Caged and Abused: Life For So Many Hens
Edition #88 22nd June 2025
Welcome to the eighty-eighth edition of our weekly curated articles newsletter.
Below, you will find a 100-word AI-generated summary of each article and a link to the full text.
This week’s articles:
Retired Birmingham GP Faces New Suspension Following Animal Rights Protest Involvement
UN Climate Conference Emphasizes Sustainability with Predominantly Vegan and Vegetarian Menu Choices
Comparing Vegan and Omnivore Diets: Nutrients, Emissions, and Health Insights from Iceland
Animal Rights Activists Disrupt Club World Cup Match Over Stray Animal Treatment in Morocco
Cross-Party MPs Unite to Demand Reform of Meat Labelling Standards for Consumer Clarity
Over 100 Stakeholders Advocate for Plant-Based Diets at Pre-COP30 Climate Conference
Army Urged to Take the Lead in Ending Animal Testing After Navy's Historic Ban
Transforming Diets: Unlocking Vast Farmland and Nature Through Simple Vegan Choices
Examining the Evolving Role and Controversies Surrounding the RSPCA
Investigation Uncovers Caged Hens' Abuse in Global Egg Industry Amid Bird Flu Crisis
Mighty Drinks Enters Administration, Seeking New Ownership Amid Financial Challenges in Alt-Milk Market
Vow’s Cultivated Quail Makes Debut in Australia Following Regulatory Approval
Towcester Racecourse Hosts English Greyhound Derby with £175,000 Prize: A Controversial Event
Retired Birmingham GP Faces New Suspension Following Animal Rights Protest Involvement
Dr. Sarah Benn, a retired GP previously suspended for participating in climate change and animal rights protests, has received a new 12-month suspension of her medical license.
Initially suspended in 2024 after being jailed for violating a court order during a climate protest, she faced a second tribunal following her conviction for criminal damage at an animal rights demonstration in Ledbury. The tribunal deemed her fitness to practice impaired due to a "sustained pattern of unlawful behavior.
" Dr. Benn argued her actions were motivated by a desire to address the climate emergency and posed no risk to others.
UN Climate Conference Emphasizes Sustainability with Predominantly Vegan and Vegetarian Menu Choices
The UN Climate Conference, running from June 16 to 26, 2025, is primarily serving vegan and vegetarian food to minimize its environmental impact. Of the meals provided, 57% will be vegan and 14% vegetarian, with snacks comprising 37% vegan and 46% vegetarian options.
This catering initiative, managed by Broich Catering, reflects a broader trend of promoting plant-based diets at major events as a means of addressing climate change. ProVeg International is present at the conference to encourage dialogue on food system changes that can mitigate environmental issues.
Comparing Vegan and Omnivore Diets: Nutrients, Emissions, and Health Insights from Iceland
This study examines the nutrient intake and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with vegan and omnivore diets in Iceland, analyzing data from 651 omnivores and 68 vegans. Findings indicate that vegans have significantly lower median dietary GHG emissions (2.
6 kg CO2-eq/day) compared to omnivores (5.3 kg CO2-eq/day).
While vegans generally meet macronutrient recommendations better, they have lower protein intake. Both groups struggle with meeting recommendations for vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iodine.
The results suggest targeted dietary guidance for vegans to improve nutrient adequacy and emphasize the environmental benefits of plant-rich diets.
Animal Rights Activists Disrupt Club World Cup Match Over Stray Animal Treatment in Morocco
During the Club World Cup match between Manchester City and Wydad Casablanca, PETA activists interrupted the game by protesting Morocco's treatment of stray animals. The activists displayed a banner reading, "Morocco – Stop Shooting Dogs and Cats!" before being removed by security.
PETA criticized the Moroccan government for not adhering to a 2019 royal order to stop euthanizing homeless animals, highlighting concerns over ongoing brutal practices. The organization aims to raise awareness as Morocco prepares to host the 2030 World Cup, urging FIFA and high-profile figures like Cristiano Ronaldo to advocate for humane treatment of animals.
Cross-Party MPs Unite to Demand Reform of Meat Labelling Standards for Consumer Clarity
A cross-party group of MPs in the UK is advocating for reform in meat labelling laws to provide clearer information about whether animals were humanely slaughtered. Triggered by a petition on banning non-stun slaughter, a recent debate revealed division on the ban itself, yet consensus on the need for improved labelling.
Humanists UK, alongside veterinary and animal welfare organizations, argues for transparency in animal treatment to empower consumer choice. The Government has promised to consider these changes in its upcoming animal welfare strategy, highlighting there is significant public and parliamentary support for enhanced labelling practices.
Over 100 Stakeholders Advocate for Plant-Based Diets at Pre-COP30 Climate Conference
At the UN's pre-COP30 climate conference in Bonn, Germany, over 100 stakeholders endorsed the Belém Declaration, advocating for a transition to plant-based diets as a climate action strategy. The Declaration emphasizes the environmental, health, and economic benefits of plant-rich eating patterns and calls for National Action Plans to promote sustainable diets across nations.
It aims to preserve culinary heritage while addressing meat overconsumption and focuses on the ecological impacts of animal agriculture. The initiative seeks financial support for its plans, with discussions planned for the upcoming COP30 and targeting COP32 in 2027.
Army Urged to Take the Lead in Ending Animal Testing After Navy's Historic Ban
The article advocates for the Army to end animal testing following the Navy's decision to stop such experiments on dogs and cats, highlighting a broader trend under the Trump administration to reduce taxpayer-funded animal cruelty. The author, a former Army soldier, argues that ongoing animal experiments waste resources and compromise the moral authority of the Armed Forces.
He calls for the Army to take a leadership role in animal welfare, emphasizing that real national security does not hinge on the suffering of animals. The piece reflects concerns about government inefficiency and ethical considerations in military practices.
Transforming Diets: Unlocking Vast Farmland and Nature Through Simple Vegan Choices
Transitioning to a vegan diet could potentially free up 75% of global farmland, equating to 3.1 billion hectares, as most agricultural land is currently used for livestock and feed crops.
A plant-based diet not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes rewilding, allowing ecosystems to recover and enhance biodiversity. The article suggests actionable steps for individuals to adopt a vegan lifestyle, such as gradually replacing animal products with plant-based alternatives, experimenting with meals, and celebrating small successes.
This shift could lead to significant ecological benefits while also reimagining landscapes that support both nature and sustainable farming.
Examining the Evolving Role and Controversies Surrounding the RSPCA
The article questions the effectiveness and ethical stance of the RSPCA, highlighting its approval of animal slaughter methods that some critics view as cruel. It presents instances where RSPCA-certified practices, such as gas chamber use for killing hens and pigs, have come under scrutiny due to reports of inhumane treatment in certified abattoirs.
While acknowledging the charity's positive contributions, like rehoming pets and handling numerous helpline calls, the author expresses concern that the RSPCA may be out of touch with its mission to prevent cruelty, alluding to its growing perception as a conflicted organization within the animal welfare sector.
Investigation Uncovers Caged Hens' Abuse in Global Egg Industry Amid Bird Flu Crisis
A global investigation by the Open Wing Alliance has uncovered extensive abuse of caged hens across over 35 countries, highlighting concerning conditions in the industrial egg farming sector, especially during the bird flu pandemic. The findings reveal filthy, overcrowded cages where hens suffer health issues and are often left among dead birds.
Despite EU laws phasing out battery cages, many hens remain in inadequate conditions. The investigation raises significant animal welfare and public health concerns, linking the cramped environments to the risk of disease spread, including bird flu, which poses potential threats to human health.
Mighty Drinks Enters Administration, Seeking New Ownership Amid Financial Challenges in Alt-Milk Market
Mighty Drinks, a UK-based producer of plant-based oat and pea milk, has entered administration due to financial struggles linked to rising costs and decreasing consumer confidence. Appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory are now exploring options for the company, including potential buyers for its assets and brand.
Despite having a strong product lineup and growth potential, Mighty Drinks faced challenges in securing investment for ongoing growth, reflecting a broader trend in the plant-based food sector where profitability pressures are increasing. Interested parties are invited to contact the administrators regarding acquisition opportunities.
Vow’s Cultivated Quail Makes Debut in Australia Following Regulatory Approval
Vow, a Sydney-based startup, has received regulatory approval to launch its cultivated Japanese quail in Australia. The quail will be available at various venues, including restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne.
Celebrity chef Mike McEnearney will promote the product at his restaurant. Vow claims notable production growth, achieving the largest cultivated meat harvest in history and expanding its manufacturing capacity.
The approval follows a thorough safety assessment by Food Standards Australia New Zealand, allowing Vow to enter the Australian market, following its earlier success in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Towcester Racecourse Hosts English Greyhound Derby with £175,000 Prize: A Controversial Event
The English Greyhound Derby will take place at Towcester Racecourse in Northamptonshire on June 14, 2025, offering a £175,000 prize for the winner. Despite its popularity, the event faces controversy regarding animal welfare, with protests and calls for bans in Wales due to concerns about dog safety and injuries.
Although some tracks have closed, others, like Wolverhampton, are investing in new facilities. While industry representatives argue that welfare standards have improved, animal rights activists continue to advocate for the cessation of greyhound racing, highlighting the need for better practices and care for the dogs involved.