SOLIHULL MP SUPPORTS RSPCA'S CAMPAIGN FOR HIGHER WELFARE CHICKEN

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 7th Jan 2008

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has today supported the RSPCA's campaign to urge consumers to buy higher welfare chicken. RSPCA believe that the majority of the 855 million chickens reared in the UK every year suffer unacceptable conditions and are urging supermarkets to sell 100% high welfare chickens by 2010.

95% of all chickens reared for meat are reared in intensive conditions: housed in overcrowded, dimly lit sheds and reaching their slaughter weight in around just 35 days, the birds can suffer from painful leg problems, skin diseases and heart failure.

Lorely Burt MP said: "Some supermarkets are selling chicken meat for as little as £2 per kilo; whilst I recognise the importance of affordable fresh food, this price is often less than it takes to produce the bird. I am supporting RSPCA's call for all chickens to be reared to Freedom Food standards which would allow the birds 25% more space and up to ten times more light and prevent a number of health problems associated with intensive farming."

The campaign coincides with heightened public attention as celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are presenting programmes on chickens this week.

The details can be found at www.supportchickennow.co.uk