Woman’s $6000 mission to rescue 300 chickens from death

‘They’ve been locked up for 13 months of their life … then they get their heads chopped off’

Freshwater Point sanctuary owner Linda Ashworth rescued 300 chickens from a battery farm and is now putting them up for adoption at $20 each. Picture: Contributed

A MACKAY woman has shelled out $6000 to give hundreds of laying chickens a second chance at life.

Linda Ashworth, who runs an animal sanctuary at Freshwater Point, paid to transport 300 ex-battery hens halfway across the state before they met their fate.

"There's a girl down on the Gold Coast that rescues chickens - she does it every weekend," Ms Ashworth said.

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"She has about 500 at a time and people from other little towns come and get them from her.

"I thought I was rescuing 150, I ended up with 300.

The 300 chickens rescued from a battery farm near the Gold Coast that are now up for adoption. Picture: Contributed

"I don't eat eggs, I'm vegan, so I've got to find homes for these chickens.

"I don't want people to eat them.

"They've been locked up for 13 months of their whole life.

"Then they get their heads chopped off.

"I'd really love them to go to people that love chickens and want some eggs."

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Ms Ashworth is now spending about $200 a week to feed her rescues until they are all adopted for $20 each.

Freshwater Point sanctuary owner Linda Ashworth has rescued 300 chickens from a battery farm and is now putting them up for adoption at $20 each. Picture: Contributed

She said they would take a few weeks to settle down after their commercial life but afterwards they should be productive layers.

"I'm hoping to get the money back and start a little thing where I could go again," she said.

To adopt a chicken, phone Ms Ashworth on 0409 647 543.

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