Factory-farmed chicken off the menu

The animal welfare organization Wakker Dier is advocating for the removal of broiler chickens from restaurant menus. Starting April 10, the non-governmental organization is launching a campaign in the Netherlands in which restaurant guests can help scrap broiler chickens from dining establishments.

‘The ‘broiler chicken’ originated from pathological overbreeding for the sake of cheap meat,’ reports Wakker Dier on her website. ‘In a span of barely six weeks, a chick is pumped up into a lump of meat weighing over two kilos. On top of that, it is crammed into a square meter with eighteen to twenty others in a cramped, stinking barn.’

Approach
Since 2012, Wakker Dier has operated by holding companies and leading brands accountable for animal suffering and subsequently urging them to take action. Attention is also drawn to the issue in the press to create awareness, as well as by educating consumers. Additionally, the organization initiates legal proceedings and thereby strives for better animal welfare laws.

Campaign
Over the coming weeks, Wakker Dier is calling on consumers via radio commercials and (social) media to be critical of chicken when dining out, reports the ANP. Restaurant patrons can do this by carefully reading the menu and asking restaurant staff questions. If it turns out that the restaurant is selling intensively farmed chicken, Wakker Dier hopes that visitors will address the owner about this in a friendly manner. This can be done via social media or by placing a note – on the website can be found at the animal welfare organization – to leave behind in the restaurant.

Success
Wakker Dier previously campaigned against the sale of broiler chickens in supermarkets. For instance, supermarket chains Albert Heijn and Jumbo state that they will ensure all private label fresh chicken products are free of broiler chickens before the end of the year. Battery cage eggs have also been removed from the shelves of all major supermarkets, and according to the organization, a clear downward trend is visible in overall meat consumption in the Netherlands.

Photo: Facebook Wakker Dier