Lidl in Warrington targeted by animal rights groups

Warning: This article contains images that some may find disturbing

Activists from Open Cages, Animal Rising and We The Free attended the opening of the discount supermarket.

The demonstration was held in response to the alleged treatment of animals by the supermarket.

The protestors were demonstrating against the supermarket chain (Image: James Dann)

Open Cages’ CEO Connor Jackson said: "Lidl’s chicken is riddled with signs of disease and animal suffering.

"Despite claiming to be big on animal welfare and quality, Lidl is selling chickens who have been raised in the most cruel and filthy conditions.

"We are protesting because these facts are being hidden from Lidl’s own customers.

"We believe people have a right to know what they’re buying so they can demand better."

Protestors were demonstrating against what is called 'Frankenchicken' - chicken breeds that are genetically altered to grow faster than natural to maximise efficiency.

The activist groups say: "This practice results in the birds routinely suffering from broken bones, diseases and sometimes even heart attack as their internal organs are unable to maintain their extraordinarily overgrown body."

Connor Jackson continues: "We have tried for many years to work collaboratively with Lidl, but they have failed to address this problem.

"So we feel forced to take this conversation to their customers directly.”

When contacted by the Warrington Guardian, a Lidl spokesperson said: "All fresh chicken supplied to Lidl complies with nationally recognised third-party standards, including Red Tractor Assured, RSPCA certification and Soil Association Organic.

"Additionally, our free-range RSPCA Assured chicken meets and exceeds the requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment.

"We work closely with our suppliers and industry partners, including sitting on the poultry board of Red Tractor, to ensure that we are continually improving animal welfare standards, whilst also responding to what our customers want and expect from us.

"We are proud that in 2019, we became the first retailer to introduce method of production labelling across our fresh poultry range.

"The transparent label outlines clearly the environment in which the animal was reared, and we are committed to increasing the number of products from higher welfare production systems over the coming years.

"We remain the only supermarket in the UK to have ‘Welfare Windows’ on pack.

"Last year we extended the scheme across more products and actively market this initiative to customers, supporting more informed purchasing decisions."