Horrific images of dead hens, blood-covered eggs, twisted legs and pecked feathers have been revealed by workers employed at the poultry farm of Fermy Drobiu Woźniak, the EU’s largest egg producer. Anima International is calling on the EU not to drop its plans for a ban on cages for hens.
Oksana and Sasha, a couple employed at the farm in Wioska, central-west Poland, collected evidence of their daily work over a six-week period. The couple described how they were required to remove dozens to hundreds of dead animals from the cages every day. Some of these hens had been lying in the cages for several weeks.
“Sometimes they were blue, and fluids leaked out of them,” Sasha said.
The hens were living in close confinement which led to aggression and cannibalism. Many animals were found in poor physical condition, missing plumage, with deformed legs and open wounds. The footage also showed cases of hens dying while laying eggs, with eggs stuck in their cloaca.
A veterinary inspection later confirmed the concerns revealed by the investigation. Anima International has now filed a notice to the prosecutor’s office in Poland on the grounds of potential animal abuse.
The EU is currently considering a ban on cage farming, with the European Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age” having been signed by 1.4 million people. However, reports of the plans being dropped have caused alarm amongst campaigners.
Kirsty Henderson, Executive Director of Anima International, said: “Many countries are already transitioning away from caged farming systems for hens. The EU needs to follow through on its promises and do its part in eradicating animal suffering from our food system.”
Fermy Drobiu Woźniak exports 70% of its production to countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, with 300 million animals suffering in cages in the EU, including on the farms owned by the company.
Anima International has released still images from the investigation, drone images of the farm, images of the undercover workers and raw footage which can be viewed on the organisation’s website.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.