The owner of an animal sanctuary described her heartbreak as more than 60 birds had to be culled this morning.

Amey James, who runs the Happy Pants Ranch, was teary-eyed when she spoke with KentOnline.

The site in Newington, near Sittingbourne , has tested positive for bird flu, also known as avian influenza.

Some strains of the disease can spread to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

At 8am today (Wednesday), the 61 remaining birds on the ranch were culled.

This included ducks, geese, hens, cockerels, seagulls, rhea, pigeons and pheasants and a well-known emu called BB.

Amey said: “When I got the text from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), straight away I knew what that meant.

“I was devastated and felt sick. I didn’t know ho

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