The animal rights pressure group PETA has lodged a petition against plans for a £1 million egg farm in Perthshire.
Robert Wilson wants to create a free range production facility at his farm near Abernethy.
The project will see the creation of a new shed for up to 32,000 chickens and Mr Wilson has insisted the highest welfare standards will be met.
However PETA – People for Ethical Treament of Animals – has lodged a formal objection against the plan, claiming it would condemn thousands of chickens to a “life of misery and eventual slaughter”.
Campaigns officer Sonul Badiani-Hamment said in her letter to planners that any escape of waste products could “potentially pollute the surrounding area, which could have a significant impact on local water courses and wildlife.
PETA has also raised concerns about potential noise and smell issues.
Ms Badiani-Hamment added: “Large egg farms, such as the one proposed, cause immense suffering to hens, who often spend their lives crammed by the thousands into a dark, filthy, crowded shed.
“Many lose their feathers because of the high levels of ammonia and the stress caused by the noise, stench and confinement.”
PETA enclosed a petition signed by more than 2,300 people calling for the egg farm to be rejected.
Mr Wilson has defended the proposal, saying it is a “fantastic opportunity” to diversify the business.
“The UK egg market is growing and most of that growth is from the public demand for free range eggs,” he said.
“The public wish for higher welfare standards for all food production and this is exactly what my plans will provide.”
He said: “The birds will be cared for under the RSPCA Freedom Foods welfare standards, which is the highest free range egg standard in Europe, if not the world.”
Mr Wilson said, rather than being couped up in a “dark, filthy” shed, the chickens would have access to grass pasture and woodlands every day.
“If the weather is bad and they don’t want to head outside, there are lots of perches and scratching areas inside for the birds to enjoy,” he said.
“I can’t understand why a petition by animal rights campaigners was set up against my plan, when free range eggs and the Freedom Foods standards are exactly what they have campaigned for.”
The proposal is expected to be brought before local councillors in the coming months.
