Butterball Responds to Cruelty Allegations, 'Zero Tolerance Policy'

Following this morning's raid by the Hoke County Sheriff’s Department in North Carolina, America's largest turkey producer has responded to allegations of animal cruelty.

"We are currently working with Hoke County government officials regarding allegations of animal cruelty at a farm in North Carolina," said Butterball in a written statement. "Butterball takes these allegations very seriously and fully supports the efforts being made on the part of officials."

"Butterball has a zero tolerance policy for any mistreatment of our birds or the failure to immediately report mistreatment of our birds by any associates. We are performing extensive internal and third-party audits as part of our own investigation. Employees found in violation of Butterball’s animal welfare policies will be subject to immediate termination."

Mercy For Animals (MFA) released an undercover video taken by an activist working at the facility for three weeks which appeared to show workers throwing, kicking, dragging, and beating turkeys, as well as birds suffering from bloody open wounds and infections, launching the Sheriff's investigation. Malicious animal abuse can be found a felony under North Carolina state law.