Butterball turkeys are for sale in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta LavandierA nearly 20-year-old video posted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals alleging turkey abuse at one of the nation’s foremost providers of Thanksgiving birds has triggered an online uproar.
The 2006 footage appears to depict employees of Butterball abusing live turkeys at a plant in Ozark, Arkansas, and drew a slew of comments from outraged turkey-lovers who took PETA at its word.In the video, a silhouetted speaker, his voice disguised, alleges plant employees sexually abused the turkeys and roughed them up before the birds were slaughtered and sent to market. One clip appears to show a man sitting on a turkey as it struggles. Others show people manhandling them.
“We are aware of a video from nearly 20 years ago, which is being re-shared across social media,” a spokesman told the New York Daily News in an emailed statement. “This video is not current and was taken prior to Butterball becoming a private company and prior to our engagement and certification through American Humane. 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.
The truck will broadcast the birds’ cries, while every 10 seconds urging in a “subliminal message” that people go vegan.If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.