In praise of ALF for battery hen film footage
From a post to AR-Views by Marguerite:
There have been many discussions on ALF both in support of and against the
actions of such groups. I have always taken a precautionary view of ALF
activities because I don't abide by destruction of property and breaking the
law. However, in some instances it can be determined that the laws (or lack
of them) protect those who abuse animals . Recently I visited a friend who
had taped part of a documentary here on battery hens (hens kept in extremely
confined, dark, dirty conditions, de-beaked etc.)
Apparently the RSPCA had been informed on several occasions of the terrible
conditions under which these hens existed. Yet the RSPCA apparently said
that their jurisdiction did not cover battery hens or that there was some
legal reason which forbade them to act on behalf of these hens.
ALF entered the battery hen house by night and filmed the horrible
conditions under which these hens existed. This included removing a hen from
the cages for the camera to film . This hen could not stand up and flesh had
been pecked away
from her side exposing a huge gaping area which would undoubtedly become
infected. She must have been in extreme pain and I deplore the Australian
authorities who allow such misery to exist in the name of battery egg
production. Never was there so sad and deplorable sight as all of these hens
living in these cramped disgusting unhealthy conditions.
I don't buy eggs for myself and when I do buy eggs for my mother, I pay
extra and buy free range.
The point I am writing on is this. If it hadn't been for ALF exposing this
atrocity in battery hen farming on film, the "7.30 Report" could not have
shown the film footage and brought the whole story out into the public arena.
The RSPCA is meant to help all creatures great and small. The reality is probably
that its own charter and existing laws make this motto hard to fulfill.
The "7.30 Report" also stated that they had not shown the worst of the film
footage because of how horrific it was.
It seems that there is a need for the ALF to obtain evidence on behalf of
our suffering animal brethren where others fear to tread.
Since viewing this film footage, I wonder how much animal abuse is destined
never to be exposed until someone takes the necessary steps to make such
exposures.
Kind Regards,
Marguerite, Western Australia
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