Arrest made for alleged abuse at Perdue contract farm

A worker for a contract farmer who was raising chickens for Perdue Farms in Richmond County, North Carolina, has been arrested on animal abuse charges. The charges were filed after an undercover video depicting abuse at a broiler farm was posted online by animal rights group Mercy for Animals and presented to authorities by an attorney representing Mercy for Animals.
Throughout the video, Mercy for Animals targets Perdue and in words printed over the footage, questions the company’s animal welfare policies.
Perdue Farms stated that it is committed to taking aggressive actions to hold those involved in the abuse accountable, as well as to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We have seen the video taken by Mercy for Animals on a farm raising chickens for Perdue,” Perdue Farms said in a statement. “We are appalled by the mistreatment and abuse by a contract catching crew and a farm worker shown in the video. We are committed to working with law enforcement to identify everyone involved and hope the Mercy for Animals will cooperate to facilitate those efforts.”
Perdue Farms thanked Mercy for Animals for “uncovering clear animal abuse by an individual on a farm” raising chickens for the company, as well as to law enforcement officers for taking prompt action against the alleged suspect.

Perdue vows to keep improving bird welfare

In a statement, Perdue said it shares a common goal with Mercy for Animals in that it wants to prevent animal abuse and improve poultry care.
“We are actively seeking to improve the way we raise chickens,” the company stated. “We recently created a new vice president level position within the company, Chief Animal Welfare Officer and Farm Family Advocate, and appointed Mike Levengood, a 31-year veteran at Perdue, to that position. Mike is leading our efforts to improve animal care and to develop closer relationships with the farmers who care for those animals. We are currently evaluating many of the practices that Mercy for Animals highlights, including lighting and enrichments.
“Going forward, we promise to report on the process and our progress.”

Tyson fires workers over alleged abuse of chickens

Tyson Foods has terminated two employees for violating the company’s animal handling policy at its poultry processing plant near Carthage, Mississippi.
The alleged abuse of chickens at the plant was shown in a video that was released on October 27 by animal rights group Mercy for Animals. Narrated by actress Candice Bergen, the video, which was filmed by a Mercy for Animals investigator who went undercover and gained employment at Tyson, shows scenes of workers mishandling the birds, including throwing them and punching them.
In the video, Bergen explained the “investigator reported the animal abuse to management on many occasions, but observed no corrective actions taken.”
However, according to a statement issued by Tyson Foods, the company has been “investigating a claim of animal mistreatment in this area of the plant since late last week.”
The statement added that the company is “appalled by the actions shown in this video.”
“We believe proper animal handling is an important moral and ethical obligation. Everyone who works with live animals in our plants – including the person who secretly shot this video – is trained in proper animal handling and instructed to immediately report anything they believe is inappropriate. Workers are encouraged to report bad behavior to their supervisor as well as the Tyson Foods compliance and ethics hotline,” the company stated.
Mercy For Animals has stated that it submitted a misdemeanor complaint with Mississippi authorities, but to Tyson’s knowledge, no criminal charges had been filed by any government agency.

Cruelty charges for owners of poultry farm seen in video

Criminal charges have been filed against the owners of a Tennessee poultry farm where footage for a Mercy for Animals video depicting chickens being abused and inhumanely killed was allegedly filmed.
Thomas and Suzanne Blassingame, owners of T&S Poultry have both been charged with animal cruelty in the General Sessions Court of Weakley County, Tennessee. According to an Associated Press report published on the WRCBTV website, the incidents occurred between July July 28 and August 23 at a T&S farm near Dukedom, Tennessee.
Mercy for Animals circulated the video online in late August. The animal rights organization in the video never mentioned T&S Poultry in the video, but did identify Tyson Foods, the poultry company with which the farm had a contract, and McDonald’s, which purchased poultry products from Tyson. Once the video went public, Tyson Foods initiated an investigation and terminated its contract with T&S Poultry.
“Animal well-being is a priority at our company and we will not tolerate the unacceptable animal treatment shown in this video. We’re especially concerned about the inappropriate methods used to euthanize sick and injured chickens,” Tyson Foods said in a statement.
The video showed farm workers clubbing chickens and stabbing them with a pole with a spike attached to the end, as well as breaking birds’ necks by standing on their heads and pulling their bodies.

