We're holding a vigil outside the Cordina Chicken Slaughterhouse in Girraween, where we can witness the plight of these innocent birds as they are transported by trucks into the facility. We will also gain additional perspectives and some real-world experience of the factory farming industry.
FACTS: Chickens are remarkable creatures, known for their intelligence, emotional depth, and unique personalities. Countless rescue stories share the different personalities of chickens, including their likes and dislikes, how talkative they are, how they form bonds with others, or mourn their friends when they pass.
Broiler chickens, who are raised specifically for their flesh, are the most slaughtered species globally, with over 70 billion killed annually. In Australia alone, more than 1.5 million broiler chickens are slaughtered every single day. Though they are typically slaughtered at between 4-6 weeks of age, chickens can live for up to 15 years. The conditions in which they are kept are often so poor that many die in the sheds before reaching the slaughterhouse.
The journey to the slaughterhouse is fraught with stress and fear for these sentient beings. Often traveling at high speeds on freeways, chickens are subjected to high winds and unfamiliar noises. They are crammed into crates, with wings and feet in unnatural and painful positions. Loading and unloading are particularly stressful stages, frequently causing severe pain and suffering due to inappropriate and rough handling.
The high stocking densities and confinement of intensive poultry production creates the ideal conditions for the spread of infectious diseases. The outbreaks of avian influenza, particularly the H7N8 strain in New South Wales and the H7N3 and H7N9 strains in Victoria, have led to the quarantine of affected farms and the culling of millions of birds.
In 2008, Cordina slaughtered approximately 340,000 chickens every week at Girraween. With a national growth rate of 3.14% annually over the past 16 years, this number has tragically increased to an estimated 563,000 chickens killed at this slaughterhouse per week.
Please note that although we cannot guarantee the presence of trucks or that they will stop for us, they are required to pause at the gate, potentially giving us the opportunity to witness the chickens before their lives are tragically taken.
Safety marshals will be present on the night and police approval has been granted.
This event is organised by Animal Liberation, Animal Rights Activism Sydney, and Vegan Action Sydney.
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 9:30pm - 11:30pm
Location: Cordina Chicken, 104 Magowar Road Girraween NSW 2145
Transport: We will have some cars leaving from Parramatta station departing at 8:30pm sharp and returning at 12.00. Please reach out to Animal Rights Activism Sydney if you would like a lift