PETA Cries Fowl Over North Lincolnshire’s ‘Chicken Gaol’ Proposal

PETA is squawking in protest against plans for a poultry farm in North Lincolnshire, dubbing it a ‘chicken gaol’. A proposal has been lodged to erect two chicken sheds on agricultural land near Kirton-in-Lindsey, with a capacity to house up to 73,000 chickens at any given time. The units could see a turnover of about 550,000 chickens annually, according to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening request. PETA, the animal rights organisation, has swiftly launched a petition against the project, securing more than 16,000 signatures thus far. The proposal, backed by JHG Planning Consultancy on behalf of the farming applicant, argues that the poultry units are born out of new, higher welfare standards demanded by British supermarkets. However, PETA disputes the efficacy of these standards. ‘This proposal will capitalise on an opportunity within the UK market that has arisen due to the introduction of new higher animal welfare standards,’ says JHG. Yet, PETA counters this, claiming that the ‘Better Chicken Commitment’ does little to improve the lives of birds. The group has cited investigations revealing chickens dying from dehydration and starvation in RSPCA-assured schemes as validation of their claim. The proposed poultry farm is estimated to create two full-time and several part-time jobs. An agreement is in place to supply broiler chickens to Moy Park Ltd, which would see chickens transported to Anwick, North Kesteven, for processing.