Danish Animal Welfare Minister wants to ban turbochickens
Denmark's Minister for Nature and Animal Welfare has announced that he will work towards a national ban on turbochickens. This means the entire Danish government, together with the conservative and liberal opposition parties, now supports a ban.
Denmark's Minister for Nature and Animal Welfare, Christian Rabjerg Madsen (Social Democrats), has opened the door to a ban on turbochickens in Denmark. The announcement comes after several Danish political parties recently declared their support for ending the use of turbochickens. They also want to stop imports of meat from turbochickens.
Project 1882 views the statement from the Danish minister as a historic breakthrough.
“The fact that Denmark’s Animal Welfare Minister is now clearly stating that turbochickens should be banned, and that he has broad political support for doing so, is historic. It shows that the political will to end extreme breeding is strong, and that more parties recognise that the current system causes unacceptable suffering for millions of chickens.”
– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882
Chickens pay the price
The situation facing turbochickens is the EU's largest animal welfare issue. The chickens are bred to grow unnaturally fast and are slaughtered before reaching 35 days of age. This breeding has severe welfare consequences, with many chickens suffering from painful leg disorders, heart and circulatory diseases, and difficulties moving around.
In Sweden, the problems associated with turbochickens have received increasing political attention in recent years. Project 1882 has long campaigned to end extreme breeding practices and ensure that chickens can live without the health problems caused by today’s industrial farming systems.
What is Sweden waiting for?
The Danish government, led by its Animal Welfare Minister, has taken several important steps forward for animal welfare. Project 1882 is calling for stronger animal protection policies in Sweden and for the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Animal Welfare in the next Swedish government.
“What are Swedish politicians waiting for? We have seen Denmark act, and earlier this year Norway also decided to ban turbochickens. Swedish political parties now need to speed up their efforts so that Sweden does not become the last Scandinavian country still allowing turbochickens.”
– Benny Andersson
If both Sweden and Denmark introduce a ban, they could become important role models for the rest of Europe. The latest developments show that opposition to turbochickens is growing, both among policymakers and among consumers who are demanding higher animal welfare standards.
