Daylay Egg Farm
11177 Township Road 133
West Mansfield, OH 43358-9709

August 8, 2001

Dear Egg Producer,

On behalf of Mercy For Animals– an Ohio grassroots animals rights organization––I would like to express some concerns regarding the treatment of hens on modern egg farms.

Instead of being viewed as the sensitive animals they are, hens are often viewed as nothing more than mere commodities by today's agribusiness industry. While many countries have banned the battery cage system because of its inherent cruelty, U.S. egg producers still cram four to five hens in a 12- by 18-inch wire cage. The cages are stacked one on top of another, forcing the chickens in lower rows to live in the excrement of those above them.

It is my hope that this is not the case at your facilities. In order to ensure that it isn't, I am requesting a tour of your farm at the earliest date possible. I will expect to receive a response to this letter no later than seven days from today, August 20, 2001. In advance, thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Nathan Runkle

Director