Concerns have been raised about the condition of chickens at farms supplying a major retailer, sparking calls for action.
- Secret footage reveals alarming welfare issues, with chickens frequently in distress and dying on site.
- Animal welfare group Open Cages identified the rapid growth of ‘Frankenchickens’ as a core problem, citing severe health complications.
- In response to pressure, Co-op has pledged to improve chicken living conditions but has not ended the use of fast-growing breeds.
- Despite demands for change, economic considerations have led to the continuation of current practices by Co-op.
Concerns have been raised over the condition of chickens at three farms supplying a major retailer. Secretly filmed footage has unveiled distressing scenes, showing birds in agony, collapsing, and dying prematurely. An animal protection charity, Open Cages, documented these conditions over several months, revealing the harsh realities facing chickens in these facilities.
The primary issue identified by Open Cages is the use of ‘Frankenchickens’, breeds that grow at unnaturally fast rates, resulting in serious health issues. These chickens often suffer from heart attacks, organ failure, lameness, and deformities due to their accelerated growth. This raises significant ethical questions about animal welfare standards at farms supplying the retailer.
In May, demonstrators urged the retailer to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), a set of welfare standards developed by experts. The BCC advocates for the replacement of fast-growing breeds with slower-growing ones to enhance animal welfare by providing more space and environmental enrichments. Despite overwhelming support from Co-op members, the board chose not to phase out ‘Frankenchickens’, citing economic factors.
In response to the public outcry, the company has pledged to improve the living conditions of their chickens by reducing stocking densities and ensuring more space, aligning partially with the BCC. A spokesperson emphasised the retailer’s commitment to high welfare standards, asserting that all fresh chicken meets or exceeds existing assurance standards.
Despite these promises, the economic imperative to maintain low prices appears to be a significant barrier to fully adopting the recommended welfare practices. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between ethical concerns and commercial objectives in the food industry.
The debate around chicken welfare at Co-op’s suppliers underscores the complex balance between ethical practices and economic pressures.
