The Grumpy Vegan believes the RSPCA is the first animal welfare group to establish a humane farming certification program. Other groups have followed since. The RSPCA program is called Freedom Foods and regularly receives media attention and celebrity support. Recently, however, British TV’s Five News broadcast a two-part expose of an approved Freedom Foods farm with egg-laying chickens that clearly contravened the policies. The day after the broadcast the RSPCA issued this statement.
“The RSPCA is horrified and extremely concerned at any allegations of animals suffering – and has taken immediate action by suspending the farm, and launching our own investigation,” said Leigh Grant, chief executive of Freedom Food.
“As soon as we were made aware of the issues by Channel Five News, we took immediate action to suspend the farm, pending further investigation.
“Like any other organisation, the RSPCA cannot monitor farms 24 hours a day – but we are the only one making a concrete effort to help millions of farm animals by setting up an assurance scheme dedicated solely to animal welfare.”
The intention of such programs as Freedom Foods isn’t doubted; however, what concerns the Grumpy Vegan is that “animal funds” are used for such programs. There’s a fine line between Freedom Foods et al and campaigning against factory farming and for legislation as well as asking the public to eat less meat or preferably go vegetarian and vegan.
The RSPCA and others are on the wrong side of the line with programs like Freedom Foods.
