The awareness day takes place on Thursday, 4 October, and you can take action to help save hens from slaughter by adopting them through the British Hen Welfare Trust.
The national charity is holding hen re-homing events up and down the country on a weekly basis between now and Sunday, 11 November and would love to hear from anyone who fancies adopting a pet with benefits (fresh eggs being one!).
World Animal Day aims to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe. There are more laying hens across the world than any other domesticated animal, yet the majority remain in cages, out of sight out of mind.
The BHWT’s mission is to one day see all hens kept in small flock free range systems where they can roam outside, enjoying fresh air and sun on their feathers.
Jane Howorth MBE, charity Founder, said: “Not only do hens produce one of the most versatile, nutritious and natural foods on the planet, they also make the most wonderful pets. The hens we re-home are destined for slaughter once they reach 18 months old; however they have so much life – and love – left to give. If you have some space in your back garden we’d love to hear from you, as would the hens waiting patiently in their cages.”
Re-homings are taking place in the following locations:
Cheshire (Nantwich): Sunday, 7 October
Lancashire (Haslingden): Sunday, 7 October
Coventry (Allesley): Sunday, 14 October
Milton Keynes (North Crawley): Sunday, 14 October
Oxford (Didcot): Sunday, 14 October
Devon (Rose Ash and South Zeal): Saturday, 20 October
Cornwall (Liskeard and Redruth): Sunday, 28 October
Devon (Rose Ash): Saturday, 3 November
Oxford (Didcot): Saturday, 3 November
Hampshire (Rowland’s Castle): Saturday, 3 November
Lincolnshire (Stamford): Sunday, 4 November
Berkshire (Crowthorne): Sunday, 4 November
Nottinghamshire (Newark): Sunday, 4 November
Milton Keynes (North Crawley): Sunday, 11 November
Wales (Boncath and Swanseas): Sunday, 11 November
Wiltshire (Hinton Parva): Sunday, 11 November
To re-home some hens please register your details online at www.bhwt.org.uk and then call our re-homing team at Hen Central on 01884 860084.