On April 20, the ALV Openrescue team investigated a broiler chicken shed near Bayles south-east of Melbourne. The team saved 14 five week old chicks from shocking conditions. Their shed prison is a supplier farm to Kentucky Fried Chicken. Watch the video
The five member rescue team concentrated on one of three sheds on the property. The conditions in the shed were appalling with thousands of infant broiler chicks forced to hobble, sit or lay on a sludge of wet manure. It was so thick that members of the team left deep footprints just by walking over it. The air was toxic with ammonia making it difficult to breath. Most of the birds in this shed were suffering injuries and sickness as a result of being forced to live in this horrible environment.
Common injuries were crippling (to the extent that many chicks could hardly move or reach water), ammonia burns on the chicks foot pads and hock joints, scabs and bruising on their underbellies and feather loss. Adding to the unimaginable stress and pain caused by these injuries the chicks had to endure the constant noise and roar of the fans. They are so loud that team members had difficulty hearing one another talk.
Sadly one of the chicks died just hours after her rescue due to the extent of her injuries. The remaining 13 birds are enjoying sunshine, quiet, rest and fresh air for the first time in their lives. Several are badly crippled and their long term prognosis is poor, but for the moment they are being treated like the very special quests they are.
ALV submitted an urgent cruelty complaint after the rescue to the Cardina Shire Council Mayor and the Councillor for Port Ward. Soon after receiving the complaint, Mayor Bill Pearson advised ALV that he handed the matter over to the Planning and By-laws Department for immediate investigation. ALV appealed for the welfare of all the sick and suffering birds they had to leave behind.
This broiler shed is simply another example of the inherent cruelty that exists throughout the animal agriculture industry. While an investigation into this particular property is of the utmost importance, the abuse of these birds really stems from the industries and public who continue to treat animals as mere commodities for human consumption.
Many thanks to rescue team members Jo, Skye, Francis, Jonathan, Dave and Patty... and to Zoe for animal care support. In the accompanying slide show you will meet the chicks who were rescued and follow their journey from a painful hellish place to a sanctuary where they were given the loving care and respect they deserve.
