Friday, July 12, 2002

Media Release for Immediate Release

Hens Liberated From Auckland Egg Farm

Auckland Animal Action received an anonymous communiqué from the underground animal liberation group, The Animal Liberation Front (ALF). The ALF claimed to have liberated six battery hens from the Eggs R Us factory egg farm in Henderson Valley, Auckland. Their communiqué is as follows:

"In the early morning hours, on Friday, July 12th, 2002, the Animal Liberation Front entered the Eggs R Us battery hen egg farm, in Henderson Valley, Auckland, and liberated six battery hens. These hens have been relocated to a safe home, where they will live out the rest of their lives in freedom. Video footage of the farm was shot, showing the horrendous conditions that the hens endure. This video was sent to various groups, including main media sources. We have become tired of waiting for the political processes of this world to recognise the undeniable rights of animals. To sit and wait any longer is to accept the death of millions of innocent beings. It is because of this that we have taken actions into our own hands, in order to save the lives of these animals. ALF"

Auckland Animal Action supports the actions of the ALF, and understands why people feel the need to take illegal actions in the name of animal liberation. "Millions of animals around the world are being imprisoned and slaughtered for the sake of profits. The live liberation of animals by the ALF saves animals from lives of exploitation and pain, while property damage acts as economic sabotage for those profiting from the exploitation of animals." Says Suzanne Wright of Auckland Animal Action.

The life of a battery hen is full of pain and suffering. "The hens lives start with a segment of their beaks being seared off at a few days of age. Some have their middle toe cut as well. Then they are forced to spend the rest of their lives in tiny cages, in dark smelly sheds, until they either die, or the farmer no longer finds them productive enough to keep around."

The Government is presently asking the public for submission for the review of the Code of Welfare for Layer Hens. Many groups around the country are using this opportunity to campaign for the ban of the battery cages, the small wire cages in which several hens are kept in for 18 months of intense egg laying. "The hens end up defeathered, as a result of the constant rubbing up against the cage, and their cell mates. These cages are so small, the hens are left with a space no bigger then an A4 piece of paper. The hens are totally unable to carryout their natural patterns of behaviour, which includes dust bathing, stretching their wings, and scratching the ground."

The ALF operates under the following guidelines:

To liberate animals from places of abuse, i.e. laboratories, factory farms, fur farms, etc, and place them in good homes where they may live out their natural lives, free from suffering.

To inflict economic damage to those who profit from the misery and exploitation of animals.

To reveal the horror and atrocities committed against animals behind locked doors, by performing non-violent direct actions and liberations.

To take all necessary precautions against harming any animal, human and non-human.

Any group of people who are vegetarians or vegans and who carry out actions according to A.L.F. guidelines have the right to regard themselves as part of the A.L.F.

The Animal Liberation Front consists of small autonomous groups of people all over the world that carries out direct action according to the A.L.F. guidelines.

This same farm was targeted by the ALF in October last year, when 28 hens were liberated.

END

Auckland Animal Action can be contacted at: 021 128 7943 – Suzanne Wright/021 176 0860 Michael Wise

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