A video that circulated on social media earlier this week is drawing attention across Ohio after appearing to show a semi-truck unloading a large number of both live and dead chickens at a landfill outside Bellefontaine.
Due to the graphic nature of the footage, Peak of Ohio News has chosen not to publish the video.
However, it remains available on social media platforms.
The video prompted concerns from area residents, many of whom questioned the environmental, public health, and animal welfare implications of the disposal process.
It is believed the chickens originated from an egg production facility in Union County. Information shared online also indicates the trucking company involved is based in Wooster.
Following the video’s release, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement saying deputies immediately contacted the Ohio Department of Agriculture after becoming aware of the situation.
Officials said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the state agency, which oversees livestock and agricultural concerns.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that it is not conducting an investigation.
On Thursday evening, Logan County Health Commissioner Travis Irvan addressed the issue in a video posted on social media, acknowledging the community’s concerns.
“Seeing a large amount of chickens being dumped in a landfill in this way can be upsetting,” Irvan said. “It’s reasonable for the community to have questions about the health, environmental impact, and proper disposal practices involved.”
Irvan explained that the Logan County Health District currently has no regulatory authority over the situation and therefore cannot take enforcement action.
“I just wanted to be direct in saying there really is no public health authority in this situation,” he said. “There’s nothing that public health can really enforce at this time.”
According to Irvan, the Health District has consulted with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which indicated no violations have been identified under EPA authority at this time.
“As of now, it looks like this primarily falls under agricultural oversight and is not really under any local public health authority,” Irvan said.
While noting that modern landfills are designed to safely contain waste and protect groundwater through engineered liners and caps, Irvan said there may be more environmentally beneficial alternatives for handling large quantities of organic material.
“Landfills do serve an important purpose by keeping potentially harmful materials contained, but they’re not always the most beneficial destination for organic materials,” he said. “Composting can allow nutrients from organic material to return to the Earth in a beneficial way rather than being buried in a landfill.”
Irvan added that transportation methods, handling procedures, burial practices, and vector control measures all play important roles in minimizing potential health and environmental risks.
The Health District, he said, supports lawful, science-based disposal practices and generally favors composting when appropriate because it reduces landfill use and returns nutrients to the soil.
Irvan also confirmed that local residents have contacted the Health District with questions and concerns, and that media outlets from outside the region have begun seeking information about the incident.
He expressed particular concern about reports that some chickens may have still been alive when they were disposed of.
“I would emphasize we are not okay with the animal cruelty part about some of the chickens being alive when they were dumped,” Irvan said. “While the regulatory aspect falls under the authority of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, that doesn’t mean it’s not concerning to us. Humans, animals, and the Earth are all part of a symbiotic relationship that helps us fulfill our mission of championing a safe and healthy community.”
The Ohio Department of Agriculture confirmed Friday that it is investigating the euthanasia procedures used in the incident.
In a statement, the agency said it has been communicating with industry representatives and has directed those involved to retrain personnel on proper euthanasia, loading, and disposal procedures.
“The Ohio Department of Agriculture is aware of the video and is investigating the euthanasia procedures,” the agency said. “ODA staff have been in communication with industry representatives regarding this incident, specifically to address that not all birds were euthanized prior to transport and disposal.”
The department noted that disposing of euthanized, non-diseased poultry in an approved landfill is permitted under Ohio law.
Officials said the chickens involved were not affected by disease but had reached the end of their productive laying cycle.
“It is a standard practice in the poultry industry to euthanize a flock when laying hens reach the end of their productive life cycle,” the statement said.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture’s investigation remains ongoing.
