RSPCA NSW director Mark Steele has resigned over welfare standards for RSPCA-branded chicken, saying he is "sincerely ashamed" of the certification scheme. The senior counsel, who volunteered on the board since 2021 and served as a non-executive director of RSPCA Australia until March, announced his departure on LinkedIn, effective end of September.
Why the RSPCA NSW Director Quit
Steele's resignation highlights deep concerns about the RSPCA Certified scheme, which certifies the welfare of 97% of Australia's meat chicken. In his statement, Steele wrote, "The RSPCA does much fine work, but there is one thing I have long been ashamed to be associated with: the use of the RSPCA's trusted brand to certify the welfare of 97% of Australian meat chicken."
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He argues that consumers seeing the RSPCA logo naturally assume higher welfare standards, but the reality is that most chickens are from fast-growing breeds slaughtered at just four to six weeks old. Animal welfare experts say this rapid growth stresses the animals' bodies.
The Scale of Chicken Consumption in Australia
Chicken accounts for almost half of all meat eaten in Australia. Consumption has doubled in the past 30 years, with Australians now eating about 55kg per person annually. Nearly 800 million chickens are slaughtered for meat each year, almost all from two fast-growing breeds.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Chicken share of Australian meat consumption | ~50% |
| Annual per capita chicken consumption | 55kg |
| Chickens slaughtered annually | 800 million |
| Chickens certified by RSPCA | 97% |
| Slaughter age | 4-6 weeks |
What This Means for Consumers
The RSPCA Certified badge is meant to signal higher welfare standards, but Steele's resignation raises questions about whether the scheme truly delivers. Consumers who trust the logo may be misled about the conditions in which chickens are raised.
- Trust in certification: The RSPCA brand is highly trusted, but certification may not guarantee high welfare.
- Fast-growing breeds: Most chickens are bred for rapid growth, which can cause health issues.
- Consumer expectations: Shoppers assume the logo means better lives for chickens, but that may not be the case.
- Call for reform: Steele's resignation puts pressure on RSPCA to reassess its certification standards.
FAQ
What is RSPCA Certified chicken?
What is RSPCA Certified chicken?
RSPCA Certified is a label indicating that chicken products meet certain welfare standards set by the RSPCA. However, critics argue these standards are not high enough, as they still allow fast-growing breeds and early slaughter.
Why did Mark Steele resign?
Why did Mark Steele resign?
Steele resigned because he was "sincerely ashamed" that the RSPCA Certified scheme certifies the welfare of 97% of Australian meat chicken, which he believes misleads consumers about the actual welfare of the birds.
How are chickens raised for meat in Australia?
How are chickens raised for meat in Australia?
Most meat chickens in Australia are from fast-growing breeds that reach slaughter weight at four to six weeks old. They are typically raised in large sheds, and animal welfare experts say this rapid growth can stress their bodies.
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