Tyson ends contract with grower accused of abuse

Tyson Foods has terminated its contract with poultry grower T&S Farms after a video circulated by animal rights group Mercy for Animals circulated a video depicting alleged chicken abuse at its farm in Dukedom, Tennessee.
The video shows footage of people clubbing chickens and stabbing them with a pole with a spike attached to the end, as well as breaking birds’ necks by standing on their heads and pulling their bodies. There is no mention of T&S Farms in the video, but Mercy for Animals does identify Tyson Foods and McDonald’s, a restaurant chain that purchases poultry products from Tyson.
“Animal well-being is a priority at our company and we will not tolerate the unacceptable animal treatment shown in this video. We’re especially concerned about the inappropriate methods used to euthanize sick and injured chickens,” Tyson Foods said in a statement.
Tyson Foods’ animal well-being team is investigating the alleged abuse, but the company confirmed it did terminate the farm’s contract based on what is currently known. No chickens are currently on the farm.
Tyson Foods stressed its commitment to animal well-being, and said it does not believe the video accurately depicts the treatment of chickens raised by the thousands of other growers contracted by Tyson Foods.
“Our company has programs and policies in place to protect the health and well-being of all our animals. This includes the Tyson FarmCheck  program that involves third-party auditors who check on the farm for such things as animal access to food and water, human-animal interaction and worker training. We also have veterinary-approved procedures in place for euthanizing sick or injured birds,” the company stated.

Tyson investigating allegations of abuse at farm

Tyson Foods is investigating claims of animal abuse at a farm that grows chickens for Tyson, after animal rights group Mercy for Animals circulated a video that was allegedly filmed at that farm.
In its video, Mercy for Animals shows scenes of unhealthy chickens, and it accuses Tyson Foods of improper animal care and handling procedures.
“Animal well-being is a top priority for us,” Tyson Foods said in a statement. “We do not tolerate improper animal treatment and take claims of animal abuse very seriously. We are investigating this matter.
“We have programs and policies in place to protect the health and well-being of all our animals. This includes the Tyson FarmCheck program that involves third-party auditors who check on the farm for such things as animal access to food and water, human-animal interaction and worker training. We’re continually looking for ways to improve how we operate and this includes animal well-being. We’re constantly researching new ways to keep our chickens healthy and safe.”
Tyson Foods and the National Chicken Council (NCC) pointed out that the video was shot at a time when birds at the farm were sick with a respiratory illness, and that illness can lead to higher mortality rates.
“Just like humans, birds get sick.  But it is not indicative of this farm or broilers as a whole,” stated Tom Super, NCC senior vice president of communications.
Tyson Foods added that the illness shown by birds in the video does not pose a threat to food safety.
NCC also expressed concerned about how it appeared that Mercy for Animals was more intent on spreading an anti-agriculture message than trying to prevent chickens from suffering.
“It's unfortunate - and disturbing - that this group, whose goal is to make everyone vegans, sat on the video for more than four months, if they thought abuse was occurring,” Super said.

