Turkeys injured and bloodied on Norfolk free range farm

An Animal Aid video exposé, featuring undercover footage from a free-range and RSPCA-assured farm, operated by Bernard Matthews – one of the UK’s largest turkey producers – reveals animals with bloodied and infected head wounds. The footage also shows a dead bird, and a dying bird with such severe head injuries that their features can hardly be detected.

Bernard Matthews produces turkey meat for high street supermarkets, including Lidl, Co-Operative, Marks & Spencer and others.

Says Luke Steele, Farming and Slaughter Campaigns Manager, Animal Aid:

‘The dreadful state in which these free-range birds were in clearly caused them immense distress. I am sure those contemplating buying a Christmas turkey will be equally shocked at the suffering that could have been endured by the turkey they are planning to buy. Some of these birds were injured, bloodied and at least one of them had not survived.

‘Animal Aid is calling on caring people everywhere to simply swap turkey for a meat-free alternative this Christmas. Never before has it been so easy to enjoy a cruelty-free festive meal.’

Animal Aid and the Save Movement will be holding a peaceful vigil outside the Bernard Matthews turkey abattoir at Great Witchingham, Norfolk, on Thursday 15 December 2016 from 07.00 – 12.00.

Notes for editors

• Animal Aid’s investigation was conducted at Bernard Matthews, The Old Airfield, Airfield Lane, Weston Longville, NR9 5JF on Wednesday 23 November 2016.
• Animal Aid has a strict investigations policy which ensures adherence to biosecurity measures, obtaining access to premises without causing any damage to property and seeking to ensure that no stress is caused to animals at sites visited.
• For more information and to interview Luke Steele, please phone 01732 364546.