In June the Government published their response to the ‘Great Britain consultation on poultry catching and handling’ which detailed responses to the consultation and next steps.
Despite more than half (59%) of respondents disagreeing with the proposal to amend the legislation to permit chickens to be caught by two legs, Defra, the Scottish and Welsh Governments have stated they will proceed with the proposal to exempt chickens from the prohibition on the lifting of chickens by their legs. This exemption will also be extended to turkeys; thereby allowing chickens and turkeys to be caught, lifted and carried by two legs for the purpose of transport related operations in England, Scotland and Wales. The Statutory Instrument laid by the Government can be viewed here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/776/introduction/made
The consultation response stated that: “we cannot be confident that the British egg and meat chicken industries would be able to make a comprehensive transition to upright catching in a manner that would deliver an overall improvement in bird welfare at this time.” It acknowledged that “the scientific literature on catching methods is clear that two-leg catching poses greater welfare risks when compared with upright catching” but did not consider this sufficient to mandate upright catching.
Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation is disappointed that the Government has decided to discount the clear views of the majority of respondents and proceed with actions that will, in their own words, pose greater welfare risks to chickens when handled.
This response is set against the backdrop of a Government who is yet to take any positive action on farm animal welfare, which we believe bodes poorly for the millions of animals reared on farms across Great Britain. It is time the Government reconsiders their response, which will negatively impact the lives of millions of chickens across the country, and take decisive action to further the welfare of farmed animals in the UK.
Handling chickens by their legs causes stress, suffering, fear and injury and it’s currently banned. This law change would reverse vital protections for millions of animals and be a backwards step.
Methods involving catching the birds by their legs and carrying them inverted tend towards more wing fractures than methods involving catching the birds under the abdomen and carrying them in an upright position.
We urge MPs to oppose this amendment now.
Read Co-Founder Chris Platt’s comment piece in The Express on the disappointing chicken handling amendment, and wider poor record on animal welfare: ‘Labour’s record on animal welfare is not just disappointing – it’s alarming‘ – The Express