Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 6/30/14

A video released last week by the animal activist group Compassion Over Killing taken at Prince Poultry, a large North Carolina chicken grower, showed injured birds being thrown alive into large underground trash pits.

The group has turned the video over to local authorities for further investigation.

Prince Poultry supplies chickens to Pilgrim’s Pride, which issued the following statement:

"An undercover video filmed at an independent contract farm that grew chickens on behalf of Pilgrim's in North Carolina shows startling images of birds being mistreated. The actions in the video are unacceptable. Pilgrim's has initiated an investigation, led by our Animal Welfare Steering Committee and suspended our relationship with the grower. The proper treatment of animals, whether under our direct care or under the care of our contract growers, is one of our core beliefs. We will not tolerate the abuse of animals.”

National Chicken Council spokesman Tom Super said the lack of proper euthanasia and the throwing of birds are in violation of NCC’s Animal Welfare Guidelines.

“When necessary, birds must be properly euthanized. Birds that cannot access feed and water for normal growth and development must be humanely euthanized. A written standard operation procedure must be in place for on-farm culling and euthanasia training. Only methods of euthanasia accepted by the American Veterinary Medical Association can be used,” Super told Meatingplace. “Our guidelines also state that birds must never be lifted, carried, or dragged by the wing or neck and birds must never be thrown.”

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