Vet leads protest against Lidl ‘franken-chickens’
An animal rights group led by a vet protested outside a Lidl over allegations the supermarket sells chickens from a supplier that keeps them in “appalling conditions”.
On Saturday, The Humane League UK staged a protest outside a Lidl in Clapham Road, Stockwell, after investigations found the supermarket had purchased chickens from a company that does not comply with the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC).
These protests come after an undercover investigation by the animal rights group into a Lidl supplier aired earlier this week on its Youtube channel.
It shows chickens struggling from health problems connected to fast-growth and claims some were even run over with tractors.
While Lidl claims to have cut ties with the supplier Hook2Sisters Ltd, it has not signed the BCC, the change campaigners are asking for.
Protesters demonstrated outside the Lidl store and encouraged shoppers to sign their petition demanding Lidl adopt the BCC.
Veterinarian and Stockwell resident Sara Santos, 32, said: “As a vet, I can diagnose the painful health problems Lidl chickens are suffering from.
“But it doesn’t take a degree in veterinary science to see that these animals are suffering horribly and kept in appalling conditions.
“There is no justification for treating living, feeling animals like this – millions of Lidl’s animals and customers deserve better. Lidl must sign the BCC.”
Fast-growing chickens make up about 90 per cent of the UK’s 1.1 billion chickens raised for meat each year.
These breeds suffer from higher levels of lameness, heart attacks, organ failure, ammonia burns and premature death. One million die of illness before slaughter on UK farms every week, according to animal welfare charity Open Cages.
The BCC requires the use of slower-growing breeds, more space, natural light and enrichment, less painful slaughter methods and third-party auditing.
A spokeswoman for Lidl said: “All fresh chicken supplied to Lidl complies with nationally recognised third-party standards, including Red Tractor Assured, RSPCA certification and Soil Association Organic.
“Additionally, our free-range RSPCA Assured chicken meets and exceeds the requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment.
“We work closely with our suppliers and industry partners, including sitting on the poultry board of Red Tractor, to ensure that we are continually improving animal welfare standards, whilst also responding to what our customers want and expect from us.”
Hook2Sisters Ltd has been approached for comment.
Pictured top: Protesters outside Lidl on Saturday (Picture: The Humane League UK)
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