JANUARY BATTERY HEN RESCUES

January 29, 2012

Two weeks ago we rescued 55 battery hens who were scheduled for slaughter. Just look at the condition in this photo. It’s torture. Happily, we have homes lined up for all of them. Tuesday night we will drive for several hours to rescue 30 more… because the next day, the remaining 770 hens in that section will be sent for slaughter. It breaks my heart. These are young hens, just 16 months old. They’ve only laid for one season, but will now be killed as they go off-lay for the first time. It’s such a senseless waste, as they would begin laying again after they moult, and would continue to lay for many years. I wish I could save them all – but the only way that will happen is if we change our laws. Effective Jan 1, the EU has now banned battery cages. Their law states that cages must now allow each hen a minimum of 750 square centimeters. It’s a start. When oh when will New Zealand do the same??