COK’s Letter to Authorities

Note: The letter below and accompanying photographs were sent to Governor Parris Glendening; Millington Mayor Dennis Hager; Kent County State’s Attorney Robert H. Strong, Jr.; Kent County Attorney Ernest S. Cookerly; Kent County Sheriff John F. Price; and Kent County Humane Society President George Lenher.

November 20, 2002

On behalf of Compassion Over Killing, a Washington, D.C.-based animal advocacy organization, I would like to express some grave concerns regarding the treatment of hundreds of thousands of animals at Red Bird Egg Farms (RB) at 33265 Walnut Tree Road, Millington, Md.

The animals used by RB—egg-laying hens—all live in what are known as battery cages, long rows of wire mesh cages stacked one atop the other. Confined so intensely, these animals are unable to fully stretch their wings, let alone engage in natural behaviors such as roosting, foraging, or dustbathing. Instead, the hens live in each other’s waste and must step on top of each other for lack of space. Because of these horrible conditions, many birds are suffering extreme physical and psychological torment.

In addition to RB’s routine intense confinement of hens, many of the animals at the egg farm are sick, injured, or immobilized in numerous ways. Many hens are visibly ill, while others have unchecked infections, growths, and other injuries worthy of veterinary care that is denied. Photographs are enclosed.

Maryland’s cruelty statute states:

In the case of activities in which physical pain may unavoidably be caused to animals, such as food processing, pest elimination, animal training, and hunting, cruelty shall mean a failure to employ the most humane method reasonably available.

Clearly, battery cages are not the most humane method reasonably available to egg producers. Under Maryland’s law, which saw its first felony animal cruelty conviction on October 30, 2002, battery cages should be considered illegal. Compassion Over Killing requests that Red Bird Egg Farms, as well as other egg producers using battery cages, be prosecuted for violating Maryland’s animal cruelty statute.

I am eager to receive a written response from you at your earliest convenience and appreciate your serious attention to this matter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Miyun Park
President

The Investigation | Photo Gallery | Documents | How to Help | NY Times Exclusive | National AP Article