Chris Packham is calling on Tesco to stop chickens from “living a nightmare”.
The Mirror has told how “Franken-chickens” are bred to grow unnaturally fast to stock shops such as Tesco. Fifty scientists asked Tesco boss Dave Lewis, to sign a “better chicken commitment” like Nando’s, KFC and Waitrose.
TV host and naturalist Packham, has joined their ranks, saying: “These poor chickens are living a nightmare.
"Being made to grow so fast that you can’t even stand is cruel beyond belief, and it’s a practice that has no place in British society.”
The TV star added: “If Tesco wants us to believe they take animal welfare seriously, they must walk the walk: they must sign the Better Chicken Commitment.
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"There’s no excuse for treating animals this way, and I applaud Tesco’s competitors who have committed to addressing this cruelty responsibly.”
Conor Jackson, CEO of Open Cages, the charity that obtained the footage in July and August said: “The animals… are clearly in severe pain.”
Tesco last month claimed all assurance scheme and legislative requirements were being met.
Tesco said it had begun an investigation after being made aware of the video and added: “We require all our suppliers to uphold high animal welfare standards.”