Karen Davis, president of United Poultry Concerns, a national poultry rights group, came from Maryland to lead the protest. They threw hens over the fence, breaking their legs, and onto the school roof, and into lockers. The body of a hen with her legs tied was pulled out of a school trash can and aired on TV that night. Feathers matted with dried blood were held up to the camera.
Animal abuse is against the law in Arizona.
A person commits cruelty to animals who recklessly subjects any animals or poultry to cruel mistreatment. Dee Kotinas, Executive Director of the Animals Benefit Club of Arizona, filed cruelty charges the next day to no avail. However, the Phoenix Police Department Report shows cruelty that should have led to the issuing of subpoenas. It shows the inaction and virtual complicity of the Phoenix police and the school security guards who were there when the assault took place. The chickens were tied together at their feet with string.