Foster Farms responds to video, launches investigation

Foster Farms and law enforcement officers are investigating possible animal abuse at a Foster Farms facility after animal rights group Mercy for Animals released a video showing inhumane conditions at a poultry facility it said is operated by Foster Farms.
“Foster Farms has been made aware of an online video showing company employees in Fresno, California, mishandling birds in their care. We have already begun a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and location, including a fully cooperative effort with all appropriate authorities. The behavior of the individuals in this video is inappropriate and counter to our stringent animal welfare standards, procedures and policies,” Foster Farms said in a statement.
The video also features television personality and animal rights activist Bob Barker, who criticizes the American Humane Association, for putting its American Humane Certified seal on Foster Farms products.
Foster Farms stated that animal welfare is a top priority for the company and it has been since it was founded in 1939. Foster Farms employees receive annual training in animal welfare policies and the proper handling of birds in their care.
“We believe raising chickens humanely is simply the right thing to do, and we take our commitment to humane values very seriously,” the company said.
Any employee willfully violating Foster Farms’ animal welfare policies and procedures is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, the company added.

Pig abuse video prompts firing of Seaboard Foods workers

• 

  Andrea Gantz

  Seaboard Foods has terminated 7 employees after animal abuse was caught on film at a company pig farm in Colorado.

  From WATTAgNet:
  Seaboard Foods has fired seven employees at a pig farm in Phillips County, Colorado, after an undercover video released by animal rights group Mercy for Animals depicted animal cruelty at the facility.
  The video, which showed workers hitting animals with boards and cans, was turned into the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office. The law enforcement agency then started an investigation and contacted the company, which is headquartered in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
  “In the limited undercover video made available to us, we identified instances that depict improper handling while loading pigs on trucks, which does not adhere to Seaboard Foods’ training and best practices for moving pigs and ensuring they are comfortable and healthy so we can deliver safe, nutritious and delicious pork to our customers. As seen in the undercover video, the handling is unacceptable and inexcusable,” the company said in a statement.
  At the time the company’s statement was released, Seaboard Foods officials had not seen the entire video.
  While Seaboard Foods deplored the actions shown by its former employees, it was also critical of the tactics Mercy for Animals used.
  “We are disappointed the organization that made the complaint and took the undercover video, which purports to be concerned about animal welfare, did not report the allegations to us directly through our toll-free hotline as is required by any employee, especially after acknowledging Seaboard Foods’ comprehensive animal care program and commitment to the proper and humane treatment of animals and our zero-tolerance policy in the complaint to the Sheriff’s Office,” the company stated.
  Of the seven people terminated, two were management supervisors.

Maple Lodge Farms investigating alleged chicken abuse

Canadian poultry processor Maple Lodge Farms is investigating allegations of animal abuse at its Brampton, Ontario, facility after a video released by animal rights activist group Mercy For Animals Canada has surfaced.
Mercy for Animals Canada stated that the video depicts scenes from hidden-camera footage at a Maple Lodge Farms plant in Brampton.
“Some of the images in the video are disturbing and are not in keeping with our standards. We assure you of our prompt attention to this very serious matter,” Maple Lodge Farms said in a statement.
“We have launched our own investigation and in keeping with our zero tolerance policy for any violation of our animal welfare policies, we will take appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal, in any instance where non-compliance is identified.
“We want to assure you that the humane treatment of the birds in our care is a very high priority, and a moral responsibility, that we take seriously.”
Maple Lodge Farms stated that all of its employees, as well as its partners, are required to adhere to codes of practice for the care and handling of poultry. These are strict guidelines developed for the industry by representatives from farm groups, animal welfare groups, veterinarians, animal scientists, federal and provincial governments, and other stakeholders, the company added.
The company further vowed that any non-compliance to its animal welfare programs identified in the company’s investigation will be addressed promptly.

