Azzam Bilal Chamdy
Neng Nana
Nana Muazin
Dwi Wanna
Raul Delapena Setiawan
Nana Wu
By Editorial Staff
September 30, 2026
In a harrowing rescue operation that has shed new light on the intersection of tradition, industrial farming, and animal welfare, Farm Sanctuary has officially welcomed 10 resilient roosters to its Upstate New York facility. These birds, mere weeks old, were among the survivors of a grim discovery in New York City: hundreds of chickens abandoned in sweltering, crowded rental trucks, left to die in the wake of the Kaporos ritual season.
The Discovery: A Scene of Neglect
The rescue operation, a collaborative effort involving the Kaporos Compassion Project and Humane Long Island, began when authorities and activists were alerted to a disturbing sight on the streets of New York. Over 200 birds were found languishing inside a rental truck. The animals had been held in shipping crates without access to food or water. By the time rescuers arrived, the scene was one of profound tragedy; 80 of the birds had already perished from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and the trauma of confinement.
As the investigation deepened, the grim reality of the situation expanded. A second truck was discovered nearby, containing even more chickens in critical condition. In total, 320 survivors were pulled from the crates, each bearing the physical and emotional scars of their ordeal. While many were in dire need of immediate veterinary intervention, the rapid response of the rescue groups ensured that the remaining survivors were stabilized and transitioned into professional care.
The Practice of Kaporos
The birds involved in this incident were intended for Kaporos, a traditional pre-Yom Kippur practice in which a live chicken is swung over a participant’s head nine times. Practitioners believe this act symbolically transfers their sins to the animal, which is then slaughtered.
However, the practice has faced increasing scrutiny and pushback in recent years. Many within the Jewish community have actively campaigned to shift toward more compassionate alternatives, most notably the use of a bag of coins (kaparot) instead of a live bird. This shift is rooted in the principle of Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim—the prohibition against causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
“Activists, including many Jewish people, have advocated for such alternatives for years and helped to inspire this humane shift,” noted a representative from Farm Sanctuary. The fact that these birds were left in trucks suggests they were ultimately deemed surplus or were abandoned when the rituals concluded, highlighting the expendability of these animals within the system.
From Survival to Sanctuary
Following the initial stabilization of the 320 survivors by the Kaporos Compassion Project, a nationwide effort was launched to find permanent homes for the birds. Farm Sanctuary, recognizing the specialized care these roosters would require, stepped in to provide a permanent home for 10 of the survivors.
Upon their arrival at the Upstate New York shelter, the roosters were immediately placed under the care of the sanctuary’s veterinary team, led by Dr. Brian Collins. The birds underwent thorough health examinations, receiving treatment for injuries and dehydration.
“They’re still babies,” says Andrea Burritt, Farm Sanctuary’s director of animal care. “They are all still chirping.”
The arrival of these 10 roosters presents a unique challenge for animal shelters. Because of their breed and the complexity of poultry social structures, roosters can be difficult to place. These birds are Cornish Cross chickens—the same breed favored by the commercial meat industry for their ability to grow at an unnatural, rapid rate to maximize profit. This genetic predisposition often leads to severe health complications, including cardiovascular stress and skeletal issues.
However, at Farm Sanctuary, the focus shifts from production to individual worth. “We’re excited to create a bachelor flock and give the boys a safe, forever home,” Burritt added. “If you’ve never had the chance to meet a Cornish roo, prepare your heart. They are some of the sweetest and most fun individuals.”
The Implication of Industrial Breeding
The tragedy of these 320 birds serves as a microcosm of a much larger industrial system. Cornish Cross chickens are bred specifically to reach market weight in a matter of weeks. When these birds are caught up in rituals like Kaporos, they are subjected to the same stresses as their counterparts in factory farms: overcrowding, lack of resources, and systemic neglect.
By bringing these roosters into the sanctuary, the organization is making a public statement: these animals are sentient, social beings who deserve a life free from exploitation. For the next several weeks, the roosters will remain under close observation as they acclimate to their new environment. Once they are cleared by the veterinary team, they will be integrated into a larger, stable flock, allowing them to experience the natural social behaviors—such as foraging and grooming—that were denied to them in the back of the rental truck.
A Promise of Lifelong Care
For the 10 roosters now residing at Farm Sanctuary, the trauma of their past is behind them. They will never again face the terror of a confined truck or the uncertainty of food and water. The sanctuary has committed to a lifelong promise of care, providing the nutritious diet, warm bedding, and ongoing medical attention required for these birds to thrive despite their genetic vulnerabilities.
The organization intends to use the stories of these survivors to bolster their ongoing advocacy work. By highlighting the individual personalities of these roosters, Farm Sanctuary hopes to foster a broader societal shift in how farm animals are perceived—moving from commodities to sentient individuals worthy of protection.
Supporting the Mission: World Farm Animals Day
The rescue comes at a pivotal time for the organization. With World Farm Animals Day approaching on October 2, Farm Sanctuary is emphasizing the urgent need for support to maintain their rescue operations. The costs associated with such a large-scale rescue—including transport, urgent medical supplies, and long-term specialized care for animals with health complications—are significant.
In honor of the organization’s 10th annual giving day, they are calling on the public to help fund the recovery of these birds and the maintenance of the sanctuary’s broader mission. "Right now, your impact will be doubled, with every gift matched up to $25,000," the organization stated in a recent appeal. This funding will be instrumental in ensuring that the 10 roosters, along with the many other animals in the sanctuary’s care, receive the highest standard of living.
Looking Toward a More Humane Future
As the 10 roosters begin their new lives, their story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of human intervention. While they were once symbols of a ritual and victims of a profit-driven industry, they are now, fundamentally, individuals.
The successful rescue of these 320 birds, and the subsequent placement of these 10 in a forever home, marks a victory for animal welfare advocates. It is a testament to the persistence of those who believe that compassion should extend to all species, regardless of their intended purpose in human systems. As these birds grow and integrate into their new flock, they will continue to serve as ambassadors for their kind, proving that even those bred for the harshest of fates can find a life of peace, comfort, and safety.
The public is encouraged to follow the ongoing progress of the "bachelor flock" on the Farm Sanctuary website and social media channels, where the organization will provide updates on their health, their social integration, and the unique personalities that make these 10 survivors so special. Through their survival, these roosters are not just living; they are challenging the world to do better for every animal that crosses our path.
Siti Muinah
