HORRIFIC TRUTH OF ‘FREE-RANGE’ EGGS
saying it was “extremely concerned” by the “upsetting” footage.
Tayana Simons, of Animal Justice Project, said: “Despite the glossy ad campaigns promoting ‘cage-free’ eggs, the reality is far from humane. What our investigation uncovered is a stark reminder labels can be deceiving and behind the façade of ‘cage-free’ lies a world of suffering for millions of hens.
“It’s time for consumers to demand transparency and accountability.”
Distressing scenes of overcrowding and neglect were filmed at a farm run by Yorkshire Farmhouse Eggs.
Bags of deceased birds were caught on camera, with injured hens living among the decaying bodies and unable to reach food or water.
At another farm which supplies RSPCA Assured Sheriffs Woods Eggs to Stonegate, whose brands include Burford Brown Eggs and Clarence Court, the Animal Justice Project said it found “evidence of cannibalism” and proof popholes – which let birds go outside – remained unopened on three different days.
The investigator also said the smell of ammonia from poultry manure at the site, home to 21,500 hens, was so strong it “burned” their eyes.
Filming also took place at three farms that supply LJ Fairburn & Son under the Fairburn branding, where “numerous dead birds, injured and collapsed hens, blocked nesting boxes and four consecutive days of denied outdoor access” was discovered.
Veterinary professor Andrew Knight, who saw the footage, said: “Multiple serious health problems were evident, without any signs of veterinary care. These included hens with prolapsed or infected cloacas, missing feet, hens collapsed, moribund with neurological disorders and exhibiting seizures. Many also showed severe feather loss, consistent with a barren environment leaving limited opportunity to move or exercise natural behaviours. This results in chronic stress, which can result in feather pecking – with subordinate birds sometimes unable to escape. This causes suffering and can lead to the death of attacked birds.”
Stonegate said: “The care and welfare of our flocks are of the utmost importance and we take allegations of mistreatment seriously. On receiving the footage, we suspended Sheriffs Woods Eggs pending our own investigation and the investigation of qualified independent veterinarians. We have also insisted the farm refer the matter to their local authority.”
Andrew Opie, British Retail Consortium Director of Food & Sustainability, said: “Our members take their
responsibilities to animal welfare very seriously. They have strict processes and will thoroughly investigate any evidence of non-conformity.”
RSPCA Assured said: “This footage is understandably upsetting and we suspended all three farms whilst we urgently launched an investigation.
“We have lifted the suspension of one farm as we are satisfied they have fully addressed any welfare issues shown. A second farm had no birds when we visited. We will carry out an unannounced visit once it has been re-stocked with hens. The third farm is still under investigation and as such we are unable to comment.
“Welfare concerns on RSPCA Assured certified farms are rare and millions more animals are having a better life thanks to the charity.”
All three egg producers were contacted for comment.