Domino’s Pizza has just announced that it has signed the Better Chicken Commitment to significantly improve how its chicken meat is farmed in New Zealand and Australia. Domino’s is the first food business in New Zealand to sign up to these world-leading standards.
 

The Better Chicken Commitment is a set of world-leading standards governing how chickens bred for meat are farmed. It is an initiative led by more than thirty international animal advocacy organisations, including Compassion in World Farming (which has worked with Domino’s to achieve this commitment) and Animals Aotearoa here in New Zealand.

“This is ground-breaking news for those of us working to create change for chickens bred for meat and a wake-up call to other fast-food restaurants,” says Marianne Macdonald, Executive Director of Animals Aotearoa. “It is fantastic that Domino’s has listened to customer concerns about animal welfare and responsibly acted on the demand for change. Now their competitors must also do right by their customers and follow Domino’s responsible lead.”

The Better Chicken Commitment includes using healthier, slower-growing chicken breeds, providing more space per bird, perches and natural light, and improved slaughter methods. Domino’s will have fully implemented these changes by 2026 for 100% of its chicken supply.

“The chicken breeds currently used in New Zealand grow so fast they double in size every week. This rapid growth is causing painful lameness in millions of chickens, some so top-heavy they are unable to walk. The shift to more active, slower-growing breeds is vital.”

“It’s time for a transformation of the chicken meat industry. This commitment is a huge leap forward. It’s the start of a domino effect that will quickly lead to a chain reaction transforming the food industry, and helping chickens live much better lives.”

About Animals Aotearoa
Animals Aotearoa is an animal advocacy organisation campaigning to end the suffering of farmed animals in Aotearoa. Launched in early 2021, Animals Aotearoa was founded primarily to drive change for chickens bred for meat by encouraging food businesses to end the worst suffering for chickens.

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