Appeals Court Rejects Ban on ‘Frankenchicken’ Breeds

Appellate court judges have once more rejected a legal challenge seeking to prohibit fast-growing poultry breeds, referred to as “Frankenchickens,” within the United Kingdom. The Humane League UK (THLUK) had contested a 2023 High Court judgment which determined that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) was not acting unlawfully by permitting the ongoing use of these breeds. Lord Justice Snowden, who was one of the three judges presiding over the case, stated that animal welfare should not be “traded off against the economic interests of farmers”. Defra expressed approval of the judgment, asserting its confidence that agricultural animals are safeguarded by existing animal health and welfare legislation. The RSPCA characterized the decision as “a significant and vital step” toward enhancing the welfare of chickens, which it stated lived “short, brutal lives”. Sean Gifford, the managing director of THLUK, commented that the “historic ruling” created an opportunity for the private prosecution of poultry farms. Within a 21-page judgment, Lord Justice Males noted that conflicting evidence existed regarding fast-growing breeds, preventing the court from concluding whether their rearing was unlawful. Nevertheless, he further stated: “If a given breed can reasonably be expected to suffer a detrimental effect on its health or welfare because of its genetic make-up, the prohibition on keeping that breed of animal applies regardless of any commercial advantages which it may have.” He explained that the regulation “unequivocally prioritises animal health and welfare over commercial benefit,” but also clarified that it “does not prohibit selective breeding which can be undertaken to promote productivity with no detriment to an animal’s health or welfare.” Liam Hodgson, affiliated with THLUK, previously held a position as a quality manager for a substantial poultry producer located in Lincolnshire. He had previously informed the BBC that he observed numerous health and welfare problems resulting from the rapid growth rate of certain chickens, “including lameness, hip dislocations, heart attacks and burns from laying in their own urine and faeces”. Covert video footage captured in 2023 depicted the state of birds within a poultry unit that adhered to legal standards. The RSPCA reported that 90% of all chickens sold in supermarkets belonged to “Frankenchicken” breeds, which are genetically chosen for their accelerated growth. The organization stated it was “delighted” that the judgment declared it unlawful to farm animals that suffer due to their genetic makeup, but also expressed a desire for the gradual elimination of fast-growing breeds. Emma Slawinski, director of policy, advocacy and campaigns, commented: “Fast-growing breeds often struggle to stand, suffer from heart defects, and even sudden death.” THLUK indicated that over one billion chickens are processed for meat annually in the UK. Mr. Gifford is currently urging Defra to “work with farmers” to cease the practice of using “Frankenchickens,” which he described as representing “the biggest animal welfare crisis of our time.” Defra, having defended against the legal challenge, stated that it was not obligated to establish laws concerning the keeping of specific breeds. Furthermore, it informed the London court that it did not acknowledge a scientific consensus indicating that fast-growing chicken breeds could not be maintained without affecting their welfare. A Defra spokesperson remarked: “We welcome the judgment. Our farm animals are protected by robust animal health and welfare laws, which includes detailed requirements on how meat chickens should be kept.” “Any potential breaches of these laws are taken very seriously and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to maintain and enhance our high standards.”