Christchurch hen liberationists strike

A "hen liberation" by a Christchurch animal activist group was conducted so quietly that two weeks later, the farmers did not even know they had been burgled.

A group calling itself Christchurch Open Res cue contacted The Press yesterday to say it had "rescued" 37 young hens from a farm in Prebbleton.

Unfortunately, the group, which says it prides itself on operating openly and not doing damage, took the hens with so little damage the farmers had to be informed by The Press that they were victims.

Open Rescue spokesman Daniel Rae admitted the symbolic action was ineffectual if no-one knew it had happened. He said the group would "work on making the farmer aware" in future.

Rae agreed that perhaps leaving a note would be appropriate.

A second interview revealed the action had taken place two weeks ago but "we wanted to get the chickens settled in their new homes before we told the media", Rae said.

Farm owner Nicola Sutton said she had not noticed anything amiss but would check the sheds.

The farm did not practise battery farming, she said.

Police are not investigating the poultry attempt but "some people would be happy to be charged", Rae said.

The action was the group's first open action in Christchurch after a secret liberation that had not been reported either.

The group plans "to target the bigger companies" in the future.

The Christchurch Open Rescue collective has 12 members aged from 20 to mid-40s.

It was formed four months ago in response to "frustration at government's lack of action".

The Suttons referred all further questions to Egg Producers Federation executive director Michael Brooks and would not agree to a photograph.

Brooks said taking birds or contacting the media was not an appropriate way to deal with concerns about animal welfare.

"If people have con cerns they should refer them to the appropriate authorities like the SPCA who can deal with it," he said.

"If there is a breach of animal welfare laws then the federation's position is quite clear _ that we don't support farmers who do that, but there has to be due process."

Brooks said he was not aware of any com plaints or problems with Sutton's farm.

The farm was a rearing farm, used to rear hens until they reached laying age, he said.

Hens at the farm did not lay eggs.

- © Fairfax NZ News