Mercy For Animals v Egg Industry

[flvegan]

A new Mercy For Animals undercover investigation takes you behind the closed doors of one of California’s largest egg factory farms, exposing the hidden cost of egg production - cruelty to animals.

Hidden camera video recorded in early 2008 at Gemperle Enterprises in Merced County, California, a supplier to NuCal Foods Inc. - the largest distributor of shell eggs in the Western US - reveals:

* Rotting carcasses in cages with live hens still laying eggs for human consumption.

* Birds suffering from untreated broken bones, open wounds, infections and prolapses.

* Workers brutally killing sick hens by grabbing their heads and swinging their bodies around to break their necks, or through neck-twisting, often resulting in a prolonged, torturous death.

* Workers roughly and forcefully handling birds, resulting in injuries, such as broken bones and blunt trauma.

* Hens covered in excrement, confined five to seven per cage the size of a file drawer, unable to stretch their wings, move freely or exercise.

* Crippled hens left to languish in cage aisles without access to food, water, or veterinary care.

The findings of MFA's new investigation are similar to those documented at numerous egg farms across the country in recent years – illustrating that animal neglect and abuse are the egg industry standard, not the exception.

*******************************

I won't link to their investigation start page, as a video automatically launches, and some may find it disturbing. Here's their diary, though:

http://www.mercyforanimals.org/CAEggs/field-notes.asp

PETA fields the ball:

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/arbys_wendys_eggs

Having done a couple raids on battery hen operations, this doesn't shock me, and I have no question as to the validity of MFA's claims.

[Coyote_Bandit]

1. I grew up on a farm where operations included egg production

and I continue to know folks who work in the industry. I have recently observed their operations and can state with absolute certainty that they do not resemble those described/depicted by the OP. Some produce organic eggs. Some don't. Virtually all produce in excess of 10,000 eggs daily.

Egg producers are typically paid less than 2 cents per egg - even for the highest quality organic eggs. Daily production of 10,000 eggs will gross the producer less than $200 per day. He takes his operating expenses out of that, pays his taxes, his farm mortgage and utilities, and he eeks out a living from what is left. It is not uncommon for his contract to define what veterinary care the producer is and is not allowed to provide. Sometimes his contract stipulates that he can only use company sponsored veterinary care. And it is typical for the company with whom the producer is contracted for distribution to assume responsibility for providing feed, transportation for eggs and chickens and disposition of the flock. The egg producers often have very little control over these issues. And little ability to walk away. If one is producing in excess of 10,000 eggs each day they can't exactly sell 'em all at the local farmers market. Many egg producers own relatively small patches of real estate and simply would not find it remotely possible to earn a livelihood by raising crops or livestock on their property.

It is important to note that there are large scale operations that are far more humane than those described/depicted in the OP. Chickens need not be confined to cages or prohibited from having access to the outdoors (weather providing) - but if they are not confined they must be trained to lay their eggs in the cages. And it most definitely is possible to train them when they are young. The essence of that training is to teach the young chicks that the cage is a place of safety and sanctuary - much like one would train a dog to voluntarily use a crate. A responsible egg producer will tend to the health and cleanliness of his chickens and their environment. Arguably that includes the occasional use of antibiotics to control disease within the flock - a practice that disqualifies the eggs from being certified as organic.

There are some horrible things that happen in this industry. Some egg producers are cruel to their birds. Some distributors restrict veterinary care of the birds and feed substandard meal. And some of the horrors are perpetrated in the interest of humane treatment of the flocks.

Egg producers do not actually own their flocks - their distribution company does. When chickens age they produce fewer eggs. Those eggs have thinner shells and often they have multiple yolks. When production drops to a certain level over a period of time the distributor will take possession of the flock. After the facilities and equipment have been thoroughly cleaned the egg producer will receive a new flock. What does that distribution company do with the flock after it takes possession of the birds? Typically the entire herd is gassed and killed before leaving the premises. Why? Because transportation of live birds in crates is considered cruel. The gassed birds, in turn, are often used to make pet food.

