Breaking: Domino’s commits to higher chicken welfare in Australia and New Zealand

Image credit: Valerie Kuypers

Domino’s will ensure that 100% of farms that supply its chickens will meet the Better Chicken Commitment standards by 2026 in Australia and New Zealand.

It’s the first major fast-food outlet to commit to slower growing breeds, more natural conditions, and better health outcomes for millions of chickens in their supply chain in the region.

World Animal Protection, Campaign Manager Australia, Rochelle Flood said:

“It’s great to see Domino’s stepping up to the plate by signing on to the Better Chicken Commitment. This is great news for chickens in Australia and New Zealand, as Domino’s follow Marley Spoon on a more responsible path by switching to slower growing breeds, more natural conditions, and better health outcomes.

“The Better Chicken commitment means that chickens will also be given more room to move, access to perches and natural light. All things that help give chickens lives worth living.

“Current chicken breeds grow to full size in just five to six weeks, often suffering from broken bones and heart and lung failure because of their unnaturally fast growth.

“This is why we’re calling on other fast food brands including KFC and McDonald’s to follow the example set by Domino’s and do the right thing by chickens.” KFC has already signed up to the Better Chicken Commitment in eight European markets. We urge the company to match this vision in Australia and New Zealand, and avoid any negative publicity over double standards.

The announcement in Australia and New Zealand follows Domino’s adoption of the Better Chicken Commitment in late 2020 for its operations in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Luxembourg.

“Across Europe and North America, companies have signed on to the Better Chicken Commitment and are taking steps to introduce slower growing breeds. It’s time for Australia to do the same.” Ms Flood added.

The Better Chicken Commitment led by over 30 NGOs including World Animal Protection

This is great news for chickens in Australia and New Zealand, as Domino’s follow Marley Spoon on a more responsible path by switching to slower growing breeds, more natural conditions, and better health outcomes.