Welfare Science

Welfare Science: Welfare Implications of Culling

Culling of animals for disease control, population management and market adjustment raises complex welfare questions about methods, scale and alternatives.

Key Facts

Millions of poultry culled annually for disease control including avian influenza
Mass culling events raise welfare concerns about method, speed and humaneness
Gassing and neck dislocation are commonly used culling methods with different welfare profiles
Market-driven culling (e.g. male chicks, surplus dairy calves) is largely preventable
Alternative to culling exists for some situations including vaccination and breeding changes

Welfare Considerations

Culling is sometimes unavoidable for disease control, but the welfare of culled animals matters. The method, speed and humaneness of culling are welfare considerations even when the outcome (death) is the same. Preventable culling (of male chicks, surplus animals) represents welfare harm that can be eliminated through industry change.

What You Can Do

Support in-ovo sexing technology that prevents male chick culling
Advocate for vaccination-first approaches to disease rather than culling
Demand transparent reporting on culling methods and welfare outcomes
Support research into alternatives to mass culling for disease control