More chickens are farmed for meat each year in New Zealand than any other land animal (120 million vs. 27 million for sheep, the next most common species). This is reflected in the amount of chicken people eat in New Zealand, approximately 42 kg per capita.

Around the world, the same few conventional breeds have been used for chicken production. The welfare problems of these fast-growing meat chickens are well documented – for example, a survey conducted for the Ministry for Primary Industries in 2013 found that 30% of chickens were lame to the extent that it affected their movement. The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee has stated that they have “concerns that the meat chicken has been selectively bred beyond a point that is compatible with survivability.” In addition a large trial commissioned by RSPCA England & Wales found that the genetics of conventional breeds “fail to adequately safeguard their welfare to such an extent that many birds of these breeds could be considered as having a life not worth living.”

The suffering of chickens farmed for meat may be the single biggest animal welfare issue today, based on both the scale of the problem and the degree of suffering experienced.

The good news is that a large and growing body of scientific literature links welfare benefits to selecting birds that grow more slowly, and these slower-growing breeds are already successfully farmed overseas. Unfortunately, local producers have only two main breeds available to choose from in New Zealand - both of which are linked to poor welfare outcomes due to the selection pressures for fast growth.

New Zealand farmers and consumers need access to slower-growing, more humane chicken breeds.

We know that farmed animal welfare matters to consumers: 90% of New Zealand adults believe it is important to protect the welfare of farmed animals, according to a 2023 Horizon poll. For those who buy animal products, it’s important that they have the choice to buy products that align with their values.

That’s where the Better Chicken Commitment comes in.

The Better Chicken Commitment is a set of evidence-based standards that aims to improve the lives of chickens farmed for meat. It includes requirements that chickens are provided with natural lighting, more space per bird, enrichment and platforms for perching/resting. Crucially, slower-growing breeds must be used.

The Commitment has been hugely successful in the European Union and the United States, with over 500 food businesses signing up to protect chicken welfare in their supply chains, including supermarkets, fast food chains and meal kit companies.

Now it’s time for food businesses in New Zealand to commit to higher welfare practices, and we were proud to be part of the launch of an Australia & New Zealand version of the Commitment. SPCA stands alongside fourteen other animal protection organisations including Compassion in World Farming, World Animal Protection, Animals Aotearoa, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa, and the Humane League.

Already, local companies like SPCA’s long-term supporter The Coffee Club have signed on. Others include Hello Fresh, Dominos, Swole Foods, Columbus Coffee, My Food Bag, and Mexico. SPCA works across the supply chain to support them to implement the Better Chicken Commitment – together, we can improve the lives of New Zealand’s most-farmed animals.