Foster Farms and law enforcement officers are investigating possible animal abuse at a Foster Farms facility after animal rights group Mercy for Animals released a video showing inhumane conditions at a poultry facility it said is operated by Foster Farms.
“Foster Farms has been made aware of an online video showing company employees in Fresno, California, mishandling birds in their care. We have already begun a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and location, including a fully cooperative effort with all appropriate authorities. The behavior of the individuals in this video is inappropriate and counter to our stringent animal welfare standards, procedures and policies,” Foster Farms said in a statement.
The video also features television personality and animal rights activist Bob Barker, who criticizes the American Humane Association, for putting its American Humane Certified seal on Foster Farms products.
Foster Farms stated that animal welfare is a top priority for the company and it has been since it was founded in 1939. Foster Farms employees receive annual training in animal welfare policies and the proper handling of birds in their care.
“We believe raising chickens humanely is simply the right thing to do, and we take our commitment to humane values very seriously,” the company said.
Any employee willfully violating Foster Farms’ animal welfare policies and procedures is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, the company added.
