People gathered outside a Swindon supermarket to protest about the businesses use of ‘Frankenchickens’.

Crowds from The Humane League UK animal charity staged the protest outside the Lidl supermarket on Garrad Way on Saturday morning.

This comes after an undercover investigation video into Lidl supplier 2 Sisters Food Group appeared to show footage of debilitated chickens, ‘Frankenchickens’, having been crushed by vehicles.

Protesters encouraged shoppers to sign their petition demanding that Lidl adopt the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) animal welfare policy.

Swindon Advertiser: The group were protesting about Lidl's treatment of chickens.The group were protesting about Lidl's treatment of chickens. (Image: The Humane League UK)

The BCC requires the use of slower-growing breeds, more space, natural light and enrichment, less painful slaughter methods and third-party auditing.

Born and raised in Swindon, Kate Aldridge led the protest on Saturday morning outside the town’s Lidl supermarket.

“The rain didn't put us off coming out today and showing people the cruelty being sold at Lidl,” she said.

“We had great conversations with the public, many of whom were horrified to find out how these Frankenchickens live.

“Lidl have deep pockets, they can change this. We need to stand up against animal cruelty, and today that’s what we did. Lidl, do the right thing and sign the Better Chicken Commitment.”

Swindon Advertiser: The protests continued on Saturday morning despite the rain.The protests continued on Saturday morning despite the rain. (Image: The Humane League UK)

KFC, Nando’s, Greggs and Lidl France are some of the 350 companies in the UK and EU to have committed to the BCC, but the rest of Lidl has so far refused according to The Humane League.

“I believe that most people think animals should be treated with kindness and respect,” added Kate.

“Frankenchickens, who fill Lidl’s shelves, live extremely short and painful lives, struggling to walk in their own waste, their white feathers brown with manure, their bodies diseased and in pain.

“We are better than this; millions of chickens deserve better than this. Lidl must sign the Better Chicken Commitment.”

Swindon Advertiser: Members of the public stopped to speak to protesters.Members of the public stopped to speak to protesters. (Image: The Humane League UK)

A Lidl spokesperson said: “All fresh chicken supplied to Lidl complies with nationally recognised third-party standards, including Red Tractor Assured, RSPCA certification and Soil Association Organic.

“Additionally, our free-range RSPCA assured chicken meets and exceeds the requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment.

“We work closely with our suppliers and industry partners to ensure that we are continually improving animal welfare standards, whilst also responding to what our customers want and expect from us.

“In 2019, we introduced a method of production labelling across our fresh poultry range which outlines clearly the environment in which the animal was reared."

The Adver has approached 2 Sisters Food Group for comment.