When you purchase organic chicken, you likely envision a more humane and ethical process compared to conventional farming. You might picture chickens roaming green pastures, receiving veterinary care, and being humanely euthanized if necessary. However, a recent undercover investigation by Mercy For Animals has exposed a starkly different reality at an organic chicken farm in North Carolina.
The farm, which supplies Pilgrim’s Pride—a major chicken supplier to Costco—was found to have severe unsanitary conditions, neglect, and outright abuse. Despite being certified organic and humane by the American Humane Society the investigation revealed disturbing practices, including chickens being bludgeoned to death with PVC pipes and rakes, and buried alive.
Severe neglect and abuse documented
The investigator, who goes by the pseudonym Sam worked at the farm for approximately 2.5 months. During this time, he documented numerous instances of animal cruelty, including chickens with twisted necks, open wounds, and severe injuries. The farm manager was observed regularly euthanizing sick and injured chickens in inhumane ways, such as crushing them with a bucket or slamming them against a wall.
Sam also recorded instances of chickens being kicked and thrown. Many birds suffered from leg deformities, lesions, and other severe health issues. The farm houses around 100,000 live chickens at any given time and, while it provides more space than conventional farms, it failed to meet several key organic standards. These include providing outdoor access, maintaining safe ammonia levels, and ensuring chickens receive the required hours of darkness for rest.
The shortcomings of organic and humane certifications
The investigation highlights significant flaws in the organic certification process and the oversight of humane practices. The USDA requires annual inspections of organic farms, meaning that for most of the year, farms that violate standards may face no consequences. The farm in question was also certified by Hiland Global Certifications which declined to comment on the investigation.
The American Humane Society which certified the farm as humane, stated it has zero tolerance for animal cruelty and has launched an independent investigation. However, the investigation raises questions about the effectiveness of these certifications and the ability of third-party inspectors to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.
The broader implications for the poultry industry
This investigation is not an isolated incident. Numerous past investigations have revealed similar cruelty and neglect in the US poultry industry, including farms that supply Pilgrim’s Pride. The investigation underscores the systemic issues within the industry, where profit often takes precedence over animal welfare.
In response to the investigation, Pilgrim’s Pride stated it is deeply disturbed by the conduct at the farm and has dropped it as a supplier. The company also plans to initiate additional third-party audits at its supplier farms. However, the investigation suggests that such measures may not be sufficient to address the widespread issues within the industry.
Animal advocacy groups, including Mercy For Animals are calling for companies like Costco to raise their standards and for the federal government to improve organic oversight. They also advocate for consumers to eat less chicken as a way to reduce animal suffering. The investigation serves as a stark reminder that the reality of organic farming can be far from the ethical image it projects.
The most effective solution to systemic cruelty in the poultry industry is for consumers to reduce their consumption of animal products. However, several other measures have been proposed to improve animal welfare on farms, including setting higher organic animal welfare standards, passing basic federal welfare laws for conventionally raised livestock, and implementing unannounced, frequent, and thorough organic farm audits. Some groups even advocate for the creation of a dedicated federal animal welfare agency.
