Celebrities And Vets Call On RSPCA To Ditch Its Farm Assurance Scheme

Celebrities, vets, and animal rights groups are calling on the RSPCA to drop its farm assurance scheme, RSPCA Assured, due to allegations of animal cruelty. A recent undercover investigation found animals suffering on all UK farms visited, leading to criticism of the RSPCA's certification of these farms as high welfare. The open letter asks the RSPCA to promote a transition to a plant-based food system to protect all animals.

The campaign, named For Charlie, was launched alongside the letter after activists rescued a piglet named Charlie from one of the investigated farms. A new short film by a BAFTA-winning filmmaker sheds light on the welfare violations found on RSPCA Assured farms, with accusations of cruelty being widespread and inherent to animal farming. The RSPCA is conducting a review in response to the concerns raised.