I'm thrilled to share a significant milestone in our journey towards a more compassionate food system. Foster Farms — a company where Animal Outlook has previously exposed shocking cruelty at one of its turkey hatchery facilities — has announced the permanent closure of its turkey killing plant in Turlock, California, in May 2025.
This closure, which the company admits is being driven by declining consumer demand for turkey products, signals a powerful shift in the market. As more people are exposed to the severe overcrowding, painful skeletal problems, and stressful conditions these birds endure in today's agriculture systems, we're witnessing real-time change.
Our investigations at Foster Farms facilities exposed truths that needed to be heard. In 2015, we uncovered heartbreaking abuse of day-old turkeys, including painful mutilations without painkillers and birds being ground up alive. Last year, our undercover investigator witnessed disturbing practices in the company's chicken operations, documenting serious cruelty that no living being should endure.
Left: Baby turkeys vigorously flail their wings and legs as parts of their beaks are burned off
Right:Â A worker carelessly throws three live chickens at a metal transport crate
This facility closure — following Cargill's recent announcement to shutter its Arkansas turkey plant — represents a seismic shift in consumer consciousness. Your support and dedication to choosing compassionate alternatives are creating waves of change throughout the industry.
This is more than just a business closure — it's a testament to the power of informed consumers choosing more humane alternatives. Every time you choose vegan options, you're voting for a future where fewer animals suffer. You're part of a growing movement that's reshaping the food industry from the ground up.
Ready to be part of this transformative moment? Here's how you can amplify your impact:
Take our VegPledge today and join thousands exploring delicious vegan alternatives
Make a donation to fuel our next groundbreaking investigation — every gift helps expose the truth and create lasting change
Follow us on social media for the latest updates and vegan inspiration (links below)
The future is vegan, and it's unfolding before our eyes. Together, we're not just witnessing change — we're creating it. Every meal is an opportunity to choose compassion, and every choice brings us closer to a world where all animals are protected from cruelty.
Thank you for being part of this historic shift. Your commitment to kindness is helping write a new chapter in our food system's story.
For the animals,
Ben Williamson
Executive Director
P.S. Ready to make a difference? Take the VegPledge now and be part of the solution.
As a non-profit organization, Animal Outlook relies on donations from caring, generous people like you. Every dollar matters. Your support makes a world of difference to farmed animals. Â
