In 2012, over 254 million turkeys were raised for slaughter in the United States, a two percent increase from 2011’s total. Around 46 million of those turkeys were served for Thanksgiving dinner. The image of a turkey on the table is commonly associated with the holiday season. However, most people do not think about where exactly the turkey came from. And, no, I’m not talking about the grocery store.
Turkeys are raised for slaughter in poorly ventilated industrial production facilities. They are packed into cages so small that most turkeys have portions of their sensitive, nerve-filled beaks and toes removed without anesthesia in order to prevent them from ripping into each other’s flesh in close confinement. Due to selective breeding, turkeys grow three times larger than their wild counterparts in a span of four short months, resulting in numerous health problems like heart disease and painful leg disorders. The ammonia-filled building additionally results in respiratory issues and irritated eyes.
Once turkeys reach market weight, they are transported for slaughter. Hundreds of thousands of turkeys die during transport due to stress from the unfamiliar noises and uncomfortable temperatures in addition to food and water deprivation. Furthermore, handlers are rough with the turkeys, evidenced by numerous reports of birds with broken wings and dislocated hips.
The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act requires animals to be sedated and insensible before shackling and slaughter, but the USDA does not interpret this law to include birds killed for food. Turkeys are, therefore, alert and able to feel pain when they are slaughtered. This continues despite a scientific report in 2012, known as the “The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness,” which found that animals are conscious and emotional beings.
Wild turkeys provide further support for the conclusion that animals are conscious beings. They are highly intelligent, playful animals with unique personalities. They are curious and naturally inquisitive, and they enjoy exploring and roaming over large areas of land. Turkeys are also social, forming strong bonds and showing affection toward each other. Turkeys that reside at animal sanctuaries have also been shown to bond with human companions.
ConnCARES visited the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary in New York last year. Sophomore Lizzy Moreno, a club member who attended, said, “One of the turkeys who was genetically modified to overgrow was walking around blissfully, as if he had the most curious and hopeful outlook on the world. He had the aura of a calm, wise, old man, which made sense as this turkey had probably experienced it all.”
So what does this mean? Thanksgiving without turkey? Well, not quite. Vegans and vegetarians actually have plenty of options to make their meal meatless and cruelty free. Gardein makes a vegan turkey loaf that can be found in the frozen section of grocery stores, and Tofurky has been a vegan staple for years, also easily found at a local supermarket. Try a herb and “cheese” drop biscuits, a sweet potato casserole and, because dessert is the best part of the meal, a vegan pumpkin pie with gluten free pecan crust.
