Why we’re fighting for better welfare for animals raised for food

I probably don’t need to tell you this, but the way chickens are raised for food today is, quite simply, abhorrent. We call them Frankenchickens because of the unnatural way they've been bred. Within a mere 35 days, they grow to an enormous size, producing far more meat than nature intended.

Growing so rapidly, these birds often become immobilised under their own weight, their skin burnt and sore from the ammonia in their waste. This is a stark contrast to their natural state as lean, curious, active birds, who love to run and play.

In the vegan community, there's often a debate over the approach to ending animal suffering. Some activists argue against working to improve conditions for animals raised for food.

Their concern?

Such improvements might lead people to believe that the core problem has been solved, reducing the likelihood of adopting a vegan lifestyle. I understand this perspective, but my experience tells a different story.

Why we are advocating for improved welfare

As an organisation, and personally as a long-time vegan, our journey has been one of evolution and learning.

From advocating for plant-based diets to our current focus on institutional animal welfare campaigns, our mission remains steadfast: to end the abuse of animals raised for food. Here’s why we focus on improving animal welfare:

1. Welfare reforms alleviate the suffering of millions of animals right now. They improve living conditions, reduce suffering, and set higher standards for animal care.
2. Welfare campaigns keep animal rights in the public eye. They provide ongoing opportunities to educate the public about the conditions of farmed animals, maintaining a connection with the issue.
3. Welfare campaigns often generate media coverage, which helps to spread awareness and educate the public on animal rights issues, indirectly promoting a shift towards more ethical consumer choices.
4. There are several organisations already carrying out effective plant-based advocacy here in the UK, so the impact of our work in this area may be limited.

Our work in this area has yielded substantial results.

M&S, Waitrose, Wagamama, KFC, Nando's, and Greggs are just a few of the over 333 UK and EU firms that have embraced the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) and are working towards a better future for the chickens.

The BCC is a welfare policy designed by experts from animal charities to stop the use of Frankenchickens and provide greater space, natural light, and enrichment for the birds to play with.

Approximately 28% of the UK's chicken supply is now committed to meeting BCC standards, impacting the lives of around 300 million birds. In the coming years, our strategic focus will see us working to keep the BCC on a path to success.

Central to our crusade is a judicial review against the Government challenging the use of Frankenchickens. In partnership with esteemed allies like the RSPCA, we are not just advocating change; we are instigating it.

We will also be working to eliminate cages for laying hens across the UK, championing their freedom and well-being, while also advocating for this change on a global scale.

And, we are dedicated to pioneering effective new interventions that will elevate the standard of care for farmed animals, including fish.

In summary

The sheer scale of the chicken industry, combined with the intense suffering of the chickens and the nation’s appetite for eating them, makes it at once the most pressing animal welfare crisis we have to handle, and our hardest challenge.

Recent history demonstrates that once businesses recognise that animals are sentient creatures with needs that ought to be satisfied for moral reasons, there is always a case for taking ever-increasing measures in that direction.

Countries with strong animal protection generally hold the most progressive views and laws for animals, which is what we need to end their suffering.

Incremental progress has always been a hallmark of social justice movements. By improving animal welfare standards, we pave the way for legislative changes and increased public understanding, resulting in widespread concern for animals.

Ultimately, our goal is to end the exploitation of animals for profit, and we believe these steps contribute to that larger mission.

We invite you to join us in this heartfelt endeavour. Together, we can create a world where the welfare of every animal is not just a consideration but a priority.