Spilsby-based Hockenhull Turkeys, a notable turkey breeding establishment in Lincolnshire, is at the centre of an investigation due to grave allegations concerning its animal welfare and biosecurity methods. The well-regarded breeder, hitherto supplier of high-quality birds to top-tier stores such as Harrods, has had its status with the Red Tractor food standards assurance scheme suspended.
This development follows the public unveiling of video material by the Green Britain Foundation, an environmental organisation. The footage exhibited workers partaking in activities contravening fundamental welfare practices, including inappropriate handling of turkeys and neglecting biosecurity procedures. Particularly alarming footage showed one staff member emitting urine in a pen inhabited by live turkeys.
As a result of the disturbing footage, Hockenhull Turkeys, owned by international company Aviagen Turkeys, has taken prompt disciplinary action against the involved employees. In their official statement, the company expressed significant concern about the occurrence, emphasising that it deviates greatly from their accepted animal care standards. The serious nature of the allegations has elicited a pledge from the company to conduct an exhaustive investigation to resolve the concerns raised.
This story is a reproduction based on the original coverage by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
