5,000+ Chicks Rescued From Jamnagar; West Bengal Link Under Scanner

More than 5,000 day-old chicks were rescued in Jamnagar after animal welfare volunteers busted an alleged illegal roadside sale involving birds reportedly transported from West Bengal via Anand. Two men have been handed over to police, while the rescued chicks are being shifted to a poultry farm where they will be raised.

What happened?

• Around nine people from West Bengal allegedly brought thousands of chicks to Jamnagar.
• The birds were reportedly transported in cramped cardboard boxes.
• They were allegedly being sold openly on roadsides in Jamnagar and nearby areas.
• Price: ₹25 per chick, according to activists.

How the rescue unfolded

Instead of immediately confronting the sellers, members of Jiva Foundation first posed as customers.

Their findings shocked them:

• More than 50 chicks packed into boxes designed for only five
• No food or water provided
• Birds struggling to breathe due to overcrowding

The volunteers initially bought around 160 chicks before revealing their identity and launching a full-scale rescue operation.

Rescue by the numbers

Chicks rescued: 5,000+

Initially purchased to gain access: 160

Shifted to poultry farm 2,000

Remaining awaiting transfer 3,000+

Suspects involved 9 (alleged)

Persons handed to police 2

Where are the chicks now?

The rescued birds were first shifted to a temporary shelter in Navagam Ghed.

Next stop: Ganeshgadh near Kalyanpur

The poultry farm there has begun taking in the rescued chicks, with around 2,000 already relocated. The remaining birds are also being transported in phases.

What raised suspicion?

According to activists:

Boxes were severely overcrowded.

Chicks had allegedly gone without food or water.

No visible permission or documentation for public sale.

Birds were allegedly being sold directly on public roads.

Police action

Two alleged sellers have been handed over to the Jamnagar City B Division Police.

A formal police complaint is being prepared.

Investigators are expected to examine the transport route, possible violations of animal welfare laws, and whether a larger interstate network is involved.

What happens next?

Authorities are expected to investigate:

• How the chicks were transported from West Bengal to Gujarat

• Whether the sellers possessed valid transport and sale permissions

• Possible violations of animal cruelty and livestock transport rules

• Whether similar roadside sales have been taking place elsewhere in Saurashtra

The allegations are based on the complaint by animal welfare volunteers. Police are yet to complete their investigation, and further details are expected after the FIR is formally registered.