A plan to move former cockfighting roosters to animal sanctuaries was foiled when deputies in Yakima County, Washington, shot 64 birds awaiting rescue. Authorities reportedly feared that the birds might be moved without authorization if they were left on the property.
Before this horrific killing, Heartwood Haven animal sanctuary co-founder Kate Tsyrklevich and her team worked tirelessly to find the roosters suitable homes. They managed to save more than 40 of the birds and were clearing space on their property for the remaining ones. While waiting for a call from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to proceed with their plans, they were informed that the roosters had been shot and killed.
Body Camera Footage
The deputies on the scene captured footage from their body cameras, which shows animal control officer Cindy Kanzler saying, “I just hate messing with the whole trying to save everything.” When the woman caring for the roosters inquired about relocating the birds to an animal sanctuary, Kanzler said, “I don’t think so.”
The footage obtained by Seattle’s FOX 13 through a public-records request makes clear that Officer Kanzler was aware of the rescue plan. She expressed her thoughts on those plans, at one moment informing one of the deputies on the scene: “I don’t give a [inaudible] how you dispose of them, honestly. I think rehabbing birds is [inaudible] … but however you want to deal with it.” As a result, 64 roosters were shot and killed.
The Truth About Chickens
While this story is upsetting, countless chickens suffer horrific deaths at slaughterhouses every day. Like the dogs and cats we adore at home, chickens feel joy, pain, and fear and deserve compassion.
Please join us in creating a kinder world by choosing delicious plant-based foods.
