Statement from Mercy For Animals on the mass killing of 100,000 ducks at Crescent Duck Farm

Mercy For Animals is deeply saddened by the recent bird flu outbreak at Crescent Duck Farm in New York, which led to the tragic killing of 100,000 ducks. This event underscores the inherent flaws in our industrial animal agriculture system, where overcrowded, high-stress conditions create breeding grounds for disease. Mass killing of animals during a disease outbreak is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger, systemic problem. Focused on maximizing profits, the industry often prioritizes cost-efficiency over animal welfare and safety.

The industrial farming model, which culls hundreds of millions of animals each year, fails to address the root causes of outbreaks and results in immense animal suffering. According to the USDA, over 50 million birds were culled in 2022 alone during the avian flu crisis. Mercy For Animals calls for a shift toward more sustainable, humane alternatives, including plant-based eating and innovative food systems that reduce our reliance on factory farming. Such changes would not only protect animals but mitigate the risk of future outbreaks and create a healthier, more compassionate world for all.

Mercy For Animals remains dedicated to advocating for farmed animals and promoting a food system that is both ethical and safe for everyone.

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