Humane-Certified Foster Farms Under Investigation

I think we all have to thank our lucky stars for Mercy for Animals. (MFA) I mean, really, where would we be without this brave group who exposes the horrors of farms that are even “humane certified”?

They are leaders in exposing the dirty truth  not just behind factory “farms” but all companies. I always thought Foster farms was one of the worst offenders and am amazed our irresponsible excuse for a government even gave them a human certification. It’s sad that non profit organizations like MFA have to step up to the plate because (obviously) our government isn’t doing their job.

Torture Of Live Chickens

From the CBS article about this horrific torture:

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Police are investigating poultry producer Foster Farms after an animal-rights group shot undercover video showing some chickens being slammed upside-down into metal shackles, punched and having their feathers pulled out while they were still alive.

UPDATE: Foster Farms Suspends Workers Following Release Of Animal Cruelty Video

The video, obtained by The Associated Press in advance of its release Wednesday, was shot by the Los Angeles-based Mercy for Animals, which advocates against eating meat. The group said the footage was shot between April and June at a Foster Farms slaughterhouse in Fresno and the company’s nearby farms.

It would seem like simple logic to me that abused hens who had horrible lives (and deaths) aren’t very healthy for us (or for them)  Most of my relatives do eat meat and I beg them to try and find a local farmer who has a small farm with a smaller amount pastured chickens and cows.  These small local farms do exist and this is what we should be supporting. If you do eat meat please go to your local farmer’s market or ask around at your local health food store.  There is no need to support the abuse. I can guarantee I wouldn’t recommend any family member eat these unhealthy abused chickens who were probably sick and not fed properly to boot (When they weren’t being kicked by a boot)

Even more from the article:

Among the footage, workers are shown throwing bins of live chicks onto the ground, after which some are shown apparently unable to move. Other footage shows what Mercy for Animals said are the bodies of chickens boiled alive after missing an automatic knife that’s supposed to slit their necks at the Fresno slaughterhouse.

Matt Rice, director of investigations for Mercy for Animals, said his group believes the footage is emblematic of operations at Foster Farms and that the company’s management took no corrective actions after abuse was reported by an undercover employee.

“Workers were seen routinely abusing animals,” Rice said. “It is unacceptable for Foster Farms workers to punch even one animal, much less countless animals on a daily basis.

The problem with these giant corporations is that they have been around for well over 100 years (this one since 1877!) and they get away with murder. Pun not intended. I applaud Mercy For Animals for stepping up where our slacker government agencies (who should be ashamed of themselves) do not. I don’t know how many more decades we’ll have to hear about the ag gag bills being passed (where it’s illegal to film this activity!) or the abuse of livestock before something is done. At least MFA is making a dent and for that I’m very proud of them.

Oh and you can read all the mumbo jumbo Foster Farms said about their strict standards, but I hold them responsible too. What? No hidden cameras? No supervisors? Or were they in on it too? I would suspect the bottom line is the almighty dollar and it’s difficult for me to believe they care one iota about the animals they slaughter- even when they are alive.