ISSUE: Keith Amberson of Amberson Farms in Lake Stevens, Snohomish County, Washington left 50,000 or more battery-caged hens to starve to death. He deprived them of water, food and adequate ventilation. Amberson's cruelty has received major new media coverage (Seattle Times, TV, etc.)

Even the low standards of "accepted husbandry practices" require the provision of water. Even the American Veterinary Medical Association says regarding the forced molting (prolonged starvation) of hens, that "Under no circumstances should water be withheld."

CAUTION: UPC has been advised that when calling these two offices, do not come across as an "animal person" but rather as an ordinary citizen who is outraged by what they read in the papers and saw on TV and heard from their friends about this case. Prosecution will depend very much on Public Reaction.

Complete Contact Information:

1. Snohomish County Sherrif's Office
   3000 Rockefeller, M/S 606
   Everett, WA 98201
   

   Phone: 425-388-3393
   Fax: 425-388-3805
   E-mail: office@co.snohomish.wa.us

2. Snohomish County Prosecutor
   3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 504
   Everett, WA 98201
   

   Phone: 425-388-3333
   Fax: 425-388-3572
   E-mail: prosecuting.attorney@co.snohomish.wa.us

   Thank you. United Poultry Concerns. March 4, 1999

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   United Poultry Concerns, Inc.
   PO Box 150
   Machipongo, VA 23405-0150
   757-678-7875
   www.upc-online.org