The Truth Behind Modern Chicken Farming in Canada [Video]

In 2023, over 780 million chickens were raised for meat in Canada. They represent 91% of the land animals farmed for food every year in the country.

It is a pervasive myth, supported by misleading industry advertising, that Canada does not have factory farms. Canada does, in fact, have factory farms, with the average chicken farm housing as many as 36,000 chickens. 

With no federal legislation protecting animals in Canadian farms, companies across the food industry play a critical role in adopting and implementing standards that reflect the ongoing concern for animal welfare among Canadian consumers. 

Since 2016, many major grocery stores, restaurants, foodservice providers, and manufacturers have adopted policies that address the cruelest chicken-farming practices in Canada. Mercy For Animals has been tracking companies’ progress toward fulfilling their welfare commitments since 2021 through the Canada Animal Welfare Scorecard. 

While some companies and suppliers have made progress, most have significant work ahead in implementing their policies …