A FARM in North Dorset has come underfire for the conditions it keeps chickens in following an investigation.

Walston Poultry Farm in Blandford has been found to be failing to carry out daily inspections and leaving dead birds in sheds.

Members of an animal protection group visited the site on several occasions in recent months and have released footage filmed by hidden cameras that they placed around the farm.

The investigation by the group Animal Equality also found many birds suffering from severe feather loss.

National egg producer Noble Foods, which operates several brands including Big & Fresh (eggs from caged hens) and the free-range Happy Egg Company, use the North Dorset farm.

Dr Toni Shephard, UK Director of Animal Equality, said: “The pitiless practice of locking hens inside crowded cages inevitably leads to the frail, featherless birds and high mortality that we found on this farm. But the failure to even check on these poor, helpless hens once a day – as the law requires – shows complete disregard for them as living, feeling animals with fundamental needs."

Footage collected by Animal Equality has been sent to Dorset Trading Standards.

A Dorset County Council Trading Standards spokesperson said: “Trading Standards take all complaints and allegations concerning the welfare of farmed animals very seriously and they are addressed as a priority. This is no exception.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and if any action is required, it will be taken appropriately. We continue to work with the government’s Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) on this."

An APHA spokesperson said they do not comment on individual cases, but added that the agency takes potential breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously. Walston Farm declined to comment when approached by the Daily Echo.