Local Community Advertising
Sofina Foods Inc. and Elite Farm Services Ltd. have responded to the disturbing undercover video that shows the torture and abuse of chickens at a Chilliwack farm.
The video was filmed between May 10th and June 9th before finally being released on Monday evening.
“We are appalled and extremely shocked by the video footage we saw of a few of our supplier’s employees displaying disturbing and unacceptable behaviours that Sofina Foods Inc. does not in any way tolerate or condone,” said the statement. “Ethical and responsible treatment of animals is of utmost importance to our organization.”
Elite Farm Services was hired to transport the chickens from the Chilliwack poultry farm to Sofina Foods in Port Coquitlam.
In a statement from their President Dwayne Dueck, he said that the five employees involved in the incident have been terminated, adding that their behaviour is not a reflection of Elite Farm Services' beliefs as a company.
"We are sickened with the footage and want to ensure all our suppliers and producers that this is not reflective of who we are, our fundamental beliefs or behavior we accept from our employees," Dueck said. "We are in the process of establishing an advisory committee to review and assist in enhancing our animal care practices and industry standards."
Dueck's statement doesn't say anything about Sofina Foods, but Sofina Foods statement said that they've reached out to Elite Farm Services.
“Sofina Foods Inc. has already been in touch with the owner of the supplier company and requested that all of the supplier’s employees involved in the abusive behaviours be dismissed immediately,” the statement said, before the news of the fired employees surfaced. “We have also expressed our expectation that all of the supplier’s employees be requalified on the importance of animal care and fully understand the consequences of not following protocols.“
They also said they’d cooperate fully with all authorities who may want to take action against these behaviours and are also taking their own steps to investigate the horrific incident.
“We are taking immediate steps with our supplier to initiate a comprehensive investigation of the situation and have engaged internal and external expertise to help us determine proper course of action in line with our animal care commitment and expectations.”
The BC SPCA has already launched an investigation of their own.
WARNING: This video contains graphic images of animal abuse. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Local Community Advertising