Hundreds of chickens being transported from a chicken farm were the victims of a fiery truck crash on a California Highway on September 5. The truck reportedly carrying up to a thousand chickens swerved, hit another car, and burst into flames.
Many of the chickens escaped, prompting the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to shut the freeway down. Tragically, hundreds more were burned or crushed to death. CHP and Animal Control attempted to retrieve the escaped birds from the highway and surrounding area.
Those that were recovered will be returned to their owner — Pitman Family Farms, a supplier for Amazon. However, animal activists from In Defense of Animals and Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) managed to rescue three of the chickens.
“The scene was like something out of an apocalypse movie—a smoldering truck and cages crammed full of burned chickens; it was just horrific,” said Anita Carswell of In Defense of Animals. “The crash was a miracle for these three birds who have a second chance at life. We understand that hundreds of surviving hens have been returned to the farm: we call on the farmer to show mercy and spare these animals from being sent to their deaths a second time.”
Direct Action Everywhere investigated Pitman Family Farms in 2017 and discovered chickens living in horrific conditions.
“I’ve seen inside the disgusting Bay Area farms where chickens are grown and tortured before being squeezed into cages and shipped to their untimely deaths,” said Eva Hamer of DxE, who recovered one of the hens.
Pitman Farms claim to have high animal welfare standards and promote their free-range chickens. But the investigation revealed birds shut inside with no outdoor access, living in overcrowded conditions with several injuries, and even evidence of de-beaking.
While most of the survivors will likely be returned to their inhumane homes or shipped off for slaughter, at least three lucky chickens will go on to lead a long, happy life, thanks to their rescuers.
What’s New…
I see the Farm Animal Bill has not addressed the problems of inhumane farming. Shall we petition Amazon to drop this supplier???
Thank you for saving these chickens!!
These one and two day delivery deadlines are taking tolls on both animals and humans. Nothing delivered to me is important enough to cause risk to either animal or human lives.
Thank you.
thank you for saving animals.
The Bay Area Farms are disgusting, inhumane and cruel. I wish all the chickens could have been given a different home. I can’t imagine the fear these animals felt during the crash, and again when they reached the slaughter houses. Such a shame to put them through such misery twice.
Thank you
The poor chickens must have had a hell of a shock. Mad drivers only care about getting from A to B. If they only left that much earlier this dreadful thing would not have happened.
How very tragic and of course these poor creatures are reared in bulk for food in the millions all over the world. This highlights the situation!
Well this is great news. The first good thing the Governor has done.