Take Action For Farm Animals During Fire Prevention Week
Dear John,
This Fire Prevention Week, we are reminded of the millions of farm animals that have tragically lost their lives in barn fires. Trapped inside burning barns and enclosures, farm animals struggle helplessly to escape as they endure unimaginable suffering. Some die almost immediately as the fire burns through the barn; others may initially survive the fire but must be killed due to severe burns or smoke inhalation.
AWI's analysis indicates that over 97 percent of the animals that have died in barn fires since 2013 have been birds, mainly egg-laying hens and chickens raised for meat. In the past 3 years, more than 2.5 million chickens have died in barn fires. Such a large number of fatalities and immense suffering should sound an alarm. Yet, key industry players--including the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association--have vehemently opposed past efforts to address this catastrophic problem without proposing alternative solutions.
With little protection from municipal fire codes or state laws, the onus is on the industry to protect animals from barn fires. If poultry companies are going to cram birds by the thousands into massive sheds with no chance of escape, the least they can do is try to spare these animals an excruciating death.