[galledgoblin]

4. did any of the farmers consider direct marketing or a local coop?

selling eggs directly to local markets and cutting out the "middle men" makes a massive difference in profits. partnering with neighboring farms as a cooperative means the start-up costs (like packaging machines) and risks are spread out enough to make it manageable, and still avoids tying into corporate practices.

[Coyote_Bandit]

5. Not a viable option

These folks live in a fairly rural area that is not heavily populated. There are a number of other egg producers in the area. Each of which easily produce in excess of 10,000 eggs per day. Often, part of the work of egg production involves sorting and packaging eggs. While distribution is a major concern it is not the only issue.

Egg producers do not own their flocks - and don't want to own their flocks. Chickens are doing good to produce salable eggs for a year or so. After that period of time their egg shells thin and they often produce eggs with multiple yolks. Since egg producers do not own the flock they do not have to provide accomodations for broiler chickens that have not matured enough to produce eggs and they do not have to deal with the disposition of the flock - both of which occur with some frequency. Usually about every 10 months or so.

Another major issue is the disposition of chicken litter when cleaning the chicken houses between flocks. There is ongoing litigation (Oklahoma vs. Arkansas) regarding groundwater contamination because sometimes this stuff is used as fertilizer - or livestock feed. Egg producers have limited options in disposing of this stuff. But many of the distribution companies now assume responsibility for its removal and disposition. It can be rendered into commercial fertilizer instead of being spread directly onto pasturland.

[flvegan]

7. How do the male chicks do after sexing?

Just sort of wondering what type of bag they're tossed in to suffocate.

Any time a human or humans utilize animals for profit, there will be abuse.

Prove me wrong. Oh, and to sidestep the snark, the one you might find, I'll counter with 1,000.

Your move.

[Coyote_Bandit]

9. Guess what?

The egg producers (farmers) have absolutely nothing to do with the sexing process. They care for a flock (which they do not own and which is mature when provided to them), train the birds, gather the eggs (a process that is often far from being entirely automated), clean them, package them, store them in a temperature controlled environment and often transport them to a distribution center. It is long, hard, dirty, smelly work that all too often is looked down on and criticized.

I never said there wasn't abuse in this industry. There is. However, with a few exceptions, you are wrong to place the blame on the producers (farmers). Many of the egg producers (farmers) put forth extra effort, assume significantly higher risks and bear higher expenses in an effort to care for the flock and produce a product that is free of hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals. Yet some consider these producers just as cruel as the worst offenders in the industry. Seems no good deed goes unpunished in some circles.

The organic flocks I am familiar with are gassed uppn disposition and then transported and used to make premium pet food. They are not captured and suffocated in bags. Some physical facilities permit large numbers of chickens to be simultaneously gassed. And guess what? The egg producers (farmers) are not involved in the disposition (gassing) of the flock. The company that owns the flock is responsible.

Any time there is a financial motive there is likely to be abuse. Animals are not the only victims. So is the planet. So are other people. The motivations of humanity and all of its institutions and organizations are suspect. Even the not for profit charitable do gooders have advertising and marketing campaigns where success is all too often measured in dollars.

Assuming or inferring that everyone who works in this industry is cruel is somewhat like inferring that all folks of color deal drugs. It simply ain't true - in eaither case. You have confused the part with the whole. There is nothing to be proven. I've observed the operations of several responsible organic egg prpducers over a period of time. You know nothing of their operations.

[LeftyMom]

11. It really doesn't matter who owns them or does which abuse.

First of all, this IS an animal rights group, so I like to think we're all over the idea of owning other living beings.

Second of all, we're talking about animals which are bred, held captive, used and killed for human convenience. All are bred into unhealthy bodies, distorted in order to make them ideal for exploitation by humans. Half are crushed or suffocated soon after birth simply because they aren't the correct sex for this particular exploitation. The remainder are kept captive, with numbers of animals far beyond their ability to maintain social order, fed an unnatural diet, sometimes force molted by manipulated the lighting, and then killed when five percent of their natural lifespan is exhausted because their bodies begin to break down and it's cheaper to replace them. It doesn't matter who "owns" them, or if an attempt is made to improve conditions slightly, because this process is inherently abusive, and we should never applaud the commodification of living beings or excuse those who participate in it.

