Investigation Overview
Sentient released findings from an on‑site investigation of 21 layer‑hen poultry units that employ battery‑cage systems across four Indian states – Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The examined facilities varied widely in size, with estimated capacities ranging from approximately 3,000 to 200,000 hens per unit.
Animal‑Welfare and Husbandry Conditions
Investigators observed chronic severe overcrowding within the cages, leading to frequent fighting among hens. Physical trauma was pervasive: nearly all hens examined bore neck injuries from repeated contact with metal bars, while wing injuries, broken legs, bleeding, skin conditions and marked physical weakness were also recorded. Some birds were unable to stand. Debeaking was reported as a routine practice; investigators witnessed a worker performing the procedure, invited the investigator to assist, and documented visible injuries and blood loss. Birds emitted continuous loud vocalisations and displayed pronounced fear responses when approached, and weaker birds were repeatedly attacked, in some cases resulting in death.
Handling and Worker Practices
The investigation noted rough handling of birds, including chicks being thrown and vigorously handled after debeaking. Children were observed on‑site collecting eggs and cleaning premises; neither the children nor adult workers were equipped with masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hygiene, Waste Management and Bio‑Security
Manure accumulation beneath cages was common, sometimes persisting throughout an entire production batch, producing strong ammonia‑like odours. Rodents, cockroaches, stagnant water and mosquito larvae were observed at multiple locations. In some units, feed showed visible signs of fungal growth or possible contamination. Waste‑management practices were inconsistent: manure and wastewater frequently entered or clogged drains, creating stagnant or overflowing water, and large piles of waste accumulated on‑site. Carcass disposal methods varied, including burial in pits, burning and incineration; one site near a highway was documented where carcasses were dumped without burial or incineration. Bio‑security measures were largely absent; apparent protocols were observed at only one facility, and masks or other PPE were not provided or used at the remaining sites. Flies, rodents, cockroaches and stagnant water were noted across the facilities, raising further hygiene concerns.
Proximity to Communities and Infrastructure
All investigated farms were situated near a national highway, and many were located between 10 and 400 metres from residential areas, increasing the potential for community exposure to waste‑related pollutants and animal‑derived pathogens.
Regulatory and Compliance Findings
In Madhya Pradesh, none of the seven facilities inspected possessed a Consent to Establish or Consent to Operate from the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB). Complaints lodged in 2024 alleged violations of siting criteria and the absence of required consents; however, enforcement actions observed in 2026 were limited to the issuance of a general public notice.
Management Commentary and Recommendations
Abhishek Pandey, CEO of Sentient, described the consistency of the documented conditions across all 21 facilities as “deeply concerning,” emphasizing that practices such as severe overcrowding, routine debeaking, untreated injuries, poor waste management and weak bio‑security should not be accepted as business‑as‑usual. Sentient recommends stronger implementation and monitoring of existing animal‑welfare, environmental, public‑health and poultry‑sector regulations, regular inspections, enhanced bio‑security and veterinary support, responsible carcass and waste disposal, better protection for workers, and greater accountability for practices that compromise animal welfare and hygiene. The organization also urges continued investigation of poultry facilities and hatcheries, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, to further document debeaking practices and chick sourcing and handling.
Additional Information
The investigation was accompanied by video documentation made publicly available on YouTube. Sentient describes itself as an organisation dedicated to documenting and exposing animal‑welfare concerns through evidence‑based investigations, research and public‑awareness initiatives.