RSPCA NSW vice-president quits over welfare standards for RSPCA

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Published: 2026-10-06T04:46:11.753Z • Permanent link

Mark Steele, the vice-president of the RSPCA New South Wales, has announced his resignation from the organization over concerns regarding the welfare standards of the RSPCA Certified scheme. The RSPCA Certified scheme is a program that badges 97% of chicken sold in Australia, providing assurance to consumers about the humane treatment of the animals. However, Steele expressed his disappointment and shame in being associated with the program, citing inadequate welfare standards. The RSPCA New South Wales has faced increasing scrutiny over the past year regarding the treatment of animals in its certified farms.

Steele's resignation comes amid growing pressure from animal welfare groups and some consumers who have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the RSPCA Certified scheme. In 2022, an investigation by the ABC revealed that some certified farms were not meeting basic animal welfare standards, sparking widespread criticism. Since then, the RSPCA New South Wales has been working to address these concerns and improve the welfare standards of its certified farms. However, Steele's resignation suggests that more needs to be done to ensure that the RSPCA Certified scheme is living up to its promise.

The RSPCA New South Wales has announced plans to review its welfare standards and implement new measures to improve the treatment of animals in its certified farms. The organization has also pledged to increase transparency and accountability in its certification process. However, some critics have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures, citing a lack of independent oversight and inadequate penalties for non-compliance.

The resignation of Mark Steele and the RSPCA New South Wales's plans to review its welfare standards have significant implications for the Data Sources domain. The RSPCA Certified scheme is a key component of the organization's efforts to promote animal welfare and transparency in the Australian meat industry. However, if the scheme is not meeting its promise, it could undermine consumer trust and confidence in the organization.

The RSPCA New South Wales's certification process is widely regarded as a benchmark for animal welfare in the Australian meat industry. However, the scheme has faced criticism from some research communities and animal welfare groups, who argue that it does not go far enough in ensuring the humane treatment of animals. If the organization fails to address these concerns, it could damage its reputation and undermine its ability to promote animal welfare.

The impact of Steele's resignation and the RSPCA New South Wales's plans to review its welfare standards will be felt across the Australian meat industry. Some companies that operate under the RSPCA Certified scheme may need to reassess their compliance with animal welfare standards, potentially leading to changes in their business practices. The Australian government has also expressed interest in improving animal welfare standards in the country, and the RSPCA New South Wales's efforts may inform these efforts.