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KFC commits to better chicken welfare
The Better Chicken Commitment requires suppliers to meet a set of six requirements for all chicken in the supply chain by 2026.
Fast-food chain signs Better Chicken Commitment 

KFC has become the first fast-food chain in the UK to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment, which lays out ambitious goals for improving animal welfare.

The Better Chicken Commitment requires suppliers to meet a set of six requirements for all chicken in the supply chain by 2026. It was created by a group of 28 international welfare organisations, including the RSPCA, Four Paws and World Animal Protection.

Requirements include providing more space; bringing in more natural features such as natural light, perches and pecking objects; and moving towards slower-growing breeds.

So far, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Nestlé and Knorr have also signed the commitment.

Paula MacKenzie, CEO of KFC UK & Ireland said: “Signing up to the European Chicken Commitment isn’t just a box-ticking exercise for us, we’re doing this because we truly believe it’s the right thing to do. Chicken is our business and we have a responsibility as ‘the’ chicken brand, to make sure that we are pushing improvement to chicken welfare standards across our supply chain.”

Commenting on the move, Claire Williams, campaign manager for the Better Chicken Commitment said: “We are now really pleased to have one of the UK’s largest fast-food chains, two of the country’s leading supermarkets and a number of other major brands on board. This is a great step for meat chickens and consumers. 

“We are hopeful that this move will give their competitors the wake-up call they need to realise that animal welfare cannot go on being ignored.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.