Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling has reported that diners at his Tartan and Fox pub in Cornwall allowed their dog off its lead, resulting in the death of one hen and injuries to three others. The incident occurred on Sunday when guests ignored posted signs instructing that dogs be kept on leads due to the presence of chickens on the premises.

Handling, a former contestant on MasterChef in 2013, posted a video on social media describing the events as "evil" behavior. He explained that after the dog attacked the chickens, the guests’ children entered the chicken coop and smashed fertilized eggs against a tree. Handling’s staff only discovered the destruction later in the day when they found eggs broken around a tree and deceased chicks nearby.

“We realized the dog immediately off its lead going at the chickens, but the eggs were only caught afterwards,” Handling said. He added that the rooster had been allowed to fertilize eggs with the intention of hatching more chicks, making the loss particularly upsetting.

The injured hens are currently receiving care in hopes of a full recovery. Handling expressed his disappointment and emotional distress over the incident, emphasizing his affection for the animals. The pub has clear signage requesting pet owners to keep dogs leashed in consideration of the farm animals on site.