Current Press Releases

Over 100 New York City Chickens Find Refuge at Farm Sanctuary

ASPCA Investigates Neglect of over 900 Chickens in Brooklyn Garage

Watkins Glen, NY - October 20, 2006 - Yesterday evening, Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization, welcomed over 100 young chickens to its New York Shelter. These birds were found abandoned in a garage in Brooklyn, New York along with over 800 other chickens. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City opened an animal cruelty investigation on October 2 when the birds were found abandoned, stacked in crates. Dead birds were found amongst the living and several were euthanized due to poor health. To date, no arrests have been made, but the investigation is ongoing.

Farm Sanctuary is among several farm animal shelters taking in many of the surviving "broiler" chickens. "I can only wonder what would drive a person to leave over 900 animals to die," said Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary's Shelter Director. "We hope the ASPCA can make an arrest in this case and that the animal abusers are brought to justice. Now, we must do what we can to bring these birds back to full health and give them the lives they deserve."

Other sanctuaries involved in this massive rescue include Eastern Shore Chicken Sanctuary (Princess Anne, MD), Sasha Farm (Manchester, MI), United Poultry Concerns (Machipongo, VA), Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary (Woodstock, NY), Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary (Ravenna, OH) and Maple Farm Sanctuary (Mendon, MA).

Bred to grow twice as fast and twice as large as their ancestors, "broiler" chickens raised for their meat put on so much weight so quickly that they risk heart disease and crop problems, as well as chronic joint and foot discomfort. More than a year after Hurricane Katrina, Farm Sanctuary continues to care for over 200 "broiler" chickens rescued from a factory farm in Mississippi destroyed during the storm. Farm Sanctuary's healthcare staff's experience working with the Katrina "broilers" will ensure these new arrivals receive a regimen that will keep them healthy and content, in spite of the many challenges ahead as a result of unnatural breeding practices in the chicken industry.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.