{
  "id": 5454093,
  "title": "SPCA issues new welfare standard after RNZ questions about so-called 'frankenchicken'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/spca-issues-new-welfare-standard-after-rnz-questions-about-so-called-5454093",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-04T00:36:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Business",
    "slug": "rnz-business",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1257137/spca-issues-new-welfare-standard-after-rnz-questions-about-so-called-frankenchicken"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The SPCA has introduced a new voluntary standard for chicken welfare following concerns raised by radio station RNZ about fast-growing \"frankenchickens.\" Currently, the SPCA's welfare standards for chicken farms do not address fast-growing breeds, leading to fears that these birds may struggle with mobility and stability due to their rapid growth. Avian veterinarian Jodi Salinsky explained that when chickens tip over, it can be similar to a turtle being unable to right itself.\n\nRNZ obtained footage from two farms in 2024, which showed some birds apparently lying on their backs. Both farms surpass legal requirements and are SPCA certified, indicating buyers they are supporting higher animal welfare standards beyond what is legally required. SPCA chief scientific officer Arnja Dale stated that slower-growing breeds were not required because they do not exist commercially in New Zealand. All commercially-produced meat chickens, including organic ones, are fast-growing breeds, also known as \"frankenchickens\" by activists.\n\nA recent SPCA-commissioned research survey revealed that 59 percent of respondents wanted fast-growing chickens phased out, while only 11 percent were opposed. Twenty-eight percent of respondents indicated they would pay an additional 10 percent for slower-growing breeds, with 17 percent willing to pay five percent more. The SPCA has developed a new \"Enhanced\" standard, called Welfare Plus+, which aims to transition towards slower-growing chickens. This new standard will not be mandatory under the baseline SPCA certification.\n\nAnimal welfare standards must progress in various ways. The rapid growth of commercial meat chickens, resulting from selective breeding over decades, has led to unintended consequences such as skeletal defects, metabolic disorders, and altered immune function. Additionally, fast-growing breeds often experience difficulties with walking. A study comparing slow-growing and fast-growing chickens found that slower-growing birds had better leg health and lower mortality rates before slaughter. However, the Poultry Industry Association New Zealand (PIANZ) maintains that there is no need to switch breeds, as the birds they farm have been bred to be both healthy and fast-growing.",
  "summary": "The SPCA has issued a new voluntary standard for chicken welfare after questions from RNZ about fast-growing \"frankenchickens\".",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RNZ Business",
        "title": "SPCA issues new welfare standard after RNZ questions about so-called 'frankenchicken'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/spca-issues-new-welfare-standard-after-rnz-questions-about-so-called",
        "published": "2026-09-04T00:00:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}