Investigators arrived at the weekly small animal auction at 11.20am. The temperature was 72 degrees. Rabbits, ducks, chickens and other birds were offered for sale. The cages had no water available for the animals as well as no flooring, forcing them to stand and rest on bare wire. A “Poultry Inc.” truck (DOT 977950) from Denver, PA was parked next to the sale. He was already loaded with plastic crates that contained doves and rabbits. The sale ended at 1:10pm and loading started immediately afterwards. Private buyers were observed carrying birds away grabbing them by their wings and then tossing them in the trunk of their cars. The “Poultry Inc.” truck loaded a lot of animals in plastic crates. The driver handled the animals roughly, grabbing them by their wings or legs while moving them from crate to crate or tossing the crates on top of each other. Some birds escaped during the loading and were chased through the parking lot with a large net. Animals’ Angels will report the conditions found to market management and the area’s humane officer.

Middleburg Bird & Rabbit Auction, PA 5/15/12
Date:
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 16:30
Investigation Category: