Activists Rescued 83 Chickens From Abandoned Brooklyn Truck
Animal rights groups recovered dozens of birds from a U-Haul truck in Brooklyn before the Yom Kippur holiday.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Animal rights activists rescued 83 chickens from an abandoned U-Haul truck in Brooklyn on September 18, 2026. The vehicle, which featured a sign reading Kaparos To Go, also contained dozens of chickens that were found dead in crates.
Why it matters
The discovery comes ahead of Yom Kippur, as the chickens were reportedly intended for the Kaparos religious custom. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the truck.
A team of 15 activists conducted the rescue operation at the scene in Flatbush. The recovered birds were successfully transported to a sanctuary for ongoing care.
The players
Kaparos Compassion Project
This is an animal advocacy group focused on rescuing birds involved in religious rituals.
New York City Police Department
This is the municipal agency currently investigating the abandoned truck in Brooklyn.
The details
Activists from the Kaparos Compassion Project arrived at the scene two hours after being notified by police to secure the survivors. The incident remains under active investigation by local authorities as they look into who left the vehicle in the neighborhood.
Timeline
The initial chicken rescue occurred in Brooklyn on September 18, 2026.
A second truck containing abandoned chickens was located on September 19, 2026.
The religious holiday of Yom Kippur begins at sundown on September 20, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
This incident follows a recurring pattern of animal welfare disputes during the lead-up to the Kaparos religious custom. Each year, authorities and advocates monitor these activities to prevent the mass abandonment of birds.
Residents who encounter abandoned animals or suspicious vehicles should contact the New York City Police Department immediately. Avoid attempting to handle or feed distressed animals without professional assistance to ensure public and animal safety.
The takeaway
The abandonment of animals in transit highlights the logistical and ethical challenges surrounding ritual-related practices in dense urban areas. Proactive reporting remains the most effective tool for community members to assist in animal rescue efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about local emergency operations on the New York City Emergency Response page.
Live Poll
Should local authorities ban religious rituals that involve the use of live animals?
