Broiler chickens represent the largest scale of farmed animal suffering globally. Welfare reform campaigns targeting breed selection, stocking density, and enrichment have achieved significant progress with major food companies.
Broiler welfare reform represents one of the most impactful ongoing welfare campaigns globally due to the sheer number of animals affected. The corporate commitments secured by Compassion in World Farming, The Humane League, and others represent pledges affecting billions of birds annually if implemented. The Better Chicken Commitment package addresses the root causes of broiler suffering: breed genetics that cause chronic disease, density that prevents movement and normal behavior, and barren environments that provide no opportunity for species-typical activity. Progress on implementation has been slower than advocates hoped, but meaningful shifts in industry practice are occurring. Consumer demand for certified products drives commercial incentive for compliance.