Appeals judge throws out case against modern broiler rearing

The Court of Appeal in London has dismissed a case brought by animal activists that, had it been successful, could have forced the poultry sector to cease using “fast-growing” broilers in meat production.

The case, brought by the Humane League, was originally considered in 2023, with the campaign group claiming that, by allowing the use of such birds, Defra was breaching the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007.

See also: High Court rejects legal challenge over fast-growing broilers

Defra challenged the claims, insisting there is no scientific proof fast-growing birds suffer health problems as a matter of course – and the judge agreed Defra had not acted illegally.

An appeal case was heard in London in October, with the Humane League adamant that modern broilers suffer as a result of their genetic make-up.

However, while the judge, Lord Justice Males, agreed that birds should not be kept for farming purposes if they can be expected to suffer “because of their genetic make-up”, he did not specify this was necessarily the case with modern broilers.

The appeal was dismissed.

Endorsement 

The British Poultry Council (BPC) has welcomed the outcome, saying it is an endorsement of the high standards of bird welfare adhered to by its members.

“Claims that our producers do not uphold world-class standards undermine the decades of innovation and investment that define British poultry,” said BPC chief executive Richard Griffiths.

“Over 90% of production is Red Tractor-certified, and BPC members work closely with regulators to consistently improve welfare.”

The BPC said that a billion birds a year are reared across various production systems at different price points to meet demand.

“Conventional poultry-meat production makes up 75% of the market, driven by consumer demand for efficient, low-impact production that is both affordable and upholds good welfare standards,” it added.

‘Watershed moment’

Despite losing the appeal case, the Humane League says the ruling marked a “watershed” moment for the poultry sector, hailing the outcome as a “victory for animals”.

“While the judges dismissed the judicial review appeal on a technicality, they provided an interpretation of the law that closely aligned with our case, establishing that animals who suffer due to their genes cannot be lawfully farmed,” said a spokesman.

The group believes it is now in a position to launch private prosecutions against broiler growers who continue to use fast-growing breeds, unless Defra moves first to end their use in meat production.

Currently, just 3% of the UK’s broiler supply comes from slow-growing breads, which command a significant price premium in retail outlets.