Butterball (representative image)

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Butterballa major supplier of Thanksgiving turkeys, is under fire after disturbing footage from a 2006 investigation resurfaced online. The video, first recorded as part of an investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), shows employees allegedly sexually abusing and mistreating turkeys at the company’s facility in Ozark, Arkansas.

The disturbing video showed workers abusing and mutilating the birds, sparking further public outcry. Reaction on social media was overwhelming, with many people pledging to avoid Butterball products on Thanksgiving.

Details of the 2006 investigation

The undercover PETA investigation ran from April to July 2006. Alleged atrocities at the factory, which allegedly processed over 50,000 turkeys per day, were documented by a whistleblower posing as an employee.

According to PETA, workers were seen “bumping” turkeys, forcing fingers into their cloacas and throwing them against metal bars. In one case, a worker stomped on the head of a live turkey until its skull exploded. The employee reportedly giggled as he cleaned blood from his leg.

The investigator found widespread abuse, including breaking the legs and backs of birds. Others had mangled limbs and exposed spines after being thrown at metal objects.

The public backlash is gaining momentum

Calls for a boycott were sparked by the video’s resurfacing, and the outcry was amplified by TikTok and other websites. Users have expressed their disappointment and sadness in viral videos criticizing the company.

“I just bought a Butterball turkey today but I’m sending it back,” one user commented. “You better not eat Butterball turkey this year,” said another.

“This is exactly the response animal rights activists want to see before Thanksgiving,” said Amber Canavan, PETA’s campaign manager. She highlighted the moral dilemmas associated with turkey slaughterhouses and urged customers to choose vegan substitutes.

Butterball responds to allegations

In his response to the uproar, Butterball acknowledged the footage but emphasized its age. The video “does not reflect our current animal welfare policies,” a spokesperson said.

Citing more than 200 science-based animal welfare criteria and annual third-party audits, the company underscored its commitment to providing ethical care. Additionally, Butterball highlighted its status as a top supplier of Thanksgiving turkey and its American Humane accreditation.

History of the allegations against Butterball

Butterball is not the first to come under criticism. A facility in North Carolina was raided in 2011 after another investigation found employees mistreating turkeys. Mercy for Animals, a charity, provided video evidence of staff abusing, kicking and stomping on the birds. Several employees were charged following the incident.

According to PETA, mistreatment is still widespread in this sector. Canavan brought up a 2021 investigation at Plainville Farms in Pennsylvania that found employees committed more than 140 crimes after imitating sexual behavior on turkeys.

Impact on consumer behavior

Consumer opinion has changed significantly due to recent revelations. There has been a sharp increase in reports of consumers returning Butterball items and vowing to stay away from the brand.

PETA continues to push for cruelty-free substitutes and encourage customers to consider plant-based solutions. “It is never too late to choose compassion,” Canavan said, emphasizing that moral choices can save animals from future suffering.

Holiday sales remain unaffected by backlash

Despite the problem, Butterball continues to dominate the turkey industry. According to the fleet owner, the company sold nearly 15 million turkeys this month. The conflict between tradition and ethical considerations is highlighted by Butterball’s importance in holiday meals as Thanksgiving approaches.

The long-term impact on Butterball’s reputation is not yet known, despite the growing public outcry. As consumers demand more responsibility and transparency, the discussion about animal welfare in the food sector is becoming increasingly important.