Turkey farm in Italy suspended after filmed abuse

These penalties not only underscore the necessity of respecting animal welfare, but also the urgency for the EU to update and enforce its animal protection regulations as quickly as possible, in order to help the millions of animals still suffering in obscurity.

A turkey farm in Italy was suspended and fined more than 12’000 euros after the shocking treatment of the animals was brought to light in the 2024 documentary «Food for Profit». The animal welfare problem of industrial livestock farming is plain to see.

The exposed turkey operation near Rieti in the Lazio region breeds turkeys for meat production in six sheds with a maximum capacity of 43’000 animals. It operates on behalf of one of Italy’s best-known poultry meat brands.

Brutal treatment of animals documented

The investigation by LAV (Lega Anti Vivisezione) brought several disturbing truths to light regarding the way this operation is run. It emerged that workers were frequently unregistered and paid according to the number of lorries they had filled with turkeys subsequently transported to the slaughterhouse. They were therefore incentivised to load the turkeys into the lorries as quickly as possible, with animal welfare sacrificed entirely in the interest of productivity. These sentient beings were forced and crammed into cages with no regard for their well-being, and were treated miserably and brutally — so extremely so that many of them appeared injured or even dead in the investigation footage.

Subsequent inspections by the police confirmed what had already been recorded: that several violations had been committed at this facility, including serious animal abuse, failure to implement biosecurity measures and to register the animals housed at the facility, delays in recording pharmacological treatments, and serious workplace safety deficiencies.

Too many animals suffer in similar ways across the EU

It is welcome that action has been taken against this facility for its disregard of animal welfare and other dangerous practices. Such penalties are crucial for protecting the welfare of thousands of animals each year.

However, there are too many facilities in the EU applying comparable practices without facing any consequences. Over the years, several organisations have exposed the mistreatment, abuse and neglect of animals in intensive farming facilities across Europe. Their work and other investigations in the field of animal husbandry have shown that animals are frequently crammed together with thousands of others in sheds where they have barely any room to breathe and never see daylight. More on animal rights.

"It is time for EU policymakers to intervene. Only by modernising animal welfare regulations and promoting a transition to more sustainable food systems can the EU begin to address the root causes of so many animal welfare problems and grievances in livestock farming as a whole." Lorenza Bianchi, Head of Food Transition, LAV

These findings make it abundantly clear that not only must individual farms be penalised for their cruelty to animals, but the industrial model itself must also be held accountable for its harmful impact on animal welfare. If it is not compelled to change on a large scale, it will only continue to create conditions for animal suffering.

We are pleased that the turkey farm we investigated has been inspected and sanctioned. However, this is only one facility that is part of a much larger and more disturbing problem: the factory farming model, which is based on the exploitation of sentient individuals. The entire system must be held accountable for the severe harm it has caused to millions, and it must urgently be changed.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose compassion on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.