A case of animal mistreatment that involved the death of thousands of hens at a poultry farm has ended after charges were dropped against one defendant, while the other accepted a plea deal. The Turlock (Calif.) Journal reports that Andy Cheung and Lien Diep were each facing a felony charge of animal cruelty for the death and mistreatment of thousands of hens at A&L Poultry. Charges against Diep were dropped, while Cheung entered a no contest plea. He was sentenced to three years’ probation and pay restitution.

On Feb. 21, 2012, Stanislaus County Animal Control Services responded to a complaint about starving hens at a ranch at 9501 Carpenter Road. Authorities reported that out of an estimated 50,000 hens found at A&L Poultry, more than 20,000 were dead of starvation or drowned in the manure pits under the cages. Another 25,000 were euthanized in the days following the discovery because their bodies were already in organ failure. Animal Place, Farm Sanctuary, and Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary rescued about 5,000 hens.

In a separate civil lawsuit against Cheung and Diep filed by Animal Place, Farm Sanctuary and Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, the two agreed to settlements that prevent them from working with animals again.

Source: Turlock Journal