Butterball, one of the largest turkey producers in the United States, is under fire just days before Thanksgiving after a decades-old video resurfaced online showing alleged abuse and mistreatment of turkeys at one of its facilities. The footage, originally captured during an undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2006, has reignited outrage among animal rights activists and consumers alike. Calls for a boycott against Butterball have gained traction on social media as the company works to address the controversy.
The Allegations: A Decades-Old Scandal Resurfaces
The uproar began when PETA activists posted graphic footage from 2006 on social media over the weekend. The video allegedly shows workers at a Butterball plant in Ozark, Arkansas, engaging in acts of cruelty toward live turkeys. According to PETA, employees were filmed bashing birds against steel cages, stomping on their heads until their skulls were crushed, and throwing them against concrete walls.
One particularly disturbing claim from the footage involves workers allegedly sexually abusing the animals. A PETA investigator stated that one worker was seen inserting his finger into a turkey’s vagina “for fun,” while another reportedly simulated sexual acts with a shackled bird. These allegations have sparked widespread condemnation online, with many expressing disgust and vowing to stop purchasing Butterball products.
Social Media Backlash and Calls for Boycott
The resurfacing of this footage has led to an outpouring of anger on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many users have called for a boycott of Butterball products ahead of Thanksgiving, one of the busiest times for turkey sales in the U.S. Comments such as “Boycott Butterball” and “Dinner is canceled” reflect growing consumer frustration over perceived animal cruelty within industrial farming practices.
One user wrote: “YOU ARE DISGUSTING!!! I will never eat another product from your company… You should be ashamed of yourselves.” Others expressed regret over recent purchases of Butterball turkeys and vowed to switch to alternative brands or plant-based options.
Butterball’s Response: Addressing Past Issues
In response to the backlash, Butterball issued a statement clarifying that the video is nearly two decades old and does not reflect current practices at its facilities. A spokesperson emphasized that the footage predates significant changes within the company, including its transition to private ownership and its certification by American Humane.
“Animal care and well-being is central to who we are as a company,” said a Butterball representative in an emailed statement. “This video is not current and was taken prior to our engagement and certification through American Humane.” The company highlighted that it became American Humane certified 11 years ago — making it the first turkey producer in the U.S. to achieve this designation — and undergoes annual third-party audits based on over 200 science-based standards for animal welfare.
Despite these assurances, critics remain skeptical. PETA President Ingrid Newkirk dismissed Butterball’s claims as “humane-washing,” accusing the company of using certifications as a marketing ploy while continuing unethical practices behind closed doors.
No Recall Issued Amid Rumors
Amidst rumors circulating online about potential recalls tied to this controversy, Butterball confirmed there are no active recalls affecting its products. USA TODAY’s recall database corroborates this information, showing no evidence of any current recalls involving Butterball turkeys.
Broader Implications for Animal Welfare Advocacy
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between industrial farming operations and animal rights organizations like PETA. While companies like Butterball tout certifications such as American Humane approval as evidence of improved practices, activists argue that these measures fall short of addressing systemic issues within factory farming.
PETA has long opposed not only animal cruelty but also meat consumption altogether. As part of its campaign against Butterball this Thanksgiving season, PETA plans public demonstrations using its “Hell on Wheels” truck — a hyperrealistic display meant to depict conditions faced by turkeys during transport — outside grocery stores across Delaware.
For consumers concerned about ethical food choices during holiday celebrations, this controversy underscores broader questions about transparency in food production systems and whether certifications adequately ensure humane treatment.
