MEPs hatch plans to improve chicken welfare

3.33.23pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Feb 2006

Sharon with a happy hen "Speckled Lady"

Liberal Democrat MEP for the South East, Sharon Bowles today voted to support the European Parliament's report on the protection of broiler chickens (chickens kept for meat production.)

Sharon Bowles said "I welcome the fact that this report was passed. The conditions in which some of these chickens are kept are horrifying - where their movements are limited, resulting in poor litter and air quality. This directive is a first step towards improving welfare standards not just in the UK, but across the EU."

In the UK, the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) and DEFRA recommend a maximum stocking density of 34kg per square metre but there is no requirement for producers to stick to this level. "I am pleased that an amendment was passed that would make this mandatory, though unfortunately only from 2013 onwards."

"I voted for amendments with even lower stocking densities, to be applied sooner. The Parliament only has an advisory role in this matter but it is important that we give animal welfare a clear and high priority."

"It is equally important that EU welfare standards do not just result in imports from outside the EU. The only weapon we have against this is clear labelling and the Parliament passed proposals for a mandatory scheme. This would allow consumers to choose both where AND how chickens are reared" said Sharon Bowles.

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