 DEFRA will investigate what conditions were like for the birds |
The RSPCA is demanding a change in the law following the death of thousands of chickens at a Lincolnshire factory. It is reported that nearly 80,000 birds died during last week's heat wave.
The chickens belonged to the Padley's Poultry processing factory in Anwick near Sleaford.
They died after temperatures reached more than 38C.
Air conditioning
Padley's Poultry insists it did all it could to stop the birds dying from what it calls 'hear stress' and worked closely with onsite vets.
An investigation is being carried out by the RSPCA, along with DEFRA and Trading Standards.
The charity says the law must change so food producers are more accountable.
RSPCA Senior Scientific Officer, John Avizienius said: "The legislation which protects the broiler chicken is very poor.
'No limit'
"There is no upper limit on how many birds can be put in a house.
"We have had concerns for years, about the number of birds housed in a unit, there is no upper limit.
"Heart conditions have even been known in day old chickens due to the stress of living in enclosed units."
The organisation is now calling for legislation to protect the welfare of broiler birds, including their transportation.
DEFRA which are leading the investigation will examine amongst other things whether of not contingency plans were in place to deal with hot conditions, such as sufficient air conditioning.
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