An animal shelter in Delaware has taken in more than 8,000 chicks that were found abandoned inside a U.S. Postal Service truck, where they remained for three days without food, water, or temperature regulation. According to state agricultural authorities, the shipment originated from a Pennsylvania-based hatchery and was intended for various farms across the country.
By the time the chicks were discovered at a postal distribution center in Delaware, approximately 4,000 of the 12,000 had died. The surviving chicks were transported to the First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden, where they were made available for adoption on May 13.
The Postal Service acknowledged that while rare, losses can occur during the transport of live animals. It stated that efforts are underway to coordinate with hatcheries and delivery specialists to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The hatchery responsible for the shipment explained it cannot accept the chicks back due to biosecurity protocols. It affirmed that the delivery met standard procedures and expressed concern about the broader impact on small family farms relying on the shipment.
Postal regulations require that containers for live poultry be properly ventilated, structurally sound, and allow for delivery within 72 hours of hatching.
The incident has reignited ongoing concerns about the safety of mailing live animals, a practice that remains legal under strict conditions but continues to generate public scrutiny.
