PETA recently brought back an undercover video from 2006 that shows serious mistreatment and harm to turkeys at a Butterball facility in Ozark, Arkansas.
This issue has reignited discussions about animal rights and led to calls for boycotts against the company.
In a video posted on social media this month, PETA accused Butterball employees of acting violently and inappropriately towards turkeys.
The footage from almost twenty years ago includes accusations of workers sually assaulting the birds; one worker reportedly put a finger into a turkey’s cloaca while another pretended to perform sual acts with restrained animals.
Other cruel actions shown include workers kicking, hitting, and tossing live turkeys.
The plant involved was said to slaughter around 50 thousand birds each day during that period.
PETA states their investigation logs revealed even more shocking actions like slamming birds into shackles and strangling them while handling them roughly.
Amber Canavan, who manages PETA’s vegan campaign project says they shared the video before Thanksgiving to highlight industry practices and discourage people from buying turkey products.
The video has sparked strong reactions online with many viewers showing anger.
Social media users are promising to return their purchased Butterball turkeys and boycott the brand completely.
Comments like ‘This really breaks my heart’ or ‘I’m taking my turkey back tomorrow’ show how much impact the footage has had emotionally on viewers.
Some TikTok users even filmed themselves returning Butterball turkeys due to these allegations.
PETA’s campaign against Butterball also includes real-life activism. The organization sent out its ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck – which shows life-size models of turkeys packed into transport crates – across various U.S. locations hoping shoppers will choose plant-based options instead.
Butterball strongly denies that this old footage represents its current practices according to Today.
A spokesperson pointed out that this video was made before Butterballs shift into private ownership as well as its American Humane certification.
This certification was achieved 11 years ago requiring third-party checks ensuring over 200 standards for animal care are met. According to Butterballs claims these standards go beyond what is typical in the industry.
“Animal care is central part of our identity,” stated Butterballs according The Independent.
They also addressed false information about product recalls saying there are no current recalls for their turkeys.
Despite these defenses critics remain skeptical including PETA President Ingrid Newkirk who called American Humane certification ‘meaningless.’
Newkirk accused the company of using ‘humane-washing’ tactics misleading people about how animals suffer before being slaughtered.
This controversy comes at time when turkey is still seen as essential for Thanksgiving meals among most Americans
According U.S Department Agriculture around 46 million turkeys will be eaten this Thanksgiving making up 21% of total production which stands at 216.5 million annually in U.S
Internal reports from butterballs estimate that about 87% hosts will serve turkey this year meaning nearly 293 million Americans enjoying it
Even though it’s popular Turkey faces backlash as holiday food choice
A recent survey by The Vacationer found that around 35% said Turkey was their least favorite dish during thanksgiving preferring stuffing or ham instead
For those thinking twice about having Turkey there are more plant-based choices becoming popular
Reports indicate nearly29% Americans plan vegan or vegetarian dishes during holidays
Companies like Tofurky provide holiday roasts alternatives while influencers share recipes such mushroom stuffing mashed potatoes roasted garlic miso butter
