NAVA became aware of Highgate Farm in Willingham through their supply of chickens for use in research within departments of the University of Cambridge.

Following a demonstration at the farm, the owner held an impromptu meeting with members of NAVA to discuss the matters further.

As is the case with many 'random source' establishments (companies not specifically breeding for the research industry), the birds had been purchased on false pretences – that they were going to be kept as pets in a back garden.

Britain has seen an alarming increase in purchasing of animals from random-source establishments as a result of the decline in commercial breeders, particularly amongst the academic research fields.

The owner of Highgate Farm assured us that this would not happen again and issued us with the following statement:

"...I have not knowingly supplied chickens for use in research and will not do so in the future, either directly or indirectly.