Shocking claims could ruin your Thanksgiving turkey tradition–Here’s what we know
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Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual abuse and animal abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
As the air turns colder and the leaves start changing color, Americans across the nation look forward to gathering with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving—a time of gratitude, family, and, of course, the traditional turkey dinner. But this year, a dark cloud looms over the festive preparations.
A disturbing controversy has resurfaced, threatening to upend a decades-old tradition and prompting a moral reckoning: Are we inadvertently supporting animal abuse with our holiday choices?
The name Butterball has long been tied together with Thanksgiving turkeys, gracing millions of tables each November.
However, the company is now facing a potential boycott as gut-wrenching allegations of sexual abuse and torture at one of its slaughterhouses have resurfaced on social media, casting a shadow over the brand's reputation.
The allegations stem from a 2006 undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) at Butterball's Ozark, Arkansas facility. This investigation reported the alleged atrocities an undisclosed investigator witnessed, which included sexual assault alongside shackling, and slaughtering over 50,000 turkeys each day.
The investigation's findings were nothing short of horrifying, with claims of workers engaging in acts of cruelty and sexual assault against the birds. According to the investigator, “The workers at this plant were clearly not trained in animal welfare - some workers even bragged about their abuse.”
The graphic footage, which depicts workers torturing and sexually abusing turkeys, has once again ignited outrage as it circulates online.
Source: @brandivalerio / Tiktok.
One worker allegedly shoved his finger up a turkey’s genital area, while another “humped” a turkey while it was restrained. Other birds were allegedly tortured by being punched, swung in the air, and stomped on.
The timing of the video's resurgence is particularly poignant, coming just as families are selecting their Thanksgiving turkeys. The visceral reactions from the public have been strong, with many expressing disgust and vowing to return their Butterball turkeys or seek alternatives.
Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for awareness, with users urging others to boycott Butterball and opt for cruelty-free options. Users have shared their sentiments of returning Butterball Turkeys after seeing the video.
The question now facing consumers is whether to continue supporting a company associated with such allegations.
Butterball maintains that the video does not reflect its current animal welfare policies, saying “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.”
Butterball also claims that it is the only American Humane certified turkey company, the damage to its image may be done. The company asserts that it conducts yearly audits to ensure compliance with over 200 standards for the care of turkeys, but skeptics remain.
Furthermore, Butterball states that, “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.” From November only, the company already sold 15 million turkeys across the US.
PETA and other animal rights organizations are seizing this moment to advocate for a shift in holiday traditions. “Nothing humane had ever happened in a slaughterhouse,” Amber Canavan, the Vegan Campaign Project Manager for PETA, said.
They argue that with the availability of vegan alternatives, it's easier than ever to celebrate without contributing to the suffering of animals. The message is clear: consumers have the power to make compassionate choices that align with their values.
Despite the absence of charges from the 2006 investigation, subsequent inquiries into Butterball facilities have led to legal action.
In 2011, a North Carolina plant was raided, and workers faced charges after another nonprofit, Mercy for Animals, conducted an undercover investigation revealing similar abuses. These ongoing concerns suggest that the problem may not be isolated to a single incident or time period.
As we approach Thanksgiving, it's crucial to reflect on the broader implications of our food choices.
Have these allegations affected your holiday plans? Are you considering a plant-based alternative, or have you found humane-certified turkey producers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
As the air turns colder and the leaves start changing color, Americans across the nation look forward to gathering with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving—a time of gratitude, family, and, of course, the traditional turkey dinner. But this year, a dark cloud looms over the festive preparations.
A disturbing controversy has resurfaced, threatening to upend a decades-old tradition and prompting a moral reckoning: Are we inadvertently supporting animal abuse with our holiday choices?
The name Butterball has long been tied together with Thanksgiving turkeys, gracing millions of tables each November.
However, the company is now facing a potential boycott as gut-wrenching allegations of sexual abuse and torture at one of its slaughterhouses have resurfaced on social media, casting a shadow over the brand's reputation.
The allegations stem from a 2006 undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) at Butterball's Ozark, Arkansas facility. This investigation reported the alleged atrocities an undisclosed investigator witnessed, which included sexual assault alongside shackling, and slaughtering over 50,000 turkeys each day.
Undercover footage showed Butterball workers engaging in brutal and abusive actions against turkeys, leading to public outrage and disgust. Image source: Pexels / Kranthi Remala.
The investigation's findings were nothing short of horrifying, with claims of workers engaging in acts of cruelty and sexual assault against the birds. According to the investigator, “The workers at this plant were clearly not trained in animal welfare - some workers even bragged about their abuse.”
The graphic footage, which depicts workers torturing and sexually abusing turkeys, has once again ignited outrage as it circulates online.
Source: @brandivalerio / Tiktok.
One worker allegedly shoved his finger up a turkey’s genital area, while another “humped” a turkey while it was restrained. Other birds were allegedly tortured by being punched, swung in the air, and stomped on.
The timing of the video's resurgence is particularly poignant, coming just as families are selecting their Thanksgiving turkeys. The visceral reactions from the public have been strong, with many expressing disgust and vowing to return their Butterball turkeys or seek alternatives.
Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for awareness, with users urging others to boycott Butterball and opt for cruelty-free options. Users have shared their sentiments of returning Butterball Turkeys after seeing the video.
The question now facing consumers is whether to continue supporting a company associated with such allegations.
Butterball maintains that the video does not reflect its current animal welfare policies, saying “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.”
Butterball also claims that it is the only American Humane certified turkey company, the damage to its image may be done. The company asserts that it conducts yearly audits to ensure compliance with over 200 standards for the care of turkeys, but skeptics remain.
Furthermore, Butterball states that, “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.” From November only, the company already sold 15 million turkeys across the US.
PETA and other animal rights organizations are seizing this moment to advocate for a shift in holiday traditions. “Nothing humane had ever happened in a slaughterhouse,” Amber Canavan, the Vegan Campaign Project Manager for PETA, said.
They argue that with the availability of vegan alternatives, it's easier than ever to celebrate without contributing to the suffering of animals. The message is clear: consumers have the power to make compassionate choices that align with their values.
Despite the absence of charges from the 2006 investigation, subsequent inquiries into Butterball facilities have led to legal action.
In 2011, a North Carolina plant was raided, and workers faced charges after another nonprofit, Mercy for Animals, conducted an undercover investigation revealing similar abuses. These ongoing concerns suggest that the problem may not be isolated to a single incident or time period.
The resurfacing of the video just before Thanksgiving has led many to express their intention to return purchased Butterball turkeys and opt for vegan alternatives. Image source: PETA.
As we approach Thanksgiving, it's crucial to reflect on the broader implications of our food choices.
Have these allegations affected your holiday plans? Are you considering a plant-based alternative, or have you found humane-certified turkey producers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
