Authorities and animal welfare groups in the Netherlands are investigating the dumping of about 60 severely neglected roosters in and around Heesch, an act that investigators believe may have been carried out as a wedding prank, officials told Omroep Brabant.
On Friday evening, 59 roosters were found dumped at a home in Heesch during a wedding celebration. The alert came from residents and was handled by Dierenambulance Hokazo.
Rescuers said the animals were in critical condition, suffering from emaciation, partial feather loss, and hypothermia. “Two chickens were already dead upon arrival,” said Marijn Opheij from Hokazo, adding that freezing overnight temperatures made survival unlikely.
A local poultry farmer assisted with transport crates. Opheij said the farmer was alarmed by the condition of the birds, noting they were so weak that “even slaughterhouses would not accept them.”
At least three roosters died during the initial rescue effort, according to officials. Survivors were taken to Stichting Hurmes Dierenthoes for treatment.
Four were reported in critical condition and unable to eat or drink independently, while others suffered severe infections affecting mobility or causing paralysis.
Animal rescuer Susan, assisting through Stichting Elke Kat Telt, described the situation as “unacceptable,” saying the birds were extremely thin and unable to stand. “This is inhumane,” she told Omroep Brabant.
Access to the animals was initially restricted because they were on private property behind a fence. Police had to obtain permission from the homeowners, who were the newly married couple at the residence. The couple denied involvement in the dumping and said they were shocked by what happened.
Officials said the couple is being held responsible for costs related to emergency response and veterinary care, though they may seek to recover damages from those responsible. Police said the case remains under review.
On Saturday afternoon, another rooster was found about three kilometers away near the Waterlaat road along the A59 highway. A man and his daughter from Grave captured the weakened bird and provided initial care at home before contacting authorities after learning of the earlier incident.
The bird was later transferred to Stichting Hurmes Dierenthoes, where it is being cared for and is expected to join the others. The sanctuary said the group now totals about 60 roosters.
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