LONDON, 22nd July 2025
Today (Tuesday 22nd July) the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation has expressed disappointment at the passing of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, a new Government Amendment which will allow chickens and turkeys weighing less than 5kg to be routinely caught and handled by their legs.
This follows a Government consultation opened in March 2025 proposing to dilute the retained version of EU Regulation 1/2005, which protects animals during transport and handling. The consultation, now closed, described “catching chickens by both legs as an appropriate and acceptable method” even though scientific consensus, including from the Animal Welfare Committee, recognises that handling by the legs causes significant pain and distress, as well as physical injuries including fractures, bruising, and dislocations.
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 proceeded with the proposal to exempt chickens from the prohibition on the lifting of chickens by their legs.
This month Adrian Ramsay MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) to nullify the Amendment, though this was unsuccessful. Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation would like to thank the MPs who signed the EDM and expressed opposition to this backwards legislative change.
One year after being elected, the Conservatives had announced world-leading plans to ban the live export of animals for fattening and slaughter, a move that undeniably improved the lives of countless animals across the country as they were spared long, gruelling journeys overseas. In comparison, this Government has taken a step backwards in lowering the welfare of animals in transport with the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 2025. While the Government has reaffirmed on several occasions their commitment to implement “the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation”, actions speak louder than words.
Lorraine Platt, Co-Founder of Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, commented: “Today as the Government’s Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 passes, we are left reflecting on a troubling pattern of inaction and broken promises for animals. The Amendment to legalise the handling of chickens and turkeys with two legs weakens our legislation and is a backwards step for millions of sentient animals across Great Britain. We are deeply disappointed the Government has chosen to prioritise short-term industry convenience over long-term welfare improvements.”
About Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF)
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation was established in 2016 to raise awareness on the lives of billions of animals reared on intensive farms around the world and how this impact upon animal welfare, the environment and people’s health. We want to highlight the action people can take to help advance farm animal welfare.
Animal welfare is an increasing concern amongst the public, who frequently look to Government to take the lead in both maintaining and improving standards.
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation believes it is highly important that the welfare of farm animals is placed at the forefront of the Governments plan for food and farming along with its focus on productivity, competitiveness, and technology.
Contact:
Sophia Stileman
Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation
07715 888164