Koch Foods says Mercy for Animals’ video inaccurate

Koch Foods has called a video of its facilities released by animal rights group Mercy for Animals inaccurate and out-of-context. The video depicts scenes filmed at its chicken processing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a farm owned by the company.
“The chicken processing business is a highly regulated industry with well-established industry processing procedures, and our company works hard every day to ensure our employees and contractors follow strict regulations from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and guidelines from the National Chicken Council,” said Joe Grendys, CEO of Koch Foods.
The processing procedures and guidelines are designed to ensure the chickens are processed in a humane manner. Sixteen USDA inspectors work on each production shift at the Chattanooga facility to help ensure the company produces a safe product in accordance with government regulations.
The video specifically targets quick service restaurant chain Chick-fil-A, claiming that the chain uses products supplied by Koch Foods. Both Koch Foods and Chick-fil-A have pointed out that inaccuracy, as Koch Foods has not provided chicken to Chick-Fil-A since April 2013.
Grendys further stated Koch Foods trains its processing employees on animal welfare practices and the importance of operating in a precise manner. It also requires its independent contractor chicken catchers to adhere to the Animal Welfare Guidelines of the National Chicken Council. These independent contract catchers must complete training on compliance with animal welfare guidelines, and they are regularly monitored for adherence to the guidelines.
Koch Foods is also regularly audited on its animal welfare practices by an independent auditor, the company stated. The Chattanooga facility last completed such an audit in September of this year. The auditor found no violations of animal welfare practices in the live or processing operations for the Chattanooga complex.
“As the CEO of the company, I take these allegations very seriously as I should. The company will not stand for a violation of the important processes and standards that we have in place. Koch Foods will remain vigilant to ensure it continues to operate in a humane, clean, and safe manner,” Grendys said.

Tyson ends contract with hog farm where animal abuse occurred

Tyson Foods decided to end its contract relationship with an Oklahoma hog farm after a video of abuse at the farm was released. The video, distributed by the animal rights group Mercy For Animals and shown on NBC, showed farm workers striking pigs and slamming piglets into a concrete floor, and in one instance a worker was videoed throwing a bowling ball at a pig, hitting it in the head.
The farm where the abuse took place was identified as West Coast Farms in Henryetta, Okla.
"We're extremely disappointed by the mistreatment shown in the video and will not tolerate this kind of animal mishandling," Mickelson wrote in an email to The Associated Press. "We are immediately terminating our contract with this farmer and will take possession of the animals remaining on the farm. We're serious about proper animal handling and expect the farmers who supply us to treat animals with care and to be trained and certified in responsible animal care practices. It's consistent with our core values to 'serve as stewards of the animals 'entrusted to us."

Animal Agriculture Alliance president to be featured in National Geographic series 'Inside: Secret America'

Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith will be featured in a new National Geographic Channel series, "Inside: Secret America." Johnson Smith will appear in a segment captioned "Animal Undercover" at 10 p.m. EST. on July 31.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance was approached in February by series producers and investigative journalists Mariana van Zeller and Darren Foster about a segment focusing on the animal rights movement, undercover videos and farm protection, or so-termed "ag gag" legislation. The producers indicated they were initially drawn to this topic because of the deceptive and sometimes extreme tactics employed by activist groups. Johnson Smith sat down with van Zeller and discussed the real motivations behind the animal rights movement and the truth about undercover videos.

"The American public has a knowledge gap about farming and ranching; people really don't have any first-hand knowledge about how food is produced, so they're very susceptible to videos presented by activist groups," said Johnson Smith. "Legislators in many states have stepped up and recognized the importance of agriculture and have decided to protect our nation's farm families."

Van Zeller and Foster also interviewed several members of animal rights groups including Mercy for Animals, a group that frequently uses undercover video footage, often in a misleading way, to disparaged animal agriculture. "We were pleased that the alliance would be contacted to appear on a new show airing on a network as prestigious at National Geographic," said Johnson Smith. "It's important to engage with journalists - even on such controversial topics - so that agriculture's story isn't told by detractors."

The series will air every Wednesday. 

Former Butterball worker pleads guilty to animal cruelty

A man has pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty that stemmed from a December 2011 raid at a Butterball turkey farm.
Deputies raided the Shannon farm after animal-rights group Mercy for Animals provided a hidden-camera video that showed farm workers beating and stomping on turkeys.
Ronnie Jacobs, 58, Raeford, N.C., is the last of five workers charged in the case to be convicted, WRAL reported. All five also lost their jobs at the farm.
Dr. Sarah Mason, director of animal health programs in the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Poultry Division, also pleaded guilty to her role in informing a veterinarian for Butterball that Hoke County prosecutors were reviewing the undercover video. She was placed on probation for a year. 