I can't believe somebody even tried to defend the egg industry in this group. Honestly, I'm appalled.

[Coyote_Bandit]

15. Nothing like guilt by association

Nothing like determining someone is cruel just because of the industry in which they work. You condemn farmers for industry practices in which they do not participate and over which they have no influence or control.

I will be sure and tell the good responsible organic egg producers that I know that the animal rights activists do not give a damn that they put forth extra effort and expense in an effort to insure the welfare of their flock. They don't give a damn whether they feed whole grain food that contains no hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals. They don't give a damn that they allow free outdoor access and protection from natural predators. They don't care that they provide veterinary care. Because these egg producers work in the poultry industry they are deemed cruel. That assessment has nothing to do with how they act and how they care for the flock. Perhaps these folks would be better advised to cage the birds and do whatever is necessary to earn more money. Perhaps they should engage in the very acts of which they are presumed guilty. No reason not to. Aside from their own conscience of course.

I did not realize that those of us who support animal welfare or who were vegetarian or vegan for reasons other than animal rights were not welcome in this group. But I suspect that really is just a fabrication with little substance. Of course, being made to feel unwelcome on DU is all too common these days. Oh well. Yawn. And, as you no doubt are aware, there are differences - often significant differences - between animal rights and animal welfare groups.

Ownership is the legal right to possess and control. I own my dogs. I keep them in my home or in my fenced yard or otherwise in my possession and under my control whether traveling seat belted in my vehicle or walking on a leash in the park. They have been trained to obey my commands and be subject to my control. I am responsible for all aspects of their care. If I were not a responsible owner I would allow them to roam and I would ignore their training. I fail to see anything offensive about such ownership. Netiher do most rescue groups.

I do think that the animal rights folks would be well advised to speak favorably of those who work toward animal welfare - and that includes responsible egg producers. It is simply unrealistic to think that humans are going to forego consumption of animals and their byproducts. That is true regardless of your moral outrage. Would you rather have egg producers that allow outdoor access, provide veterinary care and feed full grain foods or would you rather they all meet your very low expectations? You might consider that those who put forth those extra efforts have very little incentive to do so - and your blanket condemnation certainly does not reinforce or encourage their efforts. Your choice. But the simple fact is your moral outrage will not shut down the industry. And make no mistake you have no more right to enforce your moral choices on society than the fundamentalist tongue talking preacher down the street. Making your own choices does not grant the right to enforce them for others.

I recognize the sacrifices of responsible egg producers and applaud their efforts to insure the welfare of the flock as best they can. You have clearly demonstrated that it is a thankless effort. Logic requires that offenses be proven. It is logically impossible to prove a negative. If you think a particular and specific egg producer is cruel then prove it.

[flvegan]

8. Oh, and prove it.

It is important to note that there are large scale operations that are far more humane than those described/depicted in the OP.

There are not, and I challenge you to prove up your claim, providing the names, etc of said large scale "humane" operations.

[Coyote_Bandit]

10. What you have concluded is no different than

saying that all folks of color deal drugs. Simply ain't true. I don't have to prove it and your conclusion is equally offensive.

My only obligation is to report animal cruelty to legal authorities in the jurisdictions in question.

I do not answer to you.



Edit to add:
A previous post would suggest that you "enjoy" (your word not mine) the destruction of property that belongs to other folks and is used to generate their livelihood. Absent legal authorization that is just another incarnation of terrorism and vigilantism IMHO.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=231&topic_id=15986
From 5/30/2007
"The sinking of the Hvalur 5 and 6. In case you've never read the firsthand account, please sit back, get comfy, grab a beverage and enjoy the nonviolence..."

Provide names, etc? No fucking way. You've already judged them guilty.

