For the 3rd year running Brighton Animal Action re-homed ‘end of lay’ hens, all destined for the slaughterhouse. We had 6 days to rescue the hens before the lorry would arrive to take the others away. Possible homes were contacted, boxes ordered and a van hired, as well as the use of a horse box from Sussex Horse Rescue. We had a massive database and each day had to be carefully organised with people arriving from around the country to take their hens. We also planned pick-up points to help those who couldn’t make it all the way down south! Hens went as far as Cornwall, the north of England and Wales to start their new lives. Go to this link to see the hens in Cornwall.

We managed to save over 5,200 hens and the farmer re-homed another 1,500 locally. We also had conversations with people about why these hens were going to slaughter – laying declined due to being 80 weeks old, shell quality not acceptable to supermarkets – they have gritty bits, track marks and can be a bit misshapen. We also told them about the day old male chicks who are gassed or crushed as they’re the wrong type for the meat industry. Not everyone who came for hens was wised up to animal rights but they all went away thinking. Even the farming family were having discussions at their table and have frequented veggie restaurants in Brighton.

We’re glad we did the rescue, despite some opposition before we started. Some felt that we were just helping the industry and objected to paying for the hens. The farmer is now paid by the catching company so it was either us (or those collecting hens) or the catchers who gave her the money and most of us preferred to save lives. We asked the farmer why she continues to keep the hens as she clearly hates them going to slaughter and she said that over 99% of the population eat eggs and if farmers who care and give their hens a good life (these are very free range, organic) get out of the business the public will still buy eggs but from worse farms. In that she’s right – just look at how many people still buy cheap chicken despite the TV exposés. Whatever the debate we just couldn’t turn our backs on these hens and watch them all go to the slaughterhouse.

We’d like to thank all those who gave donations, which allowed us to save all those lives. And everyone who took in hens, helped transport them, spent hours catching them and helped in any way to make this possible. Nearly 7,000 hens are now enjoying a happy 2nd life.