Resistance in Vaugeton: 80 citizens take to the streets against mega-poule life!

Resistance in Vaugeton: 80 citizens take to the streets against mega-poule life!

There is resistance in the idyllic community of Vaugeton near Celle-Lévescault. On June 28, between 70 and 80 concerned citizens gathered outside the prefecture in Poitiers to protest against plans for a massive poultry farm with 150,000 chickens. This brutal form of farming is referred to by local residents as the “farm industry” and is causing major concerns about pollution, animal welfare and road safety. As France Bleu reports, the demonstrators also included representatives of various interest groups: Greenpeace, the CGT union, the ecological MP Lisa Belluco and the mayor Frédéric Léonet, who has already spoken out against the project.

There are many reservations about the planned farm. Residents like 23-year-old Anthony emphasize the importance of a high quality of life for future generations. According to reports, despite a rejected planning application, construction work has already begun, worrying many residents. A public inquiry will run until July 10 and the mayor, who is welcoming the public, is calling for a moratorium until environmentally friendly alternatives are presented. Laetitia, a resident for 14 years, emphasizes the importance of making one's struggle known to the public.

Concerns about animal welfare and the environment

The planned poultry farm may be set up in the existing facilities of a former goat farm, which was once the largest in Europe. The chickens are kept less than 100 meters from the nearest residential buildings, which is considered questionable by many. The “Pampr’oeuf” group plans not only egg production, but also the slaughter of unproductive chickens after a year. Such practices have been criticized because large animal populations not only affect animal welfare, but could also cause environmental problems such as noise, smell and increased truck traffic, according to Solidaires 86.

A rethink in agriculture is urgently needed. Stricter regulations to reduce the environmental impact of industry are essential, as is also clear from a current EU regulation. This includes measures to reduce emissions from large livestock farms, which also sets relevant standards for poultry production. According to the European Parliament, new limits on water consumption and emissions are planned to address the health risks posed by mega-animal farms.

The events in Vaugeton are a sign that the balance between agriculture and environmental protection needs to be rethought. This not only affects the quality of life locally, but also the wisdom of how food production should be organized in the future - for people, animals and the environment.