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Charity forced to let 12,000 hens go to slaughter
hens
“We are best known for saving the lives of thousands of hens intended for slaughter so this is a difficult time for us". (stock photo)
Avian flu threat prevents planned hen collections
 
The British Hen Welfare Trust is currently on ‘lockdown’ and has been forced to let 12,000 hens go to slaughter amid concerns about avian influenza in the UK.

The hens were due to be collected by the charity for rehoming in December, January and February but UK restrictions to prevent the spread of avian influenza meant the birds had to go to slaughter.

A prevention zone in place until 28 February requires poultry and other captive birds to be housed indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds. Gatherings of birds are also temporarily prohibited. The measures were put in place following outbreaks of avian influenza H5N8 in Europe.

Outbreaks have also been confirmed on a Lincolnshire turkey farm in December and in backyard flocks in Wales and Yorkshire, as well as in wild birds in England, Scotland and Wales.

The British Hen Welfare Trust finds retirement homes for caged hens destined for slaughter. Its founder, Jane Howorth MBE, commented: “We are best known for saving the lives of thousands of hens intended for slaughter so this is a difficult time for us.

“However, we take pride in acting responsibly and agree that Defra’s decision to extend the prevention zone to help protect national backyard and commercial poultry was the right one.

“Everything we do as a charity revolves around hen welfare so we are greatly saddened that 12,000 hens didn’t get their chance to enjoy a free range retirement, but we are looking forward to March when we hope that thousands will be able to enjoy the spring sunshine for the first time.”

The charity is reminding hen keepers that the latest outbreak of avian flu was in a backyard flock, and that it is currently a legal requirement to house birds indoors.

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Milk recalled over presence of veterinary medicines

Graham's Family Dairy has issued a recall for its semi-skimmed milk due to the presence of veterinary medicines in the product.

In a risk statement, the Food Standards Agency said the presence of the medicines, including penicillin, make the milk unsafe to consume and 'may be a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to antibiotics'.

Customers who bought the product are advised to return it to the store of purchase for a full refund.