May 26, 2013
We're gathering details on animal abuse allegations at four turkey plants in the east, all owned by Butterball.
The group Mercy For Animals says it has video evidence from Butterball plants in Onslow, Lenoir, Duplin, and Sampson Counties of workers stomping and kicking live turkeys.
Garner-based Butterball released this statement, "Upon learning of these new concerns, we immediately initiated an internal investigation and suspended the associates in question.” That's according to the News and Observer.
Local law enforcement are said to be investigating.
Butterball is the largest turkey producer in the United States, accounting for 20 percent of total turkey production in the country. According to Butterball's website, its plant in Mt. Olive is the world’s largest turkey plant.
