Battery hens dumped near river

North Otago SPCA manager Marilyn Hunt gives the hens a night-time feed at the Waitaki River. Picture / Oamaru Mail

Investigations are continuing into how almost 600 battery hens came to be dumped by the Waitaki River in North Otago.

A resident discovered the hens on Sunday while walking by the river.

Most of the hens were walking around by a boat ramp just east of the bridge over State Highway 1. There was a pile of dead birds, and others were in poor condition.

The hens all had their beaks clipped, most had worn areas on their chests, and many had patchy feathers. A few had their neck and back feathers missing.

The police, SPCA and Waitaki District Council were contacted.

SPCA volunteers Marilyn Hunt and Bronnie Kitto fed the hens and Miss Hunt killed any that were dying slowly or suffering. It was unknown when the hens were dumped, but some showed signs of having been out in the sun.

Yesterday, the SPCA confirmed that a team of six people had rescued more than 550 hens. Another 25 hens were either dead or had to be put down. The surviving hens were gathered up by hand and put into borrowed cages.

Homes had been found on local farms or at private residences.

Sergeant Derek Beveridge of Oamaru said police had visited the scene and were investigating the matter. He had "a fair idea who did it" but could not yet confirm his suspicions .

Veterinarian Pat Brooks said most battery hens finished their laying days at the age of 16 months. They were usually taken to Invercargill for slaughter.

- NZPA