Oberlin Public Library’s Cruel Chick Hatching Not Renewed in 2024, but No Promise for Future 12 September 2024 Oberlin Public Library’s Cruel Chick Hatching Not Renewed in 2024, but No Promise for Future Ask David Fausnaugh to Permanently Cancel “Inhumane” Library Chick-Hatching Event The Oberlin Public Library (OPL) in Oberlin Ohio has hatched the chicks on site for the past few years to reportedly “educate” young learners about the life cycle. Beginning in 2023, local and national activists were persistent in petitioning library director David Fausnaugh to stop this cruel program. Fausnaugh did not renew the program in 2024, but gave no reason for making that decision, nor has he stated that the program is off the table for future consideration (as activists had asked). This is unacceptable. According to Ohio animal rights activist Victoria Hart, “I saw animal cruelty and so did others. Chicks developing inside eggs were heartlessly stolen away from their mothers and selfishly exploited in public view. Several hatched chicks were visibly ill. Another chick was born crippled. He/she was separated from the others, suffered greatly, and died. Fausnuagh claims that no animal cruelty took place. That is NOT the truth! He refused to give answers when asked how many eggs the program had started with, how many chicks had died during the program, and whether or not the chicks were receiving medical care. When asked if any money was exchanged in the OSU Extension arrangement or if the library had gotten any donations or funding in support of the cruel hatch program, he said no, but refused to show proof of his statement.” After being presented with nearly 35,000 petition signatures, Fausnaugh was asked about the continuation of the program in 2024. He replied, “We do not have a hatching program scheduled at this time. You can check our website for future updates on library programming and partnerships. We will continue to evaluate program opportunities, including those with partner organizations, on an ongoing basis.” According to Victoria Hart, “The protesters requested that the cruel chick-hatching program be shut down immediately – with no future plans of renewal – and that the OPL release any surviving chicks to a farmed animal sanctuary where they'd be safe and receive needed medical care. Fausnuagh refused these requests, saying that he didn't want to break previously made arrangements. I questioned him about the OPL’s ‘program evaluation process,’ asking if it included any points regarding animal exploitation and cruelty. He refused to comment on that, but emailed me the ‘program evaluation process.’ In reading it over, I noticed that none of the points listed therein mentioned anything about live animals or their well-being. When I brought this up in my email back to him, Fausnuagh didn't respond further in the matter.” Fausnaugh’s and OPL’s cold lack of commitment to end this cruel program is deeply concerning. Please keep the pressure on and continue to let OPL know that chicks need their mothers and animal cruelty should not be part of what we teach our children. What Can I Do? Please respectfully contact: David Fausnaugh Director, Oberlin Public Library 440-775-4790 [email protected] Please sign this ongoing petition if you have not already done so: Stop Cruel Program Where Chicks are Reportedly Born Deformed and Dying. View letters to Mr. Fausnaugh from: Karen Davis pattrice jones Kathryn Lezenby Nedim C Buyukmihci, V.M.D United Poultry Concerns is a nonprofit organization that promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of domestic fowl. Don't just switch from beef to chicken. Go Vegan. www.UPC-online.org View this article online United Poultry Concerns | PO Box 150, Machipongo, VA 23405 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!