Article published March 04, 2003
Animal-rights group wants investigation of egg farm
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU
COLUMBUS - An animal-rights group yesterday asked the Darke County prosecutor to investigate whether Weaver Bros. Egg Farm near Versailles has violated animal cruelty laws.
At a news conference, Mercy for Animals members showed a videotape it says was taken in December at the large egg farm - evidence the group says of hens with untreated infections and growths, with feather and wing damage, and trapped in the wire of their cages, and at least one hen alive in a trash bin filled with dead hens.
Darke County Prosecutor Richard Howell said he will review materials from the animal rights group. He said Tim Weaver, president of Weaver Bros. Egg Farm, also has contacted him with concerns about Mercy for Animals trespassing on farm property and removing at least one hen.
Mr. Weaver said in a statement yesterday: "Weaver Bros. has taken and will continue to take all steps necessary to protect both the health of our birds and the safety and quality of our eggs.
"In addition, for more than 10 years, a veterinarian trained in poultry care visits our barns three times each month to evaluate conditions and examine the health of the hens. This is above and beyond any requirements or regulations by the industry," he said.
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