Anti-broiler chicken group accused of ‘intimidating’ farmers

Animal welfare group the Humane League has been accused of “intimidating farmers” and “stoking fear and confusion” after it wrote to broiler growers saying they may be breaking the law by using modern chickens.

The letter follows a Court of Appeal case in London last December, in which the Humane League argued that Defra was acting illegally by allowing the use of such birds.

It had claimed that modern broilers suffer because of their genetic make-up, which allows them to reach slaughter weight quickly.

See also: Appeals judge throws out case against modern broiler rearing

While the judge agreed that birds should not be kept for farming purposes if they can be expected to suffer “because of their genetic make-up”, he did not specify this was necessarily the case with modern broilers, and dismissed the case.

Despite this, the Humane League said the judge had “provided an interpretation of the law that closely aligned with our case”.

It claimed this put it in position to launch private prosecutions against broiler growers who continue to use fast-growing breeds.

The group has now written to 1,600 broiler growers saying the “may be breaking the law”, urging them to switch to slower growing breeds and “align with animal welfare law”.

“The time for change is now,” it says.

“Continuing to use Frankenchickens despite this ruling could have serious legal consequences. 

“You have been warned.”

Criticised 

But the activists’ move has been severely criticised by the British Poultry Council (BPC), which reiterates that the Humane League lost its case in the Court of Appeal.

“This is not a grey area,” said a spokesperson.

“There is no ruling against current practices and no grounds for suggesting otherwise.

“Misrepresenting the judgment to stoke fear and confusion does a disservice to everyone working to raise standards and have serious conversations about welfare.”

The BPC notes that the court acknowledged that animals suffering solely due to genetics would not meet welfare standards, but made clear that this was a matter for Defra.

“The Humane League is doubling down on rhetoric and selectively interpreting the ruling to escalate pressure on farmers,” it said.

“Such language undermines the genuine efforts being made by farmers, scientists and veterinary experts who work tirelessly to improve animal welfare.”