A growing industry shrouded in secrecy
Over 8 million ducks are killed annually in Australia, after living for 6-7 weeks in conditions very similar to those of meat chickens - in crowded sheds with little light, little room, and overall compromised welfare.
Water deprivation
There is no legal requirement in Australia for commercial duck farms to have water available for ducks to swim, bathe, or even dip their heads. Water deprivation exists in Australian duck farms irrespective of the nature of confinement – intensive (total confinement) or free range (partial confinement).
Ducks and disease
Minimal veterinary input, a lack of vaccines, a build-up of faeces, and a lack of water in which to clean themselves, result in ducks succumbing to a range of diseases, disorders and other injuries, including Salmonelle, E.coli, Pasteurella multocidia, Vitamin A deficiency, blindness, lameness, dislocated joints, broken bones and breast blisters.
The campaign so far
In 2012, one of Australia's largest duck meat producers (Pepe's Ducks) was exposed on ABC's '7:30'. Pepe's Ducks was also fined $400,000 after a complaint made by Animal Liberation to the ACCC. In 2013, Luv-a-Duck were similarly fined for false and deceptive conduct. However, the industry continues to grow at around 5% each year - we need your help.
