Disgusting video of Butterball turkeys being sexually abused by workers sends shockwaves ahead of Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, shocking footage has emerged showing Butterball workers mistreating and even sexually abusing turkeys. The revelation sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the practices behind one of the largest turkey producers in the United States. The disturbing footage comes from an undercover investigation conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2006 at the Butterball facility in Ozark, Arkansas.

The investigation, which spanned several months, uncovered appalling treatment of animals and shed light on what PETA calls the “behind-the-scenes horrors” in the turkey industry.

Shocking practices uncovered at Butterball facility

According to PETA’s findings, workers at the facility were responsible for shackling and slaughtering over 50,000 birds daily. The undercover agent documented serious atrocities, including explicit cases of sexual abuse.

In one disturbing clip, a worker is seen inserting a finger into a turkey’s cloaca, while in another scene an employee is seen “bagging” a tied up bird. PETA reported that other workers violently handled the turkeys, hitting, slamming and even stomping on them.

Amber Canavan, project manager for vegan campaigns at PETA, spoke to the media about the shocking results. “Nothing humane happens in a slaughterhouse,” she said, recounting graphic details from the investigator’s logs. In one incident, a worker stepped on the head of a live bird, causing its skull to explode, before laughing and wiping the blood from its leg.

The footage also shows turkeys being thrown against metal bars, breaking their legs and backs, and workers throwing the animals with such force that their limbs are torn off. The investigator documented scenes of birds with exposed spines and ruptured eyeballs, highlighting rampant and uncontrolled abuse at the facility.

“The workers were clearly not trained in animal welfare,” the investigator noted, adding that some employees even bragged about their abusive actions.

WARNING: Extremely disturbing video. Viewer discretion is advised.

Outrage over video on social media

The resurfacing of this footage just days before Thanksgiving has sparked a wave of anger across social media platforms. Many users have vowed to boycott Butterball products. “This breaks my heart,” one TikTok user wrote, while another added, “I just bought a Butterball turkey today and I will definitely be returning it in the morning.”

In a viral TikTok post, a user urged viewers to “better not eat Butterball turkey this year” and called the company’s practices “crazy.” Another viewer commented: “This made me physically ill,” while one person said they refused to eat the Butterball turkey their family bought.

Videos show some consumers returning turkeys they purchased after learning about the allegations. In one clip, a woman drives to a store to return her Butterball turkey and says, “I can’t believe what I just saw.” Another user expressed concern, saying, “I’m going to buy one, just to bury it and cry.”

Canavan welcomed the public outcry, noting that this response is exactly what animal rights activists are hoping for, especially ahead of a holiday where turkey is a staple. She encouraged people to consider vegan alternatives and pointed out that avoiding turkey could prevent further cruelty.

“It’s never too late to grab that vegan roast,” she urged, adding that sparing even a single turkey from the slaughterhouse could make a difference.

Butterball responds to allegations

In response to the resurfaced footage, Butterball issued a statement distancing the company from the video and the actions depicted. According to the company, the video is nearly two decades old and does not reflect the company’s current practices or animal welfare policies.

A Butterball spokesperson explained: “Animal care and welfare are central to us as a company, and we are committed to caring for our herds ethically and responsibly.” The spokesperson added that the company conducts annual third-party audits to ensure compliance of over 200 scientifically based standards for turkey care.

Butterball also emphasized that it is the first turkey company to achieve American Humane certification, with one-third of the Thanksgiving turkeys in the U.S. coming from its operations. Despite these assurances, the company is facing increasing criticism as consumers doubt that the certification guarantees humane treatment.

Patterns of abuse in the poultry industry

Although the Butterball investigation took place in 2006, PETA insists that the abuse uncovered was not an isolated incident. Canavan pointed to recent investigations by the organization, including a 2021 investigation of Plainville Farms, where workers were also caught simulating sexual acts on turkeys.

Previous investigations have led to criminal charges, including a high-profile case in Pennsylvania that led to the criminal prosecution of several workers. In 2011, a Butterball facility in North Carolina was raided after another investigation by Mercy for Animals uncovered similar abuse. Workers at that facility were caught on video violently abusing turkeys, leading to additional charges.

PETA continues to call for stricter oversight and the introduction of cruelty-free foods. According to Canavan, “These investigations highlight a systemic problem of abuse in the poultry industry that cannot be solved with certifications alone.”

Consumers are rethinking Thanksgiving traditions

As the scandal reignites discussion about animal cruelty in the poultry industry, many consumers are rethinking their holiday dining traditions. With growing awareness of animal rights issues and the availability of plant-based alternatives, some are choosing to forgo turkey altogether.

For others, the graphic nature of the Butterball video permanently changed their perception of the brand. “This Thanksgiving I will be starting a new tradition – one without cruelty,” one social media user explained.