<P>October 18, 2001

<P>Mr. E. Michael Pfeifer,
<BR>Prosecuting Attorney
<BR>Wyandot County
<BR>110 East Wyandot
<BR>Upper Sandusky OH 43351

<P>Dear Mr. Pfeifer:

<P>Enclosed is a videotape showing hens in deplorable health and living
conditions at Buckeye Egg Farm, 20613 Township Highway, Harpster, Ohio
43323. The video, which was taped on August 18 and 30, and September 9,
shows hens suffering from raging eye and sinus infections, pasteurellae,
paralysis, vitamin deficiency, vent peritonitis, hernias, wing hematomas,
and blindness. We respectfully request an immediate investigation of this
emergency situation and assurance that appropriate measures will be taken
to alleviate the hens' suffering as well as prosecute those responsible.

<P>We fear that other hens are experiencing slow and agonizing deaths through
starvation and untreated medical conditions. Under §959.06 ("Painless
Destruction of Domestic Animals") of the Ohio Statutes:

<P>"(a) No person shall destroy any domestic animal by decompression chamber
or by any method other than that which immediately and painlessly renders
the domestic animal initially unconscious and subsequently dead." Leaving
a hen to die of untreated medical conditions or trapped without access to
food or water violates this statute. Furthermore, under  §959.13 ("Cruelty
to Animals"):

<P>"(a)(1) No person shall torture an animal, deprive one of necessary
sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, or
impound or confine an animal without supplying it during confinement with
a sufficient quantity of good wholesome food or water." Again, the hens
trapped in the wire of their cages were not receiving necessary food or
care. In addition, under  §1717.01 ("Definitions") :

<P>"(b) "Cruelty," "torment," and "torture" include every act, omission, or
neglect by which unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused,
permitted, or allowed to continue, when there is a reasonable remedy or
relief." Refusing medical attention to hens suffering from eye and sinus
infections, vent peritonitis, paralysis, etc. is neglect.

<P>We are asking for your immediate intervention to prevent further suffering.

<P>Thank you in advance for your time, attention and prompt response.

<P>Sincerely,

<P>Nathan D. Runkle, director of Mercy For Animals