Around the country, millions of pigs, hens and chickens are locked up in farms that are specifically designed to get as much produce from them as possible. These are factory farms, and Australian laws do not currently protect the well-being of the animals who are bred there.
The reality for these animals is bleak.
The reality for broiler chickens
Broiler chickens (chickens bred for their meat) are housed in large sheds and grow at such a fast rate that they are slaughtered when they are only about 6 weeks old. This rate of growth is so unnatural that many of them become unable to lift themselves to reach food or water and die before they are old enough to be slaughtered. According to the Australian Chicken Meat Federation, around 1.5 million broiler chickens are slaughtered in Australia each day.
The cruel conditions for caged hens
Caged hens are placed in a space the size of an A4 sheet of paper. It is so small that they can’t even spread their wings. They lay eggs in this cage for an average of one and a half years before they become exhausted and are slaughtered. Studies show that there are an estimated 5 million battery hens suffering from these conditions in Australia today.
The life of factory-farmed pigs
Factory-farmed mother pigs (or sows) are placed in a cage only slightly larger than their bodies. It is so small that they can’t even turn around. After they have been birthed onto cold concrete ground, the piglets’ teeth and nails are cut from them without any pain relief. The piglets are then taken away to be farmed and the sow is made to keep breeding litter after litter. Studies show that there are currently 2.4 million pigs being farmed in Australia, with the majority of these pigs being housed in these intensive, indoor environments.
What you can do to help
We think animals deserve better! You can make a difference by choosing free-range eggs at the supermarket, by purchasing RSPCA-approved meat, or by eliminating meat and/or animal products from your diet altogether (check out our tips on how to eat healthy as a vegan or vegetarian). You can also check out the Animals Australia website to learn more about these animals and take action to help.
Check out this video to learn more about factory farming conditions in Australia. A warning that the video includes footage of animal cruelty that may be distressing for some viewers.
