For Immediate Release:
October 17, 2001

Contact:
Nathan Runkle, 937-652-8258

COVERT INVESTIGATION EXPOSES CRUELTY AT OHIO’S LARGEST EGG FARMS

Advocates Rescue 34 Sick, Injured, and Dying Hens

Ohio - Investigators from the Ohio animal rights organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) will hold a press conference to present the findings of a month-long investigation into animal mistreatment at Buckeye Egg Farm and Dayly Egg Farm, Ohio’s two largest egg producers.

When: Tuesday, October 18th, 2001 at 11 a.m.

Where: Ohio Statehouse Atrium, Columbus

MFA’s investigation at Buckeye’s facility in LaRue and Daylay’s facility in Raymond began after the organization’s requests for tours of the facilities were ignored. Both Buckeye Egg Farm and Daylay Inc. confine millions of hens in tiny "battery cages" (long rows of wire cages holding an average of eight birds per cage).

At both facilities investigated, MFA discovered severe overcrowding and confinement, hens trapped in the wire of their cages, and dead birds left to slowly rot next to their cage mates. At Daylay, a live hen was found thrown in a dumpster filled with trash and hundreds of dead birds.

The investigation uncovered countless sick and injured hens suffering from raging eye and sinus infections, mechanical feather damage, pasteurella, paralysis, vitamin deficiency, enlarged vents, hernias, wing hemetones and blindness.

During repeated nighttime visits documenting abuses at the facilities, investigators provided aid to sick and injured hens. MFA was forced to rescue 34 hens in dire need of veterinary care.

"Hens at both Buckeye and Daylay are subjected to gross abuse, neglect, and cruelty. Sadly, these are industry-wide problems," says investigator Nathan Runkle. "If consumers knew how the egg industry abused animals, they would never eat eggs," adds MFA investigator Amie Hafner.

Professor of Poultry Ethology at the University of Guelph, Ian J.H. Duncan, viewed footage taken at both Buckeye and Daylay and stated: "(T)his videotape depicts some of the worst cruelty that I have ever witnessed." Veterinarian Eric Dunayer, VMD, stated: "(T)he videotape shows hens subjected to extremely inhumane conditions that inflict severe deprivation and injury. I have no doubt that these hens suffer terribly under such conditions."

The details of the investigation and rescue will be online at the newly launched MFA web site, www.EggCruelty.com. At the press conference, MFA will air and distribute broadcast-quality footage of the cruelties uncovered.