Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called for the establishment of an independent Animal Protection Commission to ensure basic welfare standards for all animals as public concern grows over the conditions in which intensively-farmed chickens are kept.

Commenting on the issue, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Michael Headley said:

“Intensive farming methods which cause cruelty and suffering to animals are simply unacceptable and should be phased out. The issue of intensively-farmed chickens suffering from poor conditions is something of growing concern to people. The current season of programmes on Channel Four has rightly thrust this issue forward again. This isn’t about sentimentality, it is about giving animals a basic level of welfare.’

“The Government should establish an independent Animal Protection Commission to monitor standards and provide expert advice to the government, to local councils and to individual farmers. The concern that people have over the welfare of animals reared for meat should be reflected in government policy, and a key role for the Commission would be to ensure that this is the case. The Commission would also provide support and advice for farmers willing to change from intensive methods to more free-range methods.’

“Efforts to improve the welfare of chickens are not about raising food prices, but instead ending unnecessary suffering and ensuring simple welfare standards for animals. “

For more information on the River Cottage ‘Chicken Out’ campaign, go to www.chickenout.tv