Factory Farming of Turkeys in Belgium, 2019
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In support of a 2019 seasonal campaign by our Belgian partner GAIA, Tracks undertook an investigation into the factory farming of turkeys.
We documented a catalogue of horrors - dead and dying birds, birds that could not walk, left to crawl around in the 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 and the agriculture minister promising action.
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.
GAIA is calling on the Flemish minister for Animal Welfare to introduce effective legislation to improve on and protect welfare standards for turkeys.
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.