Poultry Catching and Depopulation Welfare

The catching and loading of poultry for transport to slaughter is associated with high rates of injury and distress. Improving this phase of the production cycle is a significant welfare priority.

Key Facts

Studies find injury rates of 2-5% during conventional chicken catching, including wing fractures, dislocations, and internal hemorrhage
Catching typically occurs in darkness with catchers grabbing multiple birds simultaneously by the legs
Catching by the legs causes intense pain and may result in hip dislocation, femoral fracture, or death before slaughter
Mechanical harvesting machines have been developed and can reduce injury rates compared to manual catching
The catching process can last several hours per house, with thousands of birds handled per catcher per hour
Pre-slaughter stressors (catching, transport, lairage, stunning) are often assessed separately from on-farm welfare

Welfare Considerations

Poultry catching is an overlooked welfare bottleneck in the chicken production chain. Welfare improvements on the farm can be entirely negated by poor catching practices that cause fear and injury in the final hours of life. The economics of catching — fast throughput, large numbers, night work — create structural pressures toward rough handling. Welfare certification schemes like RSPCA Assured audit catching procedures and prohibit inversion (carrying birds solely by the legs) as a primary carrying method. Consumer awareness of this issue helps drive supply chain improvements.

What You Can Do

Support poultry products with welfare certification covering catching and pre-slaughter handling
Ask retailers what catching protocols their suppliers are required to follow
Support investment in mechanical harvesting systems that reduce injury during catching
Reduce chicken consumption or shift spending toward producers with comprehensive welfare standards