Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget was released on Netflix on 15 December. Does this sequel to the well-loved 2000 Chicken Run film shed some light on the cruel realities of factory farming?
In the upcoming film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, which was scheduled for a global release on Netflix this week, thousands of hens need rescuing from a big nugget factory that could be compared to a factory farm.
In this grim setting, the chickens are subjected to remote control lobotomising collars that induce a state of stupefied joy and obliviousness - a method used in the film to supposedly counteract the negative effects of fear on poultry, which, a scientist explains, can make the meat tough, dry and tasteless.
This horrific story isn't far from the truth for chickens on factory farms in the UK today. These chickens have been selectively bred to grow unnaturally fast, forcing them to eat constantly, leading to deformed legs, hearts and lungs that can't keep up with their growth. They're also kept in cramped conditions with very limited space to move around, as little as an A4 piece of paper by the time they are fully grown.
Chicken consumption is on the rise
The worldwide demand for chicken is on the rise every year, leading meat-producing companies and fast-food brands to accelerate the chicken growing process to meet this ever growing demand.
Sadly, in many instances, the well-being of these chickens is entirely overlooked, resulting in their enduring miserable conditions throughout their brief lives.
The unimaginable pain an suffering that factory-farmed chickens have to endure
Chickens that are reared in the industrial farming system suffer unimaginable pain and cruelty every single day of their lives.
Here are some reasons why
🐔 Approximately 60 billion chickens are raised for meat annually, with a staggering 40 billion confined to vast, overcrowded sheds or cramped cages. These conditions subject them to a very cruel and harsh environment, causing painful issues such as heart, skin, lung, and bone problems, along with significant stress.
🐔 1 billion chickens are slaughtered for meat in the UK every year
🐔 A chicken in the industrial farming system lives an average of only 42 days, at which it reaches an unnatural body weight for its age.
🐔 Chickens on a factory farm live in spaces smaller than an A4 piece of paper. As they approach the end of their life, they can barely move.
🐔 Due to the cramped conditions, factory-farmed chickens cannot perform natural behaviours that are important for their wellbeing. Pecking, scratching, dust-bathing and perching all contribute to a chicken's happiness, which cannot be met on industrial farms.
Did you know that your bank could be investing in animal cruelty?
Factory farming is a major threat to chickens and other animals, causing immense suffering to billions worldwide. It also poses risks to people and the planet, serving as a potential source for global pandemics and contributing to environmental damage, worsening the climate crisis.
Our Banking on Welfare report evaluates the animal welfare policies of the top ten UK banks. This sheds light on the dangers of their investments in industries linked to cruelty and poor animal welfare, spanning from fashion to show business.
However, our primary focus is on urging change within the realm of factory farming. The financial sector holds significant influence over the companies it finances. Therefore it is absolutely crucial that banks put a dedicated animal welfare policy in place. Your financial choices impact animals.
Tell your bank to do better
Send a letter to your bank and tell them to put in a place a dedicated animal welfare policy to ensure animals get the best protection. It only takes 2 minutes.
1 billion chickens are slaughtered for meat in the UK every year
Become part of the community
Join thousands of animal lovers fighting to protect wildlife and give farmed animals good lives. Sign up now for emails with ways you can help.
Sign up now