In many parts of Africa, chicken is considered a normal part of the daily diet. Unfortunately, this high demand for chicken has led to the proliferation of factory farming practices that subject these animals to severe abuse and suffering. As an animal welfare organization, we believe this cruelty must end.
In Nigeria, for example, millions of chickens bound for slaughter are subjected to unthinkable torture. These birds spend their entire lives crammed into tiny wire cages where they can barely move. Such extreme confinement causes both physical and psychological damage. Many suffer from deformities, injuries and illnesses.
What’s more, these chickens are treated like inanimate objects rather than living, feeling creatures. Farm workers frequently handle them roughly, showing little empathy for their pain and fear. Many people hold the view that chickens do not merit ethical consideration, so these abusive practices continue unchecked.
Animal Vital Rescue Charity Organisation is working to change attitudes and improve conditions for Nigeria’s factory-farmed chickens. Through investigations and campaigns, we are exposing the reality of how poultry operations abuse these animals in the name of profit.
We are advocating for Nigeria’s chicken farms to adopt cage-free systems. This would allow chickens to engage in natural behaviors like perching, dust bathing and foraging. Cage-free systems have additional benefits like improved air quality, disease control and better quality meat.
The journey from hatchery to farm also inflicts immense suffering on baby chicks. These tiny animals are stuffed by the dozens into cardboard boxes and transported over long distances with no access to food or water. Many die from stress and trauma before reaching their final destination. This cruel practice must be banned.
Transitioning Nigeria’s poultry sector away from factory farming won’t be easy. These abusive methods are deeply entrenched, and farm operators are reluctant to change. But public pressure and consumer demand for ethically raised chicken can shift the industry.
With persistent campaigning and farm conversions, we can build a food system where chicken welfare is valued. We invite all people of conscience to support cage-free poultry in Africa. These gentle, intelligent animals deserve so much better than a life of intense misery in factory farms.