In a shocking incident, 215 dyed chicks were recently seized from a vendor in Nizamuddin East.
Enraged by the sight of “coloured” hatchlings crammed in a tiny cage, Anjali Daphtary, facilitated their rescue by seizing the animals and alerting animal welfare organisations Friendicoes SECA and Wildlife SOS. Ms. Daphtary added that some of the chicks had died due to the heat and trauma of being crammed inside the tiny cage.
These chicks, who come across as adorable fluffy pets to most, are in fact victims of animal cruelty. The dye is commonly sprayed on hatchlings or injected into incubating egg with food colouring or chemicals like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. Adding to the trauma endured by the chicks due to the dyeing process, the chemicals are hazardous to the skin and also lead to death due to toxicity.
Geeta Seshamani, the vice-president of Friendicoes said: “On account of added colours, these vibrant birds attract the attention of children, who treat them as unique toys and pets for display. The dyeing process is a traumatic experience for the hatchlings as they are tossed around in a tub filled with dyes and then rubbed vigorously to ensure the colour spreads evenly. There is a need to spread awareness among the public to ensure that they refrain from encouraging this cruel and inhumane practise.”
Suvidha Bhatnagar of Wildlife SOS added that there is great demand for these “cute” pets on account of the added colours.
“Once their feathers start to grow and the dye slowly fades away, the grown hens or cockerels are often abandoned by their owners, who no longer find them attractive. The rescued chicks are currently under the care and treatment of Friendicoes SECA,” Ms. Bhatnagar said.
