Industry Associations Support Hybrid Turkeys Commitment to Animal Welfare
Employees Remain Suspended Pending Full Investigation
KITCHENER, ON, March 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Hybrid Turkeys has taken clear steps to enhance the ethical and responsible treatment of the turkey flocks in their care. Last week Hybrid became the first company to announce video monitoring of all euthanasia of birds under their care. Four employees were suspended by the company based on a viewing of video taken in their barn by an undercover animal activist. Hybrid has pledged to fully participate in any and all investigations regarding the matter.
Industry support has been strong, supporting the pro-active steps Hybrid Turkeys is taking. Turkey Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Ontario, and the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council have all commended the actions taken by Hybrid in response to the undercover animal activist video shown to company executives recently. An online statement from the Turkey Farmers of Ontario says "The new policies announced today – specifically the requirement for mandatory video monitoring and veterinary review of all turkey euthanasia – demonstrates leadership and an understanding that both the industry and the Canadian consumers expect the highest standards of animal care in turkey production."
David Libertini, Managing Director said, "Hybrid has zero tolerance for animal abuse and we have taken clear and immediate steps to address the situation. We have continued to request a copy of all video footage captured on our facilities in order to conduct a thorough investigation. Unfortunately, after multiple requests, the footage has still not been made available to us." The incident is an isolated event; however Hybrid Turkeys does not take this situation lightly. A third party investigation to review their policies and procedures is underway.
"As an innovative, responsible company, Hybrid Turkeys is continuously looking for ways to improve our flocks and the care that we provide them at all stages in their life cycle. The cooperative research initiated with the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare will investigate ways to enhance the care and welfare of our Turkeys." says Libertini.
Animal care and well-being is central to the operations of our company, and we remain committed to the ethical and responsible care of our turkey flocks.
Please visit our website for additional details. www.hybridturkeys.com
About Hybrid Turkeys
Hybrid Turkeys is the world leader in turkey genetics. Hybrid produces premium quality, high health parent stock eggs and poults for customers around the world. Hybrid Turkeys is located in Kitchener, Ontario
SOURCE: Hybrid Turkeys
Dr. Helen Wojcinski, 519-578-2740, [email protected]
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