Hy-Line acknowledges animal welfare practices violation

Hy-Line announced that independent audits confirm that some of the practices at its Spencer, Iowa, facility depicted in the undercover video produced by a welfare group last week did not reflect the standard operating procedures of the company and are in direct violation of its animal welfare policy.
The independent audits identified specific recommendations for Hy-Line to modify its equipment so that it cannot be altered or changed. Those corrective actions to equipment and procedures were implemented immediately, the firm said.
The firm also said it will enforce zero-tolerance policy toward employees behavior that does not conform to established animal well-being procedures. Ongoing training and investments are also mandatory to ensure that employees abide by the company's highest operating standards.

Hy-Line investigates alleged abuses

On Sept. 1, PETA posted a video on its website based on an “undercover investigation” by the pro-vegan group, Mercy for Animals, showing operations at a Hy-Line hatchery in Spencer, Iowa. This investigation showed a number of cruel and abusive practices, and focused primarily on the euthanizing of the male chicks.
That same day, Hy-Line International and Hy-Line North America issued a statement which said that the care and safety of the birds and employees is the company’s first priority. Hy-Line also said that they have initiated an immediate investigation to see if any animal welfare policies were violated and to take disciplinary action against anyone violating company policy. Hy-Line stated that the company is committed to meeting or exceeding all industry poultry welfare standards.
The video was taken in late May/early June, but just released. Hy-Line stated that the company wishes that it would have been made aware of the allegations immediately, so that a timelier investigation could have been made.
The video was in the PETA blog section, titled: “Unwanted Males Mutilated and Killed at Birth”. The blog emphasized the main points made on the video: Workers at an Iowa hatchery kill newborn male chicks every single day. Workers grab them by their wings, toss them onto conveyor belts, and throw them down a chute to spend their final moments in a grinding machine while they are still alive.
The Hy-Line release also stated: “Other hatchery procedures are shown in the video. These procedures are supported and approved by the animal veterinary and scientific community. Instantaneous euthanasia by maceration is specifically supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Federation of Animal Science Societies, Agriculture Canada, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the European Union.”

Investigation initiates change in layer housing

Following a welfare investigation of a Maine farm and refusal of deliveries by supermarket chains, the chief executive officer of Radlo Foods said they will stop using cage confinement systems.
On April 1 the Maine Department of Agriculture, together with a representative of the State Animal Welfare Department entered an in-line egg production complex in Turner, Maine.
The farm, owned by Quality Egg of New England LLC, is one of eight similar units formerly owned and operated by companies under the control of Austin “Jack” DeCoster who established the complex of approximately 4 million hens during the mid-1960s.
During the 1990s the operation was subjected to penalties imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and a multi-million dollar settlement of an action brought by employees and was reorganized in 1997 as an LLC.
The present problem arises from an undercover investigation by Mercy for Animals who placed an agent in the farm as an employee of Maine Contract Farms LLC, responsible for flock management. Allegations including neglect of flocks and mishandling are currently under investigation by state authorities and if substantiated will be referred to the Franklin County District Attorney. The farm was leased from Quality Egg LLC by Radlo Foods to produce branded eggs.
Faced with adverse publicity, a number of supermarket chains in the state and region refused deliveries of eggs from the complex. A national company that had franchised Radlo Foods, initiated an immediate investigation of the allegations. The franchisee revoked the agreement with Radlo Foods on grounds Radlo "was working with a farm that is not in compliance with the strict animal welfare standards required." Radlo Foods in turn is withdrawing from the operation in Maine.
Radlo Foods has pledged to become an exclusively cage-free company within 10 years.