Chicks deliberately trampled, beaten to death or run over: until recently, these scenes were the cruel reality in three Austrian chicken farms – all of which have been awarded the AMA seal of approval. The complaints have come to light by the Association Against Animal Factories (VGT). “As long as the market doesn’t change, nothing changes in livestock farming,” says Denise Kubala, campaigner for the VGT. In the live conversation with Conny Winiwarter, she therefore argues for Europe-wide guidelines in the food industry. How are our politicians doing as animal rights activists? “Not good,” says Kubala.
The ban on fully slatted floors for pigs can be attributed positively to politics. However, it is not that it will only come into force in 2040. “That’s absurdly long,” says Kubala. The complaints in the Austrian poultry farms are not addressed to politicians, but to the food industry. This demand has a name: the EU broiler initiative.
For example, running over or killing chickens is clearly illegal, “but current farming conditions or absurdly fast-growing breeds with health problems are normal”. They are the legal standard in Austria.
Europe-wide guidelines required
That must change: “Companies must commit themselves to only selling meat that has been produced under good conditions.” But does that not affect the competitive position in Austria? “No”, because the EU broiler initiative wants companies all over Europe to produce according to the same guidelines. “A trader cannot just buy another meat under bad conditions.”
AMA quality mark “no better than minimum standard”
From an animal welfare point of view, the AMA quality mark is not a figurehead – and no guarantee of quality. “It’s no better than the legal minimum standard.” And that is already alarmingly low. In general, there would be a veritable “jungle of approval”.
Animal testing in the field of medical research and cosmetics is also an important subject for the VGT. These continue to increase every year. In an interview, Kubala explains which animal-free alternatives there are.
“All slaughtered and sold in the supermarket”
The grievances of the three chicken manure companies came to light through anonymous mailings to the VGT. All three companies have already been notified and are temporarily closed. And the animals that were housed there? “All of them have already been slaughtered and sold in the supermarket,” says Kubala.
You can see the entire interview with Denise Kubala in the interview above. KroneLIVE can be seen from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.
What do you think of the abuses in chicken farms and the AMA quality mark? Is enough being done to protect animals?
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Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
