As Thanksgiving approaches, a renewed call for a boycott of Butterball turkeys has emerged on social media, fueled by a resurfaced video from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The video, shared on PETA’s Instagram account, focuses on troubling allegations from a decades-old investigation at a Butterball facility.
The original investigation took place nearly 20 years ago, in 2006, at a Butterball slaughterhouse in Ozark, Arkansas. PETA’s claims include disturbing acts of physical and sexual abuse directed at live turkeys. However, Butterball has clarified that these incidents happened before the company was privatized and received certification from American Humane.
The video in question highlights the alleged sexual abuse of turkeys, while its accompanying caption prompts viewers to consider the treatment of Butterball turkeys prior to death. Despite PETA’s failure to indicate the age of the footage, the post has sparked significant backlash, with many social media users advocating for a boycott of the brand ahead of the holiday.
Amid the confusion, some individuals mistakenly believe this situation involved a recall of Butterball products. However, there are no current recalls associated with the company. In response to the resurgence of these allegations, Butterball has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to animal welfare.
The company’s spokesperson emphasized that the video is outdated and reflects practices that are no longer tolerated. They noted that Butterball was the first turkey company to receive American Humane certification, which involves rigorous annual audits to ensure compliance with over 200 standards for turkey care. Additionally, Butterball maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of animal mistreatment.
In light of this situation, it’s essential to focus on the progress Butterball claims to have made in animal welfare and ethical practices since the original allegations. The conversation sparked by PETA’s video serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of humane treatment in the food industry and encourages consumers to stay informed about the practices of the companies they support.
By fostering transparency and accountability in food production, consumers can contribute positively to the welfare of animals while advocating for ethical practices in the industry.