August 31, 2020

PETA opposes development of poultry plant in Ceredigion, Wales

Opposition have risen against the creation of a poultry plant -- that will house up to 110,000 chickens -- near the village of Talybont in Ceredigion, Wales.

According to a planning application, the construction of two poultry sheds will take up around 0.58 hectares next to existing farm buildings. The land to be developed is currently used for pasture, and the owners of the farm, E Evans and Co, want to "enhance the business to create a sustainable future for themselves and their young family by moving into an area of food production".

However, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claimed the farm would cause "immense suffering" to chicken. The charity said it submitted a petition with "nearly 20,000 signatures" to Ceredigion Council, urging the council to reject the plan.

"In addition to causing cruelty to animals on a massive scale, a facility of this kind would likely have many negative effects on the local area, including diminishing the character of the rural landscape and spoiling natural vistas," said a spokeswoman for PETA. "Ammonia from the chickens' waste would also have a negative impact on air quality, human health, the environment and wildlife.

"Chickens are intelligent, social animals who can feel pain and distress. 55,000 gentle birds would be crammed into each of the two proposed buildings and denied the chance to do anything that comes naturally to them, such as roaming free, roosting in trees and interacting with their parents."

Peta also claimed that chickens at the new plant would be slaughtered at less than 40 days old due to the environment they are housed in.

"Thousands of compassionate people have spoken, and Ceredigion Council should heed their concerns for animal welfare, the environment and the health of the community," said PETA director Elise Allen. "PETA is calling for this plan to be scrapped, sparing thousands of birds a lifetime of suffering and an agonising death."

"The local planning authority are still in the determination phase, and are currently awaiting responses from key statutory consultees prior to concluding with a recommendation," said a spokeswoman for the Ceredigion Council. "The petition will be considered along with other consultation responses."

- Wales Online