Billie Eilish hen had reached a slaughterhouse and desperately needed a chance to live. Thanks to a compassionate choice, for this gentle bird, it was no time to die.
Orange County Animal Save regularly holds vigils to bear witness to farm animals in their final moments. Tragically, for most of these sentient beings, the grueling trip from farm to slaughterhouse marks the end, but compassionate vigil–goers were determined to help a hen in need.
Orange County Animal Save
In September, Animal Save activists began speaking with one of the truck drivers transporting animals, who seemed open to the idea of surrendering a hen to rescuers. At Farm Sanctuary, we too understand that taking the time to meet people where they are paves the way for meaningful conversations and compassionate choices. This time, it saved a life.
Activists continued to hope they would see the driver again. Then, one Friday night in October, at 10:30, they were about to give up hope. “Then we saw a truck veer around the corner toward the slaughterhouse,” says Roxy from Animal Save. “We immediately rushed to speak with the driver, and ironically, it was the same gentleman I had spoken with previously—very friendly, and open to letting us save at least one of the hens. For that, I am especially grateful.”
Roxy and the driver connected as they spoke together in Spanish, and Roxy shared some chocolate and many thanks. Then, everything changed for Billie, as the gentle hen was surrendered for a life of sanctuary.
Orange County Animal Save
Safely in the hands of Roxy’s team of Animal Save activists, Billie then spent a weekend with Roxy’s grandma, Juana, dad, Brian, stepmom, Toni, and sister, Tink. The family opened their home to Billie, whom they lovingly called “Henetta,” so that the hen wouldn’t be bothered by Roxy’s cat companions.
Next, Billie went for a Monday morning veterinary appointment. Once test results showed she was in good health, she joined us at her forever home—Farm Sanctuary!
“To think that Billie will live a special life at Farm Sanctuary, and did not end up on someone’s dinner plate because of my team and me, warms my heart,” says Roxy.
At sanctuary, Billie has everything she wanted: freedom, care, and friendship. For the first time, she has her future, and as she settles into her forever home, she’ll be happier than ever.
For our caregiving team, it has been emotional to see Billie feeling safe and content. One minute, she was on a crowded truck bound for slaughter and surrounded by fear. Now she’s safely in a place of healing and freedom, delighting in the wind chimes that our loving caregiving team hung up specially for her.
“You can hear her playing with the wind chimes from inside the shelter office. There’s something so visceral about witnessing her joy and curiosity,” says Senior Wellness Manager, Brooke Marshall. “Billie was literally on the way to slaughter, with hundreds of other chickens just like her. On a broader scale, she was 1 of 25 million chickens slaughtered every day and 1 of 1 million chickens slaughtered every hour in the United States. She basically won the chicken lotto without even realizing it.”
“Here she is, enjoying a simple bell, making me want to bawl my eyes out. The innocence and quiet beauty. THIS right here is the reason we do what we do.”
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