Broiler Chickens

EDM number 145 in 1997-98, proposed by Bill Etherington on 19/06/1997.

That this House is concerned about the extensive suffering experienced by intensively reared broiler chickens; notes that these birds are reared indoors in darkened, overcrowded sheds and are forced to grow so quickly through selective breeding and rich diets that their legs often cannot properly support their overdeveloped bodies, with the result that each year millions of broilers suffer from painful sometimes crippling leg problems; is concerned that broiler breeders are often subjected to restricted feeding regimes which can lead to birds being chronically hungry, frustrated and stressed; notes that unlike pigs, calves and battery hens, broilers are largely unprotected by the law; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to introduce legislation to safeguard the welfare of broiler chickens.

This motion has been signed by a total of 51 MPs, 1 of these signatures have been withdrawn.