Rising incidences of animal activists targeting the UK’s agricultural industry have raised questions about how those involved in the sector can protect their assets and livelihood.
Specialist agricultural solicitor Aled Owen has first-hand experience of dealing with legal cases involving activists and provides advice on how poultry producers can protect themselves.
“Over the years, we’ve seen a huge shift in animal activist action; they are becoming more sophisticated and broadening their scope of targets,” says Owen, partner in HCR Law’s agriculture and estates team.
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“It’s no longer just farm businesses – they’re now targeting processors and abattoirs too.”
However, while being targeted by activists can be an extremely difficult and emotional situation, Owen stresses the importance of taking a calm and strategic approach to protect yourself, your reputation and your poultry business.
Leave it to the professionals
“It can be tempting to engage with someone who is unlawfully on your premises, but it’s actually really important to refrain from doing this,” says Owen.
“There is risk of jeopardising your position [in the situation], so it is always best to keep quiet and calm and involve the relevant authorities immediately.”
Owen explains that activists are well within their rights to protest, but the ways in which they choose to express their views are not always lawful, which is why it is best to leave matters to the police.
He adds that police involvement will also negate the need for comment, as the incident will be subject to police inquiry, protecting your business from media speculation.
Security measures
Security measures such as CCTV, security lighting and fencing in and around your poultry enterprise are recommended and will discourage potential disruptions. However, Owen encourages producers to extend security measures to staff and highlights the need to thoroughly vet potential employees.
“It’s not uncommon for incidences to involve individuals who have previously had an affiliation to the targeted business,” he adds.
“I recommend conducting thorough background checks and scrutinising potential employees, especially when their experience appears questionable or misaligned with the job they are seeking, or when their qualifications do not match the job requirements.”
Owen also encourages employers in the poultry industry to re-evaluate their employment contracts.
“Contracts can include specific conditions that prohibit employees from working with third parties,” he explains. “More often than not, those involved in these disruptions are doing so for a monetary benefit.
“By including specific terms in employment contracts, those in breach of those terms can be liable for fraud, so it’s one to consider.”
Keeping publicity to the minimum
According to Owen, very few cases result in litigation, as the police often do not see these incidents as being in the public interest, but he doesn’t see this as a bad thing.
“Publicity of activist issues on farms, which comes as a result of litigation, can be extremely damaging for farm businesses, as assurance schemes and accreditation organisations are quick to suspend contracts, putting farms in very difficult positions.
“Avoiding court is probably the most favourable outcome for targeted farms as keeping these issues out of the public eye can ultimately be better for the farm and its business, preserving reputation and operational stability.”
However, Owen says this is a problem that is unlikely to dissipate any time soon.
“You can’t guarantee which farms and businesses will be targeted, but it’s important to implement preventative measures where possible and remember to take the right steps in the event of being targeted.”
By adopting these strategies, poultry farmers can enhance their security and safeguard their operations against the growing threat of activist intrusions.
Poultry farms face increased risk
Free-range egg producers have been the subject of targeted incursions by animal rights activists in recent months.
In March, the Animal Justice Project released undercover footage shot inside sheds owned by directors of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA). The coverage was published in the Sunday Mirror newspaper and was shared with other media.
The video incudes scenes showing dead birds, poorly feathered birds and feather pecking. It concludes with a message to consumers to avoid all eggs and adopt a vegan diet.
At the time, a BFREPA spokesman said: “It is clear that these farmers have been targeted because they are directors of BFREPA and it is part of a deliberate move to discredit the organisation.
“But they could target anyone. So we would urge members to take all precautions – maximise welfare and ensure top biosecurity, but also report anything suspicious to the packer, vet or even the police.”
Another incursion in August 2023, again the work of the Animal Justice Project, was shared with journalists and published in the Mail Online. The footage, which the group claims show hens with severe feather loss, and with dead hens in the cages and on the floor, was taken over a five-month period on a farm in Bedfordshire, suggesting an undercover worker was present on the farm for an extended time.
And most recently, the Co-op’s AGM was disrupted by protestors from the Humane League, protesting against the retailer’s decision to continue selling standard breeds of chicken, which it refers to as Frankenchickens in all its publicity material.