TRANSPORT & SLAUGHTER
Animals are being transported across the country for slaughter. Old laying hens often travel the furthest, with some supermarkets allowing them to be taken by road on journeys of up to 12 hours.
HOW DID THEY SCORE?
Waitrose scored highest on transport and slaughter for setting lower journey times, particularly for geese and ducks. All supermarkets are transporting some animals far longer than recommended journey times. Many are not being taken to the nearest available abattoir. Co-op and Sainsbury’s also scored well on transport while Somerfield came lowest. All supermarkets except Asda and Somerfield apply their policies on transport to animals reared in other countries.
All supermarkets have a policy on catching poultry but only Sainsbury’s and Co-op insist birds must not be carried by one leg. Livestock markets can be highly stressful places for animals. Only Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons still source animals from markets. At slaughter, to protect their welfare animals should be stunned – made unconscious - before being killed. All supermarkets should ensure that all animals are stunned before slaughter.
