UK GOVERNMENT TURNS ITS BACK ON CHICKENS – URGENT ACTION NEEDED

To bring the UK into line with the EU law that will come into force in 2010, Defra is planning to abandon its previous recommended maximum density of 34kg/m2 (15-17 chickens per square metre), which is already higher than welfare science recommends, and increase the maximum permitted density to 39kg/m2 (18-19 chickens per square metre) or even 42kg/m2 (19-21 chickens per square metre) - this is far too high and represents severe overcrowding.

Moreover, the EU Directive fails to address the issue of fast-growing breeds, which causes millions of chickens to suffer from lameness and die from heart and lung failure each year.

Peter Stevenson, Chief Policy Advisor at Compassion in World Farming, comments: “This is a huge step backwards for chicken welfare.

“We were immensely disappointed with the EU law when it was first agreed in 2007, but now the UK is planning to lower its standards to come into line with the EU, giving a green light to the continuation of intensive poultry production. Cramming 19 or more chickens into a square metre is simply unacceptable.”

“Many major retailers are committing to improving chicken welfare as a result of pressure from consumers and campaigns by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. We have also seen over160 UK MPs supporting a Parliamentary motion calling for improved chicken standards. So why is the Government so out of touch with public opinion?”

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