Holly Spindler
New investigation reveals the true plight of chickens on Co-op’s farms
Co-op: it’s what we do. That’s the tagline from Co-op’s website, ads, and social media. Sadly, what Co-op does to chickens destined for its shelves has now been revealed by new investigation footage. And it’s horrifying.
Chickens with severe deformities seen flapping in pain. Birds near death, unable to eat or drink, with untreated wounds. Dead bodies left to rot on the floor, decaying beside the living. Hundreds of dead birds simply tossed into bins. Anyone who has known a chicken knows that these are inquisitive, sensitive, and often affectionate animals. On these farms they are treated like garbage.
These fast-growing chickens are born to suffer. They are bred to grow so big, so fast, that their bodies can’t keep up. They can suffer organ failure, and from painful lameness; forced to lie in their own waste that burns their skin. We call them Frankenchickens due to their abnormal size.
Sadly, it’s not the first time Co-op has let down its customers. In May 2023, Co-op members voted in favour of the supermarket adopting the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). and improving the welfare of the chickens in its supply chain.
But far from listening to its members, who pay to be part of the democratic process of the Co-op, its Board have said they are unwilling to switch to using a different breed of chicken and reduce the level of suffering. And this investigation shows the true cost of this decision.
The three farms shown in the footage are run by Hook 2 Sisters, the exclusive supplier of all of Co-op’s fresh chicken. Ironically, one of the farms shown was used in a training video by Co-op which was heralded as something that would help ‘towards improving the welfare of millions of birds.’
Co-op members, especially those who voted for change, are outraged. And so they should be. Co-op is proudly democratic, while denying their members the welfare changes they vote for. Co-op claims they ‘believe in the highest standards of animal welfare.’ But the footage speaks for itself.
To be truly democratic, to truly show they care about animal welfare, the Board must act. We’re fighting to get Co-op to sign up to the BCC and make the lives of thousands of chickens better. Are you with us?
