Article written by Kitty Block and Sara AmundsonOriginally published by Humane World Blog, 22 January 2026
Norway will phase out fast-growing chicken breeds by 2027, fuelling fresh pressure from animal welfare advocates on UK retailers and foodservice groups.
Norway will become the first country in the world to eliminate fast-growing chicken breeds, after its poultry industry confirmed a full transition to higher welfare birds by the end of 2027.
The decision impacts a sector producing around 70 million chickens for meat each year and marks a decisive shift away from so-called ‘frankenchickens’ – known in Norway as ‘turbochickens’ – selectively bred to reach slaughter weight at extreme speed.
Animal welfare advocates have welcomed the decision as a historic moment for the global poultry industry, while warning it exposes how far behind the UK remains on chicken welfare.
For decades, NGOs have raised concerns about the widespread use of fast-growing breeds, linking them to severe and routine welfare problems. Numerous investigations have documented birds struggling to walk under their own weight, while research suggests fast-growing chickens endure hundreds of hours of pain during their short lives.
Pressure mounts on UK poultry and foodservice sector
Currently, around 60 percent of chickens in Norway are fast-growing breeds, predominantly Ross 308 – the same breed used by around 90 percent of the UK chicken industry. Over the past five years, Norwegian producers have gradually introduced slower-growing, higher welfare breeds, including Rustic Gold and Hubbard JA787, paving the way for a complete phase-out.
Connor Jackson, chief executive of the UK arm of Anima International, said:
What’s happening now in Norway is a historic moment. It’s one of the greatest improvements to animal welfare in history, and it shows that the transition away from fast-growing breeds is possible. But it also shows just how far behind we are on this issue in the UK, where companies have barely started to address this problem.”
Anima International has campaigned in Norway for five years to secure the transition. In the UK, where it also operates, NGOs have been calling for similar reforms since 2017 through the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC).
The announcement follows fresh criticism of McDonald’s, KFC and other major fast-food brands in a new European report led by World Animal Protection, which found they had failed to deliver meaningful welfare improvements despite years of public pledges.
Retailers split on pace of transition
Some UK retailers have made big progress. Waitrose last year became the first major UK retailer to fully transition to higher welfare breeds across all chicken products. Marks & Spencer has completed the switch for fresh chicken and plans to transition all products by the end of this year.
However, fast-growing breeds remain the norm across much of the UK market. Other retailers have focused on providing birds with more space, a move campaigners welcome but say fails to address the root cause of welfare problems.
Jackson added:
“UK consumers care deeply about animal welfare, and they would be shocked to see the reality of an intensive chicken farm even with more space.
Better management is positive, but it only scratches the surface of the problem. To really improve these animals’ lives, we need to follow in Norway’s footsteps with a transition to higher welfare, slower growing breeds.
Retailers, along with high street brands like KFC, Greggs and Pret need to step up and solve the biggest welfare problem for chickens: fast-growing genetics. Nothing is stopping companies from getting together with industry and finding a solution, just like Norway has.”
Neglected Senior Pup Finally Learns What Love Feels Like After He Meets His New Family
For the past ten years of his life, all Conrad, a senior Beagle, knew was neglect and abuse.
He was found in horrific shape in one of the city shelters, completely shut down from everything.
Despite his situation being vague, Conrad’s shape spoke for itself. He was severely malnourished, had rotten teeth, and was deeply depressed. This skin-and-bones dog knew nothing but suffering for the last decade, but all that was about to change within days!
Conrad’s Heartbreaking Backstory
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad was on the way to being euthanized by the shelter he was found in when the Beagle Freedom Project team, from Los Angeles, California, came across his story.
After ten long years in a home where he knew nothing but neglect, Conrad ended up being a shelter dog with zero chance for a new start. But, the BFP team acted timely!
In coordination with their partnering rescue groups, Beagle Freedom Project took Conrad in, ready to give him the transformation of a lifetime.
In the video posted by this Californian rescue, Kait, the social media manager, explains that this senior boy hasn’t had an easy life.
“This poor boy is in horrific condition. As you can see he is severely emaciated, he’s skin and bone, his hips are sticking out, his spine is sticking out, he has extremely dry skin,” Kait, BFP’s social media manager, says in the video.
However, thanks to the community and his amazing caregivers, Conrad was given a new chance in no time.
After weeks of care, TLC, and dental surgery, Conrad finally found a glimmer of hope that things might eventually end well!
The Most Wonderful News
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad’s incredible transformation took everyone by surprise!
Despite all odds, this senior boi showed remarkable spirit and resilience, which eventually resulted in his speedy recovery!
“We are excited to share that after a month of intensive care, healthy meals, and dental surgery, Conrad is feeling much better. He is finding joy in life again— exploring, playing, and even digging through the trash like a typical beagle,” the rescue wrote in an update post.
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
But, that wasn’t about it for sweet Conrad. In the same post, the rescue announced the greatest update about this lovely dog. After spending a few meaningful weeks in a new foster home, his dad couldn’t help but go all in for Conrad!
Instead of helping him find a new home, Conrad’s foster decided to make him a permanent member of the family.
“His incredible foster dad fell in love with him and decided to ADOPT him. Conrad has a forever family,” the rescue added.
After a lifetime of neglect and abuse, Conrad will finally have a nice, cozy home and a family to love him. And, that’s pretty much everything he had been looking for this entire time.
We wish you the best golden years of your life, sweet boi!
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