The RSPCA has suspended a Somerset chicken farm from the Freedom Food scheme following a Five News investigation revealed it was not meeting the scheme's standards.
The Five report claimed perches were not in use, chickens were not let outdoors early enough in the morning and others at the farm were unable to reach food due to lameness.
The RSPCA said it was "angry and appalled" that the animals had been allowed to live in a poor state, but claimed the farmer was battling with "serious personal difficulties that appear to have overwhelmed him." The RSPCA said it had launched a full investigation.
The report was a further setback for the Freedom Food scheme, championed by chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, following another Five News report last week alleging mistreatment of egg laying hens at a farm in Norfolk.
No comments yet