More than a million broilers die each week in the UK before reaching the weight of slaughter, according to a new report.
An analysis of government figures from the animal welfare charity Open Cages reveals that around 64 million chickens die prematurely each year in the UK. Dead birds can be incinerated or converted into usable materials such as protein meal.
Chris Packham, the broadcaster and conservationist, said: “I think consumers would be absolutely upset to learn that a million of these smart, sensitive birds die every week to put cheap chicken on their plates.
“The absolute misery these animals face on a daily basis is unnecessary and would outrage even the most ardent carnivores because it serves no purpose other than to satisfy the profits of our large supermarkets, which refuse to help them.”
Animal welfare advocates say mortality rates could be significantly reduced with better welfare standards. They are asking retailers to support Better Chicken Commitment, an initiative to phase out fast-growing breeds and reduce herd density.
Wellness experts say modern chicken is genetically bred to grow so fast that it can put stress on your body, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest.
Research has shown that fast-growing chickens that reach their deadly weight in just 35 days can have higher mortality, lameness and muscle disease than slower-growing breeds. One of the most common causes of death in herds is heart failure or sudden death syndrome.
Connor Jackson, executive director of Open Cages, which produced the new report, said: “Supermarkets sell food with animal ads in green fields, but never show fattening chickens in the sheds. It’s scary for supermarkets to continue. selling these fast-growing breeds “.
Broadcaster and conservationist Chris Packham said consumers would be shocked by the truth about the conditions of poultry farming. Photography: Aaron Chown / PA
Although all major retailers in France have signed the Better Chicken Commitment, the UK’s largest supermarkets still do not support it. Its sponsors so far include Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Pret, KFC and the food services company Compass Group. Sainsbury’s announced in April that its fresh chicken would be raised with 20% more space than the UK standard in March 2023.
The British Poultry Council, the industry’s trade group, said: “Our birds are the most valuable part of production, so we are working very hard to minimize the level of mortality in the process, which is on average about 4%.
“We use a variety of production systems, including Better Chicken Commitment, according to consumer demand. It has a higher environmental impact and production cost, so it currently represents only 1% one percent of the market. We are a industry driven by consumer preferences “.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Our members take their animal welfare responsibilities very seriously and ensure that it is a key part of the production standards of the entire meat they sell.
“Retailers are already offering consumers the option of how to raise their chicken, including poultry and organic chicken, in addition to the standard range.”
A Defra spokesman said: “All farm animals are protected by comprehensive and sound animal health and welfare legislation. We appreciate the fact that many companies have already subscribed to the Better Chicken Commitment and encourage others to do so. “We are exploring how the government can better support this good practice.”