In a recent video released by Open Cages, our CEO Connor Jackson asked this question from people on the streets of London. Responses included saying that this would be horrendous and would result in the child likely having a painful life. In the video, the interviewer then revealed that broiler chickens, the chickens most commonly produced for meat, experience weight gain on this scale, resulting in deformities and heart problems. resulting in deformities and heart problems. You can see the full video by clicking here
The people being interviewed were then shown videos of conditions typical of Tesco suppliers; chickens thrashing about on the ground and struggling to even move. All cheap poultry comes from these chickens, including Tesco’s chicken. One interviewee stated that if Tesco truly is treating chickens like that, “I would never touch it again.” Another stated, “They’ve lost a customer.” After viewing the video, most people developed the opinion that Tesco has the responsibility to promote a more humane supply of poultry. They are the third largest retailer in the world, based on gross revenues.
According to a new poll conducted by YouGov, 72 percent of Brits agree that “when buying chicken, people should know if the chicken had a healthy life”. This illustrates that customers want to be informed and care about animal welfare. Tesco executives are fully aware of the conditions of broiler chickens and have the power to influence their suppliers, yet they deny to engage in meaningful reform.
Tesco executives are fully aware of the conditions of broiler chickens and have the power to influence their suppliers, yet they deny to engage in meaningful reform.
Open Cages are currently campaigning to acquire billboards that would challenge Tesco’s empty welfare promises and pressure them to drop the practices that cause the most suffering in their production chain. In our fight for farmed animals, publicity is vital. Most people are horrified by the brutal treatment of animals, but this attitude only develops once they find out the truth. Even if many people would like to be informed consumers, they don’t go looking for such painful facts about something they face every day.
Don’t be oblivious, but know that there is a lot you can do to change the lives of broiler chickens. It only takes a few minute to help by donating to our billboard fundraiser and by signing our petition. Thank you for standing up for chickens!