Hello,
My name is Tom, and until recently I was a chicken farm worker. Though we have never met, I think you, as a person who cares about animals, will want to hear what I am about to say.
For 5 months I worked in the British chicken industry. What I saw was a nightmare which I will never forget. That’s why today I have decided to share my story in collaboration with Open Cages. What I documented must be seen.
I worked on an intensive chicken farm in Lincolnshire which is linked to Lidl. From day one I learned that these defenceless birds are being routinely run over and crushed to death by forklifts. Why? Not because the workers hate them. It’s because as individuals these animals don’t matter.
Some died from their injuries, and some were left in agony with their bones broken or organs exposed. Afterwards, I had to pick up their eviscerated corpses and throw them in the bin. I had to put those who were still alive out of their misery by killing them with my bare hands.
But for these birds, every day is a struggle to survive. For the many weeks I spent on this farm I saw the life of a fast growing ‘Frankenchicken’ up close. Every single day I had to kill sick birds by breaking their necks. Broken limbs, deformities, heart attacks… I will never be able to forget those sights. But I hope that my testimony will help to change their fate.
I have published this footage not to raise awareness alone. I want their suffering to stop. If you want that too, please ask Lidl to sign the Better Chicken Commitment.
There are three simple steps you can take to call on Lidl to act:
1. Share the investigation video on your social media. Every share, like and comment spreads the word
Click here to get involved with the tweetstorm on Twitter
Click here to like and share the video on Facebook
Click here to like and share the video on Instagram
2. Call Lidl Customer Service and let them know how concerned you are about what I documented. Ask Lidl when they will sign the Better Chicken Commitment.
Call Lidl now: 0203 966 5566
When on the line, please press ‘6’ for a direct connection with a consultant
3. Add your name to the petition demanding action from Lidl.
Sign the petition here.
Working on this farm was a horrifying experience. But what I went through is nothing compared to the suffering of the chickens, who spend their entire lives trapped there.
That is why I am asking you to take action now. Those chickens can count only on you.
By completing all, or even one of those actions, you make your voice heard. The more pressure Lidl feels, the more likely the company is to stop these practices. Let’s hold Lidl accountable.
Thank you,
Tomasz Herok
Ex-Chicken Farmer