In their response to the recent Defra consultation on the handling of chickens, the Government confirmed unwelcome plans to legalise catching chickens with two legs; something that, in their own words, poses welfare risks. The decision flies in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus that handling chickens by both legs causes significant pain, distress, trauma and injury. Yet the Government has chosen to prioritise short-term industry convenience over long-term welfare improvements.
It’s a move that not only undermines scientific advice but betrays the public’s growing expectation for higher standards of farm animal welfare. The shocking announcement on the handling of chickens falls against the backdrop of a Government who is yet to take any positive action on animal welfare, despite having repeatedly committed to raising standards.
As the Government marks its first year in office, we are left reflecting on a troubling pattern of inaction and broken promises for animals.
Far from delivering on its repeated commitments to “raise animal welfare standards,” it has made no meaningful progress.
On the issue of legal protections for farmed fish, then-shadow Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner MP said in 2023 that “if this Government can’t get it done then the next one will”.
He had previously accused ministers of “kicking the can down the road” on ending the use of cages for farmed animals.
Now in power, this Government is doing exactly what it once criticised – delaying action, falling short on its commitments, and letting down the farmed animals it promised to protect.
In comparison, one year after being elected, the last Government had already backed former Conservative MP Chris Loder’s Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, passed the Agricultural Transition Plan with its emphasis on sustainable farming practices and released a world-leading consultation to ban the live export of animals for fattening and slaughter, which proceeded to be the first ban of its kind in Europe.
One year on, its record on animal welfare is not just disappointing – it’s alarming.
Millions of voters were promised enhanced animal welfare by this Government. These voters deserve better, as do the billions of farm animals who depend on the Government’s decisions.
Chris Platt is co-founder of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation