Convictions Handed Down for Abuse of Turkeys

For the First Time in U.S. History, Convictions Are Handed Down for the Abuse of Turkeys

In a huge victory for animals, two former Aviagen Turkeys, Inc., employees have been convicted of cruelty to animals following a PETA undercover investigation. This is the first time in U.S. history that factory-farm employees have been convicted of abusing factory-farmed turkeys.

The convictions came following our undercover investigation at Aviagen's factory farms in West Virginia, where workers were documented breaking turkeys' necks, stomping on their heads, and shoving feces and feed into turkeys' mouths.

One of the convicted former workers, Edward Eric Gwinn, admitted guilt to stomping on a turkey's head and lifting a turkey above his head before maliciously throwing the bird to the ground. This morning, he was sentenced to serve 6 months' home confinement on each count, concurrently, and is not allowed to own, live with, or work with any animals for five years.

Another man, Scott Alvin White, admitted to shoving feed down a turkey's throat and maliciously breaking a turkey's neck. White was sentenced to serve the maximum 6 months' jail time on each of two counts, consecutive, for a total of up to 1 year. Read more about the convictions on our blog, The PETA Files.

This is a historic victory for farmed animals, but please know that there is still more that you can do to help. Please write to Aviagen Turkeys, Inc., and demand that it implement PETA's seven-point animal welfare plan. Also, please remember that the best way for any individual to help turkeys who are abused on factory farms is not to eat them. Order a copy of our free "Vegetarian Starter Kit" now, and we'll send you everything you need to get started, including recipes, meal ideas, and more!

Thank you for your compassion towards all animals who suffer on factory farms.

Sincerely,
Dan Paden
Senior Research Associate
Cruelty Investigations Department
PETA