National campaign to shine spotlight on plight of chickens farmed for meat
Launched today, Better Chicken Australia is the latest phase of the Better Chicken Commitment campaign backed by the Australian Alliance for Animals, World Animal Protection and Animals Aotearoa, which aims to lift the lid on the conditions faced by 700 million chickens farmed for meat in Australia every year.
Better Chicken Australia will highlight the critical welfare issues caused by current chicken industry practices and showcase the pathway for change through uptake of the internationally recognised Better Chicken Commitment.
The Better Chicken Commitment is a global policy initiative committing food businesses to introduce higher welfare standards for all chickens in their supply chain, focusing on changing the breeds, living conditions and slaughter methods used in commercial chicken production.
Alliance for Animals’ Co-Founder and Strategy Director Dr Bidda Jones AM said, “We’re increasing the pressure behind this campaign because the treatment of meat chickens is one of the biggest but least recognised animal welfare problems in Australia today.”
Over 700 million chickens are raised and slaughtered for meat every year in Australia. Most of these are fast-growing breeds, genetically selected to grow at extreme rates to an unnatural size.
“These breeds are linked to a suite of serious welfare problems including leg deformities, lameness, skin infections, and heart conditions.
“Packed at high stocking densities in sheds with tens of thousands of other birds, and with the continued use of outdated, inhumane slaughter methods, the life of an intensively farmed chicken is a pretty miserable one.
“The scale of chicken production is mind-blowing, with nearly 2 million birds killed for their meat daily. Yet most Australian consumers are completely unaware of the widespread animal suffering which sits behind this industry.
“This solutions-focused campaign brings the plight of chickens to broader attention and calls on food businesses and producers to lead the charge in transforming chicken welfare.”
Better Chicken Commitment Campaigner April Broadbent said, “We know that the majority of Australians care about farmed animals and would be shocked at the suffering faced by chickens.
“Modern chickens are genetically selected to grow too big and fast for their own bodies to handle. They don’t get enough space, light, or clean air and, sadly, many will endure a very stressful, painful death. We want this to change.
“This campaign is about shedding light on the realities of the chicken industry and giving consumers and businesses alike a pathway to improve the lives of millions of Aussie chickens.
“The Better Chicken Commitment has had significant uptake in the UK, Europe and North America. We’re calling on food businesses in Australia to step up and make this same commitment to better chicken welfare here.
“Concerned Aussies can also help change the lives of chickens by urging the shops and restaurants they frequent to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment.
“It’s time for Aussie chickens to get a better life.”
BACKGROUND POINTS
The Better Chicken Australia website address is https://www.betterchicken.org.au/
Consumers can sign the pledge supporting the BCC at: https://www.betterchicken.org.au/take-action
Food businesses can sign up to the BCC (committing to transition their supply chain to BCC-compliant chicken sourcing) by contacting the campaign: https://www.betterchicken.org.au/contact
The Australia-New Zealand Better Chicken Commitment is backed by 15 leading animal welfare organisations. It sets targets for the most important welfare issues for chickens raised for meat, including better living conditions, more humane slaughter methods, and switching to healthier, slower growing chicken breeds that promote good welfare. See https://www.betterchicken.org.au/s/Australia-New-Zealand-BCC
Globally, there are over 625 commitments from businesses to the Better Chicken Commitment. In Australia, the Better Chicken Commitment has already been signed by Domino’s, Open Farm, and Marley Spoon.
Progress of the BCC in Europe as of June 2024 is detailed in this report by the Open Wing Alliance: https://openwingalliance.org/ecc-progress-report-2024
NOTES FOR MEDIA
For all media, photo and interview inquiries, please call 0426 025 329 or email media@allianceforanimals.org.au.
Dr Bidda Jones and April Broadbent are available for interviews.
Dr Bidda Jones AM leads the Alliance’s animal welfare strategy. A zoologist specialising in animal behaviour and welfare, Dr Jones previously worked for RSPCA Australia for 25 years and is an Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science. In 2021, Dr Jones was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant services to animal welfare science and advocacy.
April Broadbent is the Campaigner for the Better Chicken Commitment. April has a professional background in environment and electoral campaigning and communications, as well as experience in animal rescue, including managing an animal shelter. She holds a lifelong interest in bird welfare.
About the Australian Alliance for Animals
The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national registered charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people across the country. Learn more by visiting our website at www.allianceforanimals.org.au.