From abuse to couch naps: Lucy the chicken has found a home

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Little Lucy, the rooster the Garden Route SPCA's Mossel Bay branch rescued from Albertinia on 11 September, is now living the good life with some fellow chickens and friendly dogs on a property in Wilderness.

Lucy's namesake, SPCA field officer Luciano Bayi, rescued him from a farm in Albertinia more than 50km from Mossel Bay after he saw a video showing three children tossing the chicken up in the air and letting him fall to the ground.

The video also showed a string tied to his foot, and the children dragged him around when they were not throwing him around.

After visiting the property and obtaining a warrant, Bayi took the rooster to the safety of the Mossel Bay SPCA, where the rooster was named after his rescuer.

A post about Lucy on the SPCA's Facebook page on 20 September caught the attention of Wilderness resident and chicken lover Sacha Hair.

"I love chickens. They are such funny creatures, and are so sensitive. They all have different personalities and really make amazing companions," said Hair.

"I have a lot of rescue chickens on my property. Some I have rescued from battery cages."

According to a 2022 post on the National Council of SPCAs' website, battery cages subject hens to extreme confinement, and each bird has less living space than a standard A4 sheet of paper.

The post also states that chickens are globally among the most abused animals bred for food.

Lucy is truly at home, perching atop the TV. Photo: Supplied

Hair said that as soon as she saw Lucy's story, she knew he had to come and live with her.

"At first, he was extremely scared. Now he is becoming tame. He is quite cuddly and sits on my lap. He lives in the house with me, my husband, four hens and our seven dogs.

"His crowing wakes us up every morning. He likes to find the highest point around him and crow from there."

She said Lucy has even fell in love with one of the hens, which is much larger than him, but it appears to be unrequited at this stage.

Garden Route SPCA spokesperson Isabella Bloem said Lucy's story is especially meaningful to the organisation because he was rescued from animal cruelty.

"To see him now adopted and given the chance to be safe, cared for and loved brings us so much joy. That is what we hope for every animal who comes through our doors," said Bloem.

"Each animal at our Garden Route SPCA has its own story, its own personality and so much to offer. Lucy is a lovely reminder that all animals matter, no matter what species."

Lucy on the couch with Gigi the dog. Photo: Supplied