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Over 61 million chickens were rejected because of diseases and defects at slaughterhouses in England and Wales over a three-year period, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and the Guardian.

New data shows that between July 2016 and June 2019, 61,008,212 defects in chickens were identified by inspection staff. Defects or diseases resulted in either part of a bird or a whole bird being condemned and rejected for human consumption. Broilers chickens were the worst affected with almost 59 million defects recorded.

“These figures shine a light on the very poor conditions that are the norm in Britain’s poultry sector. Most broilers, turkeys and ducks are farmed in crowded, stressful conditions that make them vulnerable to disease,” said Peter Stevenson, chief policy advisor, Compassion in World Farming.

Source: Animal Equality UK/Youtube

Globally, over 60 billion broiler chickens are slaughtered annually. Broilers are fast-growing breeds that reach slaughter weight four times faster than they did in the 1950s.

Since the 1950s, broilers have been selectively bred to become plumper faster which has led to severe welfare problems such as chronic leg disorders and heart and circulatory problems.

Last month, a new report revealed that thousands of birds in the UK were also dying or being culled on-farm due to disease or injury with an average on-farm mortality rate of around 4%.

These new findings also come as the USDA considers plans to allow slaughterhouses to kill and sell chickens infected with Avian Leukosis, a virus that causes cancerous lesions and tumors. Under these new rules, processors could handle Avian Leukosis as a “trimmable condition,” simply cutting off tumors and lesions and processing the rest of the bird.

Read more about history of modifying broiler chicken for profit and the health problems that come with it.

Sign this petition telling the USDA to stop increasing line speeds in order to protect workers and animals.

Tell the USDA to Stop Increasing Line Speed at SlaughterhousesClick Here to Sign Petition

This is a good time to reconsider our intake of animal products to stay healthy. Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

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