14 sanctuaries throughout the U.S. & many individuals adopt the birds.
PHILADELPHIA & MEHOOPANY, PA (December 10, 2018) – Incredibly, every single one of the 1,135 abandoned Cornish Cross chickens found and rescued in North Philadelphia in mid-September have been placed in “forever” homes around the country. The Pennsylvania SPCA, along with the support of seven dedicated staff and volunteers from Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, undertook the huge challenge of placing these chicks.
Many individual adopters and 14 animal sanctuaries in seven states stretching from New Jersey to Florida to Washington have opened their doors and hearts to give these birds new, permanent homes. Sasha Farm Sanctuary in Michigan adopted 128 birds, the most of any sanctuary.
How it started
The Pennsylvania SPCA and Indraloka Animal Sanctuary on Saturday, September 15, first rescued the 1,135 abandoned, baby chickens from a vacant, North Philadelphia lot. The two organizations worked together to bring the chicks to PSPCA’s headquarters for urgent care, evaluations, and food and water. While the PSPCA cared for the chicks as they grew fast, Indraloka sponsored two free workshops on October 2 and 6 to teach interested adopters about how to properly care for the chickens, and fundraised to be able to provide grants to sanctuaries that adopted. Both Indraloka and the PSPCA found new homes and arranged transport.
Local sanctuaries step up
Five Pennsylvania sanctuaries adopted many of the chicks, including Ashburn’s Animals in Selinsgrove; Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Mehoopany; Happy Heart-Happy Home Farm and Rescue in Glen Mills; Logan’s Heroes in Greenville; Misfit Manor in Pottstown; and Lancaster Farm Sanctuary in Lancaster.
“We are extraordinarily grateful for the compassion and exceptional care the PSPCA has shown its more than 1,100 feathered guests over the past several months,” said Indraloka Founder Indra Lahiri. “We thank the individuals and 14 sanctuaries who’ve so generously accepted to give homes to these lovely birds.”
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from adopters and sanctuaries across the country, led by the partnership of Indraloka Animal Sanctuary,” said Julie Klim, PSPCA CEO. “When we first took on this task, it seemed impossible, but now have placed ALL of these birds.”
GREAT PHOTOS & VIDEO AVAILABLE: Of the birds getting adopted and volunteers taking them to their forever homes, the birds together, being held, etc.
INTERVIEWS: With Indra Lahiri and Pennsylvania SPCA representatives.
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About Indraloka:
Indraloka Animal Sanctuary provides “heaven on earth” for farm animals that have nowhere else to turn. It informs, inspires and empowers the community – especially children – on ways in which we can better care for ourselves and the environment, while helping animals in need. The sanctuary advocates for a kind and compassionate diet that protects animals, the earth and our own health.
About the Pennsylvania SPCA:
Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Indra Lahiri: Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, C: (570) 855-8440, E: indra@indraloka.org
Gillian Kocher: Pennsylvania SPCA, C: (215) 593-0088, E: gkocher@pspca.org
Jason Sherman: SHERMAN communications and marketing, P: (312) 577-7650, E: jason@shermancm.com, W: www.shermancm.com