Chicken Transportation and Welfare



LSPCA has undertaken a crucial mission to address chicken welfare concerns in Lilongwe, Malawi, prompted by distressing revelations of cruel transportation practices. A survey conducted by LSPCA in 2021 revealed that 600 vendors subject chickens to inhumane conditions during transportation, resulting in broken wings and legs, heatstroke, and fatalities. Initially, LSPCA collaborated with 100 vendors, providing them with locally-made and eco-friendly bamboo crates to enhance welfare during transportation. Thanks to support from the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) in December 2023, LSPCA has expanded its efforts, now working with vendors across seven groups. This initiative aims to positively impact 4,600,000 chickens annually, emphasizing humane practices and education to ensure lasting improvements in chicken welfare.
Key elements of the project:
- Educate vendors in Lilongwe about chicken welfare, humane transportation methods, record keeping and basic business management
- Train local artisans to make chicken-friendly bamboo crates for chicken transportation
- Encourage sustainable use of eco-friendly bamboo by providing bamboo seedlings to local farmers
- Collaborate with chicken vendors to adopt the use of these crates and influence their widespread use