The UK government's proposal to relax planning regulations for industrial chicken farms has been condemned as shortsighted by Ruth Tanner, UK country director of World Animal Protection. Writing in a letter, she argues that the move would lock the UK into unsustainable and cruel farming practices.
Tanner warns that lower stocking densities, cited as a justification for the changes, offer only minor welfare improvements. She highlights that fast-growing chicken breeds rely on imported soy feed, leaving the industry vulnerable to trade disruptions, as seen with the conflict in Iran.
Industrial chicken farming is already facing challenges from disease outbreaks, energy price hikes, and extreme weather. Tanner calls on the government to cap the number of industrial units and support nature-friendly farming methods like agroforestry and regenerative agriculture.
Local communities have opposed the expansion of factory farms, with some groups taking legal action over environmental damage. The government's approach, Tanner argues, lacks ambition for the upcoming UK food strategy and 25-year farming roadmap.
