Factory Farming of Turkeys in Belgium
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In December 2022, Tracks investigated the factory farming of turkeys for GAIA - the leading animal protection organisation in Belgium.
In support of a seasonal campaign by our Belgian partner GAIA, Tracks undertook an investigation into the factory farming of turkeys. We documented a catalog of horrors - dead and dying birds, birds that could not walk, left to crawl around in their own faeces. Sadly this is often the case in a factory farm that houses thousands of animals. The response to the investigation has reached many people in Belgium with national TV and press covering the story. This investigation has opened doors - not only have the press revealed the su the investigation has opened doors -
Turkey Farms in Belgium
There are no specific legal standards that govern turkey farming in Flanders (One of the three administrative regions of Belgium) which results in unacceptable suffering for thousands of birds and serious breaches to animal rights.
No clear legal limit has been set in Flanders regarding the stocking density of turkeys. It is up to the farmer to choose how many animals go into one shed - which, as our footage shows, can result in huge numbers of turkeys experiencing barely enough room to breathe.
Our Findings
The footage shows thousands of turkeys living in overcrowded sheds with no daylight and little space. Raised in darkness and dirt, they are severely weakened, and are often seen limping and suffering from necrosis. Needless to say, the mortality rate is high.
Because the breed used in intensive turkey farming is selected for rapid growth, the turkeys get bigger very quickly, growing from 170 grams to 16 kilos, on average, in 16 weeks. Unnaturally large and encumbered, many of these turkeys end up limping and starving to death because they can no longer reach their food and water. They are also unable to clean their feathers, which is a vital need.
GAIA demands that the needs of these animals are met through new standards; including the stocking density should be much lower, turkeys should be able to walk outside, and there should be sufficient suitable perches, dry bedding, and straw bales for them to exert their natural behaviours.
Michel Vandenbosch, President of GAIA, says: "These are mind-boggling images, and as our investigations have proven time and time again, the turkey industry in Flanders is incapable of self-regulation. Animal welfare should never depend on individual farmers only, there must be legislation and control. GAIA cannot be satisfied with a few minimum standards and occasional interventions here and there that make little difference to turkeys….The situation on turkey farms in Flanders is outrageous. There must be concrete, strict and animal-oriented legal standards that effectively safeguard turkey welfare, otherwise, it would be better to close these turkey farms entirely,"
To watch some footage from the investigation click here
GAIA is calling on the Flemish minister for Animal Welfare to introduce effective legislation to improve on and protect welfare standards for turkeys.
Investigation featured in multiple media outlets including:
Tracks Investigations has undertaken over 295 investigative film projects supporting over 40 conservation, environmental and animal protection NGOs since its inception in 2006. Learn more about how you can work with us here. To support our investigative work for animals, click here.