[LeftyMom]

12. Nobody gets cited in egg industry cruelty to chickens.

Because cruelty laws generally exempt "industry standard" practices, no matter how cruel or horrible, and there's no practice terrible enough to surpass this standard.

That's not hyperbole. There was a case here in CA where two different egg farms needed to "dispose" of some live spent laying hens. They fed them through a woodchipper alive. No charges were filed, because they claimed their vet approved.

Other cases involving intentional starvation also brought no charges.

Poultry is exempt from federal animal welfare standards. The local folks have no power to prosecute cases of even extreme cruelty in egg or broiler operations. So reporting animal cruelty on egg farms does precisely nothing.

[Coyote_Bandit]

13. Point is

you lack both the objectivity and the authority to assess whether conditions are in fact cruel. You have already concluded that they are cruel - without knowing specific conditions of a given operation.

[flvegan]

14. Indeed.

I don't cry when a cop pulls a PIT maneuver to stop a felon, thereby destroying the car. If property is participating in illegal activities (the Hvalur 5 and 6 were sunk after the IWC moratorium) and the ensuing deaths of animals or people, I see nothing wrong in righting that wrong through nonviolent tactics.

"Terrorism and vigilantism" are cute right wing buzzwords.

[Coyote_Bandit]

16. Perhaps

you would care to explain why sinking a whaling ship is acceptable while bombing an abortion clinic afterhours is not acceptable.

Or are both acceptable?

[flvegan]

17. Not really.

It's an idiotic parallel to draw, and it would still just be my opinion. To answer your second question, one is, in circumstances, acceptable and one is never acceptable, again, in my opinion.

I also wanted to add that it's flattering that you dug through my posts to find my support of the sinking of the whaling fleet.

[Coyote_Bandit]

18. Don't be flattered

I was offended when you posted it.

[flvegan]

19. Good for you.

And trust me, your concern is truly noted.

You probably get offended by quite a bit of what's posted in this forum, and by me particularly then.

Sorry 'bout that.

[Critters2]

20. If one must eat eggs, and many here have proven it is not necessary,

at least they should be produced and purchased from samll, family organic farms without large confinements. Confinements lend themselves to cruelty. And yes, I do know what I'm talking about. I've probably been in more egg confinements than you, and I've seen the worst of this industry. And when it's done industrially--that is, in large confinements--there is no "best".

For those who feel the need to eat eggs, I'd recommend they find producers here:

http://www.localharvest.org/

[flvegan]

2. Trader Joe's dumps Gemperle over this

FRESNO - Trader Joe's announced today that it will stop carrying eggs from a central California farm where an animal rights group shot undercover video showing chickens being mistreated by workers.

Footage released earlier this week by the Chicago-based nonprofit Mercy for Animals showed hens at Gemperle Enterprises' farms confined in crowded metal cages with rotting bird corpses.

The Monrovia-based chain decided against carrying Gemperle eggs because "it is of utmost importance that all of our vendors abide by industry established animal care practices," Trader Joe's spokeswoman Alison Mochizuki said.

Previously, the chain's Northern California and Northern Nevada stores had sourced conventional eggs from NuCal Foods Inc., which also distributes eggs from Gemperle and dozens of other farms to Raley's and SaveMart Supermarkets.

Mochizuki said the Trader Joe's ban on Gemperle eggs was indefinite.

[galledgoblin]

3. factory farms are horrific

for the animals AND the human workers- the only benefit is in the profit margin of the larger company. :puke:

I eat eggs, but only from genuine free range farms. it's insane that something so basic as letting the hens run around in a field has been cut out of the food process.

if you're in a supermarket and don't trust the label on a carton, examine the eggs themselves- thin shells represent distress in the hens and heavy emphasis on manufacturing.

[Coyote_Bandit]

6. Thin egg shells

can also be an indication that the hens are old. So can eggs with multiple yolks.

And some of those free range farms are really free range weather permitting. Not all but some. You really need to be familiar with the operation in question.