BROILER CHICKENS

Early day motion 145, tabled 19 June 1997 by Bill Etherington (Labour). Signed by 50 members.

That this House is concerned about the extensive suffering experienced by intensively reared broiler chickens; notes that these birds are reared indoors in darkened, overcrowded sheds and are forced to grow so quickly through selective breeding and rich diets that their legs often cannot properly support their overdeveloped bodies, with the result that each year millions of broilers suffer from painful sometimes crippling leg problems; is concerned that broiler breeders are often subjected to restricted feeding regimes which can lead to birds being chronically hungry, frustrated and stressed; notes that unlike pigs, calves and battery hens, broilers are largely unprotected by the law; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to introduce legislation to safeguard the welfare of broiler chickens.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Liberal Democrat 7, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1, Unknown 1.