SANDRA SUPPORTS RSPCA'S CAMPAIGN FOR HIGHER WELFARE CHICKEN

12.00.00am GMT Tue 8th Jan 2008

Romsey's MP, Sandra Gidley has today signed the RSPCA's petition to urge consumers to buy higher welfare chicken. The RSPCA believe that the majority of the 855 million chickens reared in the UK every year suffer unacceptable conditions and are urging supermarkets to sell 100% high welfare chickens by 2010.

95% of all chickens reared for meat are reared in intensive conditions: housed in overcrowded, dimly lit sheds and reaching their slaughter weight in around just 35 days, the birds can suffer from painful leg problems, skin diseases and heart failure.

Sandra Gidley said:

"Some supermarkets are selling chicken meat for as little as £2 per kilo; whilst I recognise the importance of affordable fresh food, this price is often less than it takes to produce the bird. This is not fair on the farmers or on the chickens as it often contributes to the poor conditions in which they are kept.

"I am supporting the RSPCA's call for all chickens to be reared to Freedom Food standards which would allow the birds 25% more space and up to ten times more light and prevent a number of health problems associated with intensive farming. I encourage everyone to sign the petition today so that we can help our feathered friends"

The campaign coincides with heightened public attention as celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are presenting Channel 4 TV programmes on chicken welfare this week.

The RSPCA aims to collect 50,000 signatures by the closing date, 12th February.

Readers can find out more about the campaign and sign the petition at www.supportchickennow.co.uk