Labour faces legal scrutiny after allowing chickens to be carried by legs

Practice was forbidden under EU law, but secondary legislation came into force in July permitting it in England, Wales and Scotland

Labour faces further scrutiny of its record on animal welfare after a high court judge allowed permission for a challenge to the legalisation of the harmful practice of carrying chickens by their legs.

The practice, which causes distress and injuries to chickens, was forbidden under European regulations but a statutory instrument, laid by the environment secretary, Steve Reed, came into force on 22 July allowing it in England, Wales and Scotland.