Egg hatchery owner says inquiry found problems

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The owner of a northwest Iowa egg hatchery has released a statement saying violations of its animal welfare policy were found during an independent investigation, but the company won't release further details.

West Des Moines-based Hy-Line North America is responding to a report last week by Chicago-based animal rights group Mercy for Animals. The group released an undercover video made at Hy-Line's Spencer hatchery showing male chicks being dropped alive into a grinding machine and other practices.

Hy-Line's statement released Tuesday says some practices depicted in the video didn't reflect the company's standard procedures.

The statement says corrective measures have been taken but the company declines to elaborate. It also won't identify who conducted its investigation.

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