RSPCA Assured has condemned the “appalling” alleged treatment of turkeys seen in undercover footage filmed at a KellyBronze farm.
It came as the premium turkey supplier – just two days before Christmas – was the subject of an undercover investigation by animal welfare campaigner Joey Carbstrong, which claimed “widespread abuse” of free-range turkeys had been found at one of its farms in Essex.
Video footage from the investigation appears to show a series of series of animal welfare violations, including hitting, kicking and the violent breaking of turkeys’ necks.
KellyBronze turkeys, which are marketed as high-welfare and free-range are often described as the “Rolls-Royce of Turkey”, with the brand endores by a number of high profile celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver.
“We are appalled by some of the treatment of animals shown in this footage, which is totally unacceptable,” said an RSPCA Assured spokesperson.
“We are urgently investigating the concerns raised and have also reported the footage to the Animal and Plant Health Agency – an official government body with the power to investigate and take action.”
Carbstrong said that he and his team had catalogued “widespread suffering” and hundreds of instances of severe animal cruelty in his investigation, backed by associate lecturer in animal welfare at the University of Winchester, Jenny L Mace.
Among these instances was footage of free-range turkeys being collected from fields with workers kicking and throwing turkeys into trays, and at an abattoir, where turkeys were kicked out of the trays into a holding barn.
The exposé also showed footage from three barns housing turkeys, which appeared to show workers breaking the necks of turkeys, kicking them and throwing injured birds over fences.
Farm staff were additionally recorded stuffing birds into “overcrowded trays” and throwing birds into a bin while they were still showing signs of life.
“The findings of this investigation are deeply shocking and, even as experienced campaigners, have been incredibly distressing to witness,” said Carbstrong. “Turkeys are sensitive, curious, and emotional animals, and to see KellyBronze workers treating the birds like utter garbage is beyond horrific.
“We know this footage is incredibly distressing to watch, but it’s of utmost importance to bring what is done in the dark to the public eye.”
The campaigner also raised concerns about the pre-slaughter stunning of birds using CO2 gas, which is legal under UK law, though the government this week announced plans to outlaw it.
Carbstrong said his footage was collected over 39 days across October and November, using drones and covert cameras.
“We implore the public to see past the carefully crafted promotional campaigns of companies like this and to leave turkeys off your plate this Christmas,” he added.
But in response, the business told The Grocer that Carbstrong had breached biosecurity and illegally entered the sites.
A KellyBronze spokerson also stressed that during processing a vet is legally required to be on site at all times.
“Any concerns relating to handling, treatment or bruising would be identified and raised immediately,” they added.
KellyBronze’s turkeys were handled using established industry methods in loading, transportation and euthanasia, they said, however, the business would be “reviewing the footage reference and will take appropriate action if necessary”.
“This footage does not indicate a systemic issue, nor does it reflect the day-to-day operation of our business or the values we uphold,” said the spokesperson.
“It represents a selectively edited extract from three months of filming taken out of context. We operate an open-door policy and would be happy to welcome you onto the farm to see our operations firsthand.”
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