320 “no longer useful” hens saved from the abattoir

MORE than 300 hens have been rescued from a life of misery to be found loving homes in the Warrington area.
Animal rescue group Warrington Animal Welfare (WAW) and Phoenix Hen Rescue UK were involved in an operation to rescue thousands of ex-cage hens who, at 18 months old, were considered no longer useful and were destined for the abattoir.
A total of 320 were found homes at Warrington.
WAW trustee Julie Pickett said: “It was a five hour round trip to collect these lovely ladies, but it was worth it.  They have spent their whole lives living in sheds, having never had the chance to be outside and enjoy the sunshine or the feel of fresh ground under their feet.  They truly lived a miserable existence and some of them were in a shocking state.
“We were overwhelmed with the response from local people who wanted to give these lovely ladies a second chance and have offered them a safe haven for the rest of their lives.  We would really like people to please consider when buying eggs where they have come from and try and make the ethical choice.”
Ashlee Crook, who along with her mum Carolanne adopted 12 hens, said: “We had never had hens before, but we had the space and felt it was really important to rescue rather than buy hens.  This way we can offer them sanctuary and enjoy fresh eggs, that we know are ethical and cruelty free.”
WAW are hoping to rehome more hens, so if anyone can offer them an ethical home, they should contact them directly. There is a small adoption fee per hen, but that goes to cover the cost of treatment for the sick and injured.
WAW, based in Slutchers Lane, Warrington, was set up in 1983 to reduce the amount of unwanted pets by promoting responsible ownership and neutering.  They receive no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of the community to help fund their vital work and give animals a second chance.  To support the cause visit www.warringtonanimalwelfare.org.uk/getinvolved or make a donation at www.justgiving.com/warringtonanimalwelfare