The RSPCA has spoken out regarding the increase in abandoned chickens and cockerels in Cornwall and says ‘it is still a criminal offence’ to abandon the birds.
Over the past few weeks, there have been several reports of hens and cockerels being found abandoned in towns across Cornwall on social media, with members of the public questioning if they have been 'dumped'.
On Tuesday last week three more hens were found outside of an address in Helston, mirroring the abandoned chickens found in the Sunken Garden ten days prior on February 5.
However, members of the public decided to take the birds in and contacted the RSCPA for advice and information.
Tracy Orchard from Helston managed to collect the chickens found in the Sunken Garden and kept them safely in her utility room overnight while waiting for the RSPCA to get in touch.
Posting into the Helston Group on Facebook, Tracy said: "If anyone knows why they were dumped could you please let me know? I honestly don’t care to report them.
"I just want to know why, are they diseased.
"If it’s because they are cockerels, then why not deal with them yourself, why have they got this big?
"Any background information will help us to have them rehomed. They are fancy-looking chickens and look well cared for."
Sadly there appeared to be a yet further dumping of cockerals on Thursday, when one was run over and killed at the bottom of Trengrouse Way and another had to be picked up by a member of the public to be taken to safety.
In 2020, the Packet reported concerns from the RSPCA regarding the number of hens and cockerels being abandoned and fears of rescue centres becoming overrun with birds during lockdown.
Now it seems those fears have become reality.
A spokesperson from the RSPCA told the Packet this week: “Sadly, there has always been a high number of abandoned chickens and cockerels in Cornwall, especially cockerels.
"People tend to incubate chicken eggs as a 'nice idea', but then cannot house multiple cockerels due to fighting, and as rescues are usually full and cannot take them, people result in abandoning chickens and cockerels.
“Due to Avian Flu restrictions, our rehoming centre in Cornwall is still unable to take in any outdoor birds until the government lifts current restrictions.”
The spokesperson added: “We would recommend complainants continuing to contact the National RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 for abandoned birds, especially if any of the birds are showing signs of injury or ill health.
"It would also be worth the complainant reporting their concerns to the Environmental Health Team at Cornwall Council, due to the present risk of Avian Flu.
“As a rehoming centre we never condone abandoning animals, but with most rescues being unable to help due to government restrictions, it was always likely that people would resort to abandoning, although this is still a criminal offence.”
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