Court rejects legal challenge against fast-growing chickens
Around one billion broiler chickens are slaughtered in the UK each year.
The High Court has rejected a legal challenge brought by the Humane League UK (THL) against the Government for allowing the use of fast-growing broiler chickens by UK farmers.
The charity had argued that the practice broke existing animal welfare legislation, and that Thérèse Coffey, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, was in error in permitting it to continue.
However, the judge, Sir Ross Cranston, dismissed the challenge. In his written judgement, he stated: ‘To my mind it cannot be said, a matter of law, that the Secretary of State has acted contrary to her legal duties’.
The case was heard at a two-day hearing earlier this month, with supporters of the judicial review gathering outside to make their voices heard, including Chris Packam and Benjamin Zephaniah. The RSPCA provided testimony about the welfare conditions of fast-growing chickens.
Lawyers for THL had argued that fast-growing chickens were illegal under the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007, paragraph 29 of which states that: ‘Animals may only be kept for farming purposes if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of their genotype or phenotype, that they can be kept without any detrimental effect on their health or welfare.’
Fast-growing breeds can reach slaughter weight in 34 to 36 days, but research, such as the RSPCA’s ‘Eat. Sit. Suffer. Repeat.’ report, has found that compared to slower growing breeds they are more likely to experience health problems including breast muscle disease, lameness, and hockburn.
Around one billion broiler chickens are slaughtered in the UK each year, with fast-growing breeds making up around 90 per cent of the total.
Emma Slawinski, head of policy and advocacy at the RSPCA, said: "We're deeply disappointed by the news today that the challenge has been dismissed by the High Court. However, we are proud to be part of this historic case and will continue to push for change for chickens.
"We hope this will shine a light on the suffering involved in the majority of chicken available to the public and we will continue to raise awareness of the plight of chickens to consumers, retailers and the Government. We'll continue to campaign for a compassionate and sustainable farming system which protects animals, the planet and ourselves.”
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