In California's justice system, rescue sick chickens and you'll be prosecuted; kick, throw, and run over chickens with forklifts and youcan walk away scot-free.
One year ago, we presented Fresno County officials with undeniable evidence of horrific animal abuse at a Foster Farms facility. Our undercover investigator documented workers running over live chickens with forklifts, throwing and kicking birds, and leaving animals trapped and suffering in cage doors — all while supervisors stood by watching.
And what has happened since then? No public resolution or accountability.
For 365 days, Fresno County officials have had our comprehensive investigation and legal analysis on their desks. For 365 days, they've had the power to hold Foster Farms accountable for these documented violations of animal cruelty laws. For 365 days, this investigation has dragged on without resolution while Foster Farms continues to operate as usual.
This isn't just disappointing — it's outrageous.
Foster Farms markets itself as "American Humane Certified™" and claims its chickens enjoy "freedom from discomfort," "freedom from injury, pain, and disease," and "freedom from fear and distress." Yet our investigation revealed the brutal reality: forklifts crushing birds multiple times, workers throwing birds against cages from long distances, and animals trapped with their heads or wings stuck between cage doors.
Left: A worker kicks chickens during the transport process
Right: A worker carelessly throws chickens at a metal transport crate
This is not Foster Farms' first offense. Our 2015 investigation exposed baby turkeys thrown at extreme speeds and painfully mutilated without painkillers, while Animal Equality documented similar horrors in 2022, filing a lawsuit after finding baby chicks crushed, drowned, and mutilated. Foster Farms' disregard extends to humans too, with California authorities fining them $3.8 million for Covid-19 sick leave violations in 2022 according to The Business Journal, and the USDA threatening shutdown in 2013 after a Salmonella outbreak sickened nearly 300 people across 17 states according to NBC News.
When authorities fail to act, they send a clear message that animal suffering doesn't matter. They tell corporations like Foster Farms — which reportedly earned $3 billion in revenue last year — that profits trump compassion.
We refuse to accept this investigation dragging on any longer. And we need your voice.
Take action now: Comment on the Fresno County Sheriff's Department's recent social media posts. Ask them directly: Why have no animal cruelty charges been filed against Foster Farms despite clear evidence of abuse presented a year ago?
Your public comments create accountability. They show officials we're watching, we remember, and we demand justice. When enough voices join together