TWO men are accused of the cruel treatment of thousands of birds at a North-East chicken factory, magistrates heard yesterday.

Thousands of dead and dying birds were discovered at The Chicken Farm, in Cockfield, County Durham, during a raid last November.

Between them, Fazal Kamal Dad, 41, of Bleak Terrace, Cockfield, and Ian Raw, 41, of Moor View, Cockfield, face 32 charges relating to the welfare of broiler chickens found at the premises.

Farm boss Mr Dad is accused of 19 charges, including failure to provide adequate accommodation, seek veterinary advice in relation to sick birds or humanely killing those unlikely to recover.

Employee Mr Raw, who appeared before Bishop Auckland Magistrates yesterday, is accused of 13 similar charges.

The case, brought to court by County Durham Trading Standards, was adjourned until Monday, July 19.

The November raid, code-named Operation Lobster Pot, was at the centre of 23 raids at premises in the UK and the Irish Republic involving more than 100 local officers.

RSPCA and trading standards inspectors, Immigration Service personnel and environmental health officers were also called in to assist in the case.