PETA Alleges Severe Animal Abuse at Butterball Turkey Plant Ahead of Thanksgiving

A recent investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has uncovered disturbing allegations of animal abuse at a Butterball turkey plant. The investigation, which included an undercover video released on Instagram, details shocking acts of cruelty against turkeys at the facility.

The PETA investigator, who remains anonymous, claims to have witnessed workers sexually assaulting turkeys before they were slaughtered. The video footage shows workers allegedly humping shackled turkeys and inserting fingers into the birds’ cloacas. Additional footage depicts workers roughly handling and kicking the turkeys.

This is not the first time Butterball has faced such allegations. In 2017, PETA accused workers at a Butterball slaughterhouse in Ozark, Arkansas, of similar abuses, including kicking and throwing turkeys, as well as inserting their fingers into female turkeys.

The investigator hopes that the new video will raise awareness about the harsh realities of factory farming and encourage consumers to reconsider their consumption of turkey, especially with Thanksgiving approaching. PETA’s efforts aim to inspire a shift toward more ethical practices in the food industry.

Butterball, a well-known brand operated by Butterball LLC, produces over one billion pounds of turkey annually and is a significant player in both domestic and international markets. The company has been a staple in the food industry since 1940, although Butterball LLC was officially formed in 2006.