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Cruel On-Farm Practices (cont'd)

These combined conditions the improper selective breeding leading to lameness, the cruel cutting
practices that result in long-term pain and suffering, and the dark, overcrowded and filthy barn
conditions that scald the birds' skin and cause blisters and ulcerations, all result in a severely health-
compromised bird.

Because these unhealthy practices are so rampant, all poultry should be considered as health-
compromised as cull sows, boars and dairy cows. However, no additional consideration is given to
their suffering and specific needs, which loading, transport and slaughter exacerbate.

Recommendations

CETFA recommends that:

Forced rapid growth that severely compromises the birds' well-being, be prohibited;

Birds must not be forced to live in darkness or near-darkness conditions;

All poultry be provided reasonable access to outdoors or if this is not possible, be provided with
an enriched, stimulating environment (such as scratch material and perches);

All poultry be provided with enough space to be able to fully extend their wings (as this is
required for cooling the body, shaking off after dustbaths, and preening); and

All poultry be provided with enough space that the birds can be moved from one part of the
building to another to allow for the change of floor bedding, the removal of dead birds and to
allow for the treatment or euthanasia of injured and dying birds.

References

Davis, K. 2003. Humane Treatment of Domestic Livestock: Proposed New Rules: N.J.A.C. 2:8
submitted to New Jersey Department of Agriculture, June 27, 2003.

Forsberg, V. As referenced in United Poultry Concerns Report to New Jersey Department of Agriculture
regarding the Humane Treatment of Domestic Livestock Proposed New Rules: N.J.A.C. 2:8, 2003.

Turner, J., et al. The Welfare of Broiler Chickens in the European Union. Compassion in World Farming
Trust, 2003. www.ciwf.co.uk