot of additional time over the last year to listening to and collaborating with industry and our members in response to their feedback. Although the standards were a little delayed in publication, in April 2025, we announced the final version of the RSPCA’s laying hen welfare standards.

Our members are fundamental to helping us improve hen welfare, so taking this extra time to listen further and offer our help and support with meeting the standards was really important. The final iteration of the standards is really positive, and we’re thrilled to have found a solution together. Progressing welfare is a team effort, and we’re so proud to have such an engaged and dedicated industry to work with.

If you need additional help or advice in meeting the standards, please visit our support page to reach out to our farming and technical engagement team.

Amendments made to the August 2017 standards