Nick Armstrong KC appeared in a case brought by The Humane League against DEFRA, seeking an authoritative ruling on the meaning of one of the key legal protections for farm animals, and whether it might protect chickens bred for food. Nick acted for the RSPCA, supporting The Humane League, arguing for a construction that might prevent the breeding and keeping of certain fast-growing breeds of chicken, where RSPCA and other evidence shows that the health and welfare implications are significant. The RSPCA has said that for some of the chickens, it is the equivalent of having a 28 stone three year old.
The case was in the Court of Appeal on 23 and 24 October 2024, appealing a High Court decision from May 2023. Nick was instructed by Rupert Earle of Bates Wells.