Graphic video of chicks falling into grinder sparks petition against hatchery practice
WARNING, GRAPHIC CONTENT: Graphic footage seemingly showing day-old male chicks being shredded in Melbourne egg hatcheries has renewed animal rights activists' calls for an end to the legal practice.
Animal Liberation and Aussie Farms released footage on Tuesday that they say shows male chicks being pushed through a maceration machine.
Male chicks cannot produce eggs, and many are destroyed when they are born.
The chicks travel along a conveyor belt before being dropped into the grinder. Photo: Animal Liberation
"We've known about this process for a long time, but it's been very highly guarded by the industry; nobody's been able to capture it here in Australia until now," Aussie Farms director Chris Felforce said.
"I think most people would be absolutely horrified to learn that this is what they're paying for when they buy eggs, even those with ostensibly higher-welfare labels like 'free range'."
The practice is legal under Australian law, along with the alternate method of gassing.
Gassing is thought to be a crueller method as some chicks are left gasping for air and shaking their heads for up to two minutes, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The male chicks are less than a day old when they fall to their death. Photo: Animal Liberation
"Quick maceration" is categorised as an acceptable form of humane destruction of chicks in Australia, according to the model code of practice for the welfare of animals domestic poultry.
"Culled or surplus hatchlings awaiting disposal must be treated as humanely as those intended for retention or sale," the code says.
"They must be destroyed humanely by a recommended method such as carbon dioxide gassing or quick maceration and thoroughly inspected to ensure that all are dead."
The video was allegedly shot in a Melbourne hatchery called Specialised Breeders Australia (SBA) where footage of de-beaking was also recorded.
The opening of the shredder is covered in smashed egg shells, blood and bones. Photo: Animal Liberation
AAP has sought comment from SBA.
Germany will introduce technology by the end of 2016 that will identify the sex of chicken embryos before they are hatched.
The US has committed to stop culling chicks within four years and Australian farmers are being pressured to follow suit.
