Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 6/5/14
 
One day after the release of an undercover video of alleged abuse of poults at a Butterball LLC facility in Raeford, N.C., the turkey processor announced that a panel of experts found no willful acts of mistreatment.
“The undercover hatchery video I reviewed did not depict any animal mistreatment,” Dr. Joy Mench, professor of animal science at University of California – Davis, said in a news release by the company. “As with any operational process, there is always room for learning and improvement, which is why our council encourages Butterball to continue its ongoing associate training programs to ensure top-notch turkey care.”
Mench is a member of the company's Animal Care and Well-Being Advisory Council, which reviewed the video. The council also includes third-party animal care experts Dr. Temple Grandin, Colorado State University; Dr. Jesse Grimes, North Carolina State University; Dr. Michael Martin, North Carolina State University; and Dr. Yvonne Thaxton, University of Arkansas.

The experts agree the video does not depict any willful acts of negligence or mistreatment, although Butterball "does proactively search for continuous improvement opportunities and will provide additional training and education to hatchery associates on animal care and well-being policies to include proper poult handling, transferring methods and management of facility equipment," according to the news release.
Butterball launched an internal investigation after activist group Mercy for Animals released the viedo Wednesday. The video includes both new footage and footage of documented abuse in 2011.

According to the company, Butterball’s ongoing, company-wide commitment to animal care and well-being includes:
•      Maintaining a zero tolerance policy for animal mistreatment, or suspected mistreatment by requiring all employees to report any concerns immediately.
•      Working with an Animal Care and Well-Being Advisory Council comprised of leading specialists in animal husbandry and care.
•      Enhancing animal care and well-being training curriculum for all associates, including regular mandatory training to ensure understanding and commitment to proper processes and protocols.
•      Maintaining American Humane Certified status through the American Humane Association.
•      Continually evaluating and strengthening our operational and on-farm processes.

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