The incident raises concerns about animal welfare and the proper disposal of livestock waste.
Discovery of Abandoned Chicks
On October 27, 2024, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) discovered over 100 live quail chicks abandoned in a green rubbish bin outside Quailico Eggs, Singapore’s only licensed quail farm. The bin, located in Lim Chu Kang, also contained hundreds of lifeless chicks and unhatched eggs. Tragically, none of the 106 live chicks survived despite efforts to rescue them.
Investigation Underway
The quail farm, situated in Neo Tiew Crescent, confirmed that the chicks and eggs came from their facility. The National Parks Board (NParks) launched an investigation into the matter after inspecting the farm premises. NParks and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) have vowed to take action against anyone found guilty of animal cruelty or neglect.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Acres’ co-chief executive, Anbarasi Boopal, noted that the chicks likely died due to injuries from being overcrowded, premature hatching, and the stress of their conditions. Attempts to save the remaining chicks were unsuccessful, as most were too weak or injured. Acres had focused on the live chicks before addressing the lifeless ones, which numbered in the hundreds.
Disposal Protocols Questioned
The incident has raised questions about waste disposal protocols at quail farms in Singapore. According to poultry farm licensing guidelines, farms must ensure proper disposal of dead animals and waste. A former quail farmer, William Ho, has since urged Quailico Eggs to be more careful, especially given the farm’s location in a high-traffic area.
