Butterball Facing Thanksgiving Boycott After PETA Resurfaces Vile Turkey Allegations
Butterball, a leading turkey supplier, finds itself under scrutiny following the resurfacing of disturbing allegations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
The animal rights organization recently reintroduced an undercover investigation video from 2006, which alleges severe mistreatment and abuse of turkeys at a Butterball plant in Ozark, Arkansas.
The controversy has reignited debates on animal welfare and sparked calls for boycotts against the company.
In a video shared on social media earlier this month, PETA accused Butterball workers of engaging in violent and inappropriate behavior toward turkeys.
The footage, recorded nearly two decades ago, includes claims of workers s**ually assaulting the birds, with one worker allegedly inserting a finger into a turkey’s cloaca and another simulating s**ual acts with the restrained animals.
Other abuses shown include workers kicking, beating, and throwing live turkeys.
The plant in question reportedly slaughtered around 50,000 birds daily during that time.
PETA claims that their investigation logs detailed even more harrowing acts, such as workers slamming birds into shackles, strangling them, and subjecting them to brutal handling.
According to Amber Canavan, PETA’s vegan campaign project manager, the organization’s goal in sharing the video ahead of Thanksgiving was to shed light on industry practices and discourage consumers from buying turkey products.
The video has generated widespread reactions online, with many viewers expressing outrage.
Social media users have vowed to return purchased Butterball turkeys and boycott the brand entirely.
Comments like ‘This absolutely breaks my heart’ and ‘I’m returning my turkey tomorrow’ reflect the emotional impact the footage has had.
Some TikTok users even documented themselves returning Butterball turkeys in response to the allegations.
PETA’s campaign against Butterball has also extended to in-person activism. The organization deployed its ‘Hell on Wheels’ truck – a life-size model depicting turkeys crammed into transport crates – to various locations across the U.S. in hopes of influencing shoppers to opt for plant-based alternatives instead.
Butterball has firmly denied that the resurfaced video reflects its current practices, per Today.
A spokesperson emphasized that the video predates Butterball’s transition to private ownership and the company’s American Humane certification.
The certification, which the company achieved 11 years ago, requires third-party audits to ensure compliance with over 200 standards of animal care. According to Butterball, these standards exceed industry norms.
“Animal care and well-being are central to who we are,” Butterball stated, per The Independent.
The company also addressed misinformation circulating about product recalls, clarifying that no current recalls exist for its turkeys.
Despite its defenses, Butterball faces skepticism from critics, including PETA President Ingrid Newkirk, who dismissed the American Humane certification as ‘meaningless.’
Newkirk accused the company of engaging in ‘humane-washing’ tactics to mislead the public about the conditions turkeys endure before slaughter.
The controversy arises during a time when turkey remains the centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals for most Americans.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 46 million turkeys will be consumed this Thanksgiving, representing 21% of the 216.5 million turkeys produced annually in the U.S.
Butterball’s internal reports estimate that 87% of Thanksgiving hosts will serve turkey this year, amounting to nearly 293.5 million Americans enjoying the dish.
Despite its popularity, turkey has faced criticism as a holiday staple.
A recent survey by The Vacationer revealed that 35% of respondents named turkey their least favorite Thanksgiving dish, citing alternatives like stuffing and ham as preferable.
For those reconsidering turkey this Thanksgiving, plant-based options are gaining traction.
Reports suggest that about 29% of Americans plan to include vegan or vegetarian dishes in their holiday meals.
Companies like Tofurky offer holiday roasts as alternatives, while online influencers share recipes for dishes like mushroom stuffing and mashed potatoes with roasted garlic miso butter.
Related Article: James Cameron Slammed By PETA Over Avatar 2 Promotion
Related Article: SeaWorld Orca Who Killed Trainer And ‘Played With His Body’ Dies At 29
