Protection of Chickens Kept for Meat under EU Law: Legalized Suffering?

The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is the most numerous domestic animal in the European Union, with several billion individuals slaughtered annually for meat production. Over recent decades, selective breeding has prioritized rapid growth and high feed efficiency, resulting in chickens reaching slaughter weight at an exceptionally early age. This article analyzes relevant EU legislation and juxtaposes these provisions with current scientific evidence on poultry welfare. It demonstrates that, despite limited progress in recognizing chickens' welfare requirements, the legislation remains insufficient in several key areas, particularly with respect to selective breeding that prioritizes high productivity at the expense of animal welfare. By highlighting these gaps, the article underscores the need for a more evidence-based approach to animal welfare law and policy, emphasizing the necessity of revising the current legislative standards for the keeping of chickens kept for meat and rethinking the broader food system in which these animals are produced.