MORE than 1,000 battery hens destined for slaughter will be looking for new homes in Dorset next month.

Nationally, some 14,000 hens will be rehomed in June by the British Hen Welfare Trust – a record-breaking number for the charity.

Of those, 1,050 are looking to embark on new, happier lives in Dorset.

The trust’s network of 900 volunteers flock to farms all over the UK to take hens out of their cages, with the end goal being to rehome the birds in people’s back gardens.

Gaynor Davies, head of operations for the trust, said: “With thousands of our ‘ladies’ looking to start their free-range retirements in a single month, we’re appealing to people who have bit of extra space in their back garden plus a passion for animals to get in touch.

“Most of the hens being rehomed have been living in cages for 18 months, working hard to lay eggs for supermarkets and to go into processed foods.

“Once they reach that age their egg laying slows down so they are sent to slaughter – that is, unless they’re rehomed them as pets.”

Teams of helpers in Dorset are “delighted” to be part of June’s record-breaking effort, she said.

“With any luck, come July there’ll be thousands more hens enjoying the summer sunshine on their wings,” Gaynor added.

“We’ve got 1,050 hens looking for homes in Dorset in June and July, so please get in touch if you can help.”

Rehoming events will take place at locations in Blandford on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, July 7, as well as in Bourton on Sunday, July 7.

To reserve a flock, register your details at https://support.bhwt.org.uk/RegisterAHen.aspx and then call 01884 860084.