Poultry welfare reform has accelerated globally in 2026, with corporate commitments, legislative changes, and breed transitions representing significant progress for billions of birds.
Poultry welfare reform represents one of the most impactful ongoing welfare improvements by number of animals affected. The transition to slower-growing breeds eliminates the chronic lameness, cardiovascular strain, and skeletal deformities caused by extreme growth rates. Better Chicken Commitment implementation, even where delayed, represents the most significant structural welfare change in commercial broiler production in decades. Progress requires holding companies accountable to timelines, supporting consumers in choosing higher welfare products, and advocating for regulatory backstops that prevent commitment rollback under commercial pressure.