*Butterball is facing renewed criticism following allegations of abuse after an old clip resurfaced showing the horrors at one of its plants.
PETA recently highlighted its undercover investigation from 2006 at Butterball’s Ozark, Arkansas, facility, bringing attention to the mistreatment of turkeys, The Independent reports. On November 5, the organization shared a graphic video featuring an anonymous investigator who described witnessing disturbing acts of sexual abuse against live turkeys.
One Butterball employee allegedly shoved his finger up a turkey’s cloaca (vagina) and another “humped” a turkey while it was restrained.
“One worker said he likes to kill birds for ‘fun,’ and pointed out one he had punched in the face,” the investigator wrote in the witness log. “A worker violently threw birds into the shackles and grabbed one by her neck, and another worker humped a bird whose legs and head he had crammed into the shackle.”
The footage also shows a worker kicking a bird and saying: “I kicked the f*** out of the motherf***er.”
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The footage has led many social media users to boycott Butterball turkeys for Thanksgiving.
In a statement, Butterball said: “We are aware of a video from nearly 20 years ago, which is being re-shared across social media. This video is not current and in no way reflects our animal welfare policies. “
“Animal care and well-being is central to who we are as a company, and we are committed to the ethical and responsible care of our flocks. That means maintaining the health and well-being of our turkeys is an ongoing effort.”
The spokesperson added: “Butterball was the first and remains the only turkey company that is American Humane certified. We are proud to be one of every three turkeys on the table this Thanksgiving.”
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