Egg farmers face jail over starving chickens (NZ)

[Guest guest]

06 DECEMBER 2000

Independent Newspapers Ltd, New Zealand

http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,528320a11,FF.html

 

 

The owners of a Huapai egg farm could face prosecution, leading to six

months' jail or a $25,000 fine after thousands of their chickens starved to

death. Eight thousand caged hens were left for dead in a shed at the egg

farm, 28km northwest of Auckland.

 

They were discovered when the landlord, who lives next door, returned home

from holiday.

 

Rodney District Council health officers entered the farm last Thursday after

neighbours complained of large numbers of rats on their properties.

 

Dozens of rats were discovered in the shed feasting on the carcasses of dead

hens.