Chickens Lack the Most Basic Legal Protection [View all]

Chickens are the most populous bird on Earth and are widely considered among the most abused animals on the planet. Despite their ability to think and feel, billions of chickens are raised and killed for food each year and subjected to some of the worst living and slaughter conditions imaginable to meet the increasing demand for meat worldwide.

Chickens are complex social and emotional beings. Research indicates that chickens are not simple-minded creatures, which is an assumption many make.

“[S]cientists have learned that this bird can be deceptive and cunning, that… [they possess] communication skills on par with those of some primates and that… [they use] sophisticated signals to convey… [their] intentions,” according to the Scientific American. “When making decisions, the chicken takes into account… [their] own prior experience and knowledge surrounding the situation. … [Chickens] can solve complex problems and [empathize] with individuals… [who] are in danger.”

https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/09/23/chickens-lack-the-most-basic-legal-protection/

https://thehumaneleague.org