Dear The Rt Hon Thérèse Coffey,

Urgent action is needed to protect farmed ducks from suffering.

We are a collaboration of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Celebrities, Ethologists, Veterinarians and Animal Sanctuaries who are calling on the government for a complete ban on duck farming in the UK.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is in place to protect farmed animals, yet most farmed ducks in the UK are not afforded their basic protections. Under Section 9, animals must be provided with a “suitable environment” and must “be able to exhibit natural behaviour”. This is the duty of the person responsible for animal welfare at the facility. Despite this requirement, the majority of farmed ducks in the UK have no access to open water; they cannot, therefore, bathe or swim, both rendering their environment unsuitable and preventing the expression of natural behaviour.

Animal Justice Project carried out four undercover investigations between 2019-2022, exposing the shocking cruelty behind the UK duck industry. Covering the farming standards and slaughterhouse of the UK's largest duck producer– Gressingham Foods – and a 'Gold Star' 'free-range' farm – Pastures Poultry – the investigations highlighted poor conditions across the industry: deplorable and unsuitable.
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We call on you, The Rt Hon George Eustice, to implement a strict ban on the farming of ducks, given that the practice is inherently cruel and contrary to the most basic welfare standards.

Yours sincerely,
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