Dairy farmers who have signed up to the RSPCA Assured scheme will be required to give their cows more grazing time, increase the use of antibiotics and improve care from birth to slaughter under the latest welfare standards published this week.
RSPCA Assured said the revised standards for dairy cattle will come into force from April 20, 2026, following a three-month notification period. Members were formally notified of the changes on January 19th.
The group said the update is based on best practice and the latest scientific evidence and aims to improve welfare while supporting farmers with higher welfare schemes.
Among the most significant changes is the requirement that adult cows have access to pasture for at least four hours a day for at least 120 days a year, depending on weather conditions, veterinary advice or transition periods. Heifers must also be given access to pasture before their first calving, and new records are required to demonstrate compliance.
To improve comfort and reduce injuries, stricter bedding, cleanliness and lying area requirements have been introduced, as well as clearer space standards for calving cows.
Feeding and watering systems have also been strengthened. Split feeding systems must now provide at least 5% more space than the number of cows using it, increasing to 15% for transitional cows, with clearer expectations for feed analysis and drinking space.
Transport rules have been tightened, with cows in the last third of their pregnancy no longer allowed to leave the farm except as a last resort, such as to prevent disease.
From 1 January 2029, all cattle will need to be transported directly to RSPCA Assured certified abattoirs using scheme-approved carriers, with new safety parameters for electrical stunning.
Additional protections apply to vulnerable cattle that are bought and sold. Animals such as cows culled for further fattening or newly procured milking cows must be moved directly between farms, bypassing livestock markets and collection centers.
The updated standards also ban the use of GPS-controlled virtual fencing systems that rely on shock collars, citing welfare concerns.
Analgesia is now required for all conditions that can cause suffering, such as lameness and assisted delivery. The farm must also have a designated Veterinary Health and Welfare Plan veterinarian with out-of-hours capabilities who can quickly respond to emergencies.
Housing standards were revised to ensure buildings are properly maintained and well ventilated, banning routine prophylactic antibiotic use and requiring detailed usage records.
Care requirements for calves have been strengthened, including mandatory use of teat feeders, no rapid weaning, and introduction of enrichment from three weeks of age.
Farms are also required to have a formal emergency plan in place, supported by a clearly displayed action board with instructions and contact details.
RSPCA Assured agricultural expert Izzy Candy said the changes were designed to deliver practical improvements on farms while being achievable.
“Updated dairy cow welfare standards will really help promote welfare on UK farms, from allowing cows to spend more time on pasture, to requiring painkillers for conditions such as lameness, to banning the routine use of antibiotics,” she said.
“These changes are practical, evidence-based, and designed to make a real difference to the lives of dairy cows.”
He added that the scheme will continue to help farmers adapt. “In addition to these new standards, RSPCA Assured members can find lots of additional helpful advice in their gray information box (ibox),” she said.
“These are great guides to help you stay ahead of the curve and understand what to expect in the future.”
RSPCA Assured said farmers preparing for the April implementation date are encouraged to seek advice early to ensure they have systems, records and equipment in place ahead of inspection.
