Pig Farming RSPCA Accreditation Standards for Pigs

The RSPCA has produced its own accreditation standards for pigs housing in extensive or semi-intensive systems. These standards have been developed to provide producers and consumers with a choice for the production of pork that represents a high level of animal welfare.

Pig producers are considered for RSPCA accreditation where all pigs are kept either in enhanced indoor environments or in well-managed extensive outdoor systems that cater for the behavioural and physical needs of sows, boars, and piglets reared for slaughter, and where considerate handling, transportation and humane slaughter are practiced.

The RSPCA does not accredit producers who keep their pigs in intensive confinement. The standards exclude the use of sow stalls or traditional farrowing crates, or housing systems that do not provide bedding or the space or environment to perform most normal behaviours.

You can obtain a copy of the RSPCA Pig Standards by emailing RSPCA Australia at science@rspca.org.au.