Animals and farming

Helpful information on the advertising rules for activities, products and services relating to animals or farming.

We know that the public are very passionate about animal welfare. Advertisers must ensure they prepare any ads involving, or depicting, animals in an appropriate way under our harm and offence rules. They must also be careful not to over-exaggerate and mislead consumers when it comes to advertising organic foods or referring to animal testing in ads.

Advertisers shouldn’t claim that animals raised organically are better provided for than they are. Absolute statements regarding animal welfare or any claims regarding farming methods must be backed up by documentary evidence which should be available on request.

When it comes to making claims about “organic” foods or ingredients, it is important advertisers are aware of the legislation that underpins the ad rules in this area as there is an EU law that sets the minimum standards for these types of claims. Foods can’t be referred to as “organic” or “made with organic ingredients” unless they meet these standards and, furthermore, come from farmers, processors or importers who are registered with an approved certification body and are subject to regular inspections.

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Latest rulings

R&R Country Ltd
- Not Upheld
- Internet (on own site)
- 20 December 2017
A website, randrcountry.co.uk, for equestrian and country pursuits retailer R&R Country, seen on 20 May 2017, featured a horse rug called the "Weatherbeeta Comfitec Essential Standard Neck Lit". Under the product details it stated, “Strong and durable 1200 denier ripstop outer shell with repel shell coati...
Unity Bar Group Ltd t/a Unity Nightclub
- Upheld
- Leaflet
- 13 December 2017
A flyer for Unity Nightclub, seen in July 2017, stated “Saturday 15 July 2017, Ibiza Giveaway Holiday for 2 inc flights, hotel, itinerary to Ibiza in August 2017, date TBC”. Text below this stated “You must be in the building on Saturday for winner announcement at 1am”.
APC Agri Supplies Ltd
- Upheld
- Internet (on own site)
- 25 October 2017
A website for APC Agri Supplies Ltd, seen on 31 May 2017, featured a page headed “Redi-Bed”. Text stated “Tom Crawford has been using Redi-Bed successfully on his farm for almost 5 years …”.

View all rulings

Animals and farming

Helpful information on the advertising rules for activities, products and services relating to animals or farming.

Latest news

Keeping your ‘Organic’ claims compliant

Our Inaugural Rulings Podcast

Vetting claims about products for animal health

Paws for thought: Animals in ads

Paws and clause: Avoiding an advertising cat-astrophe when featuring animals

Farming: methods for your adverts

Latest rulings

R&R Country Ltd

Unity Bar Group Ltd t/a Unity Nightclub

APC Agri Supplies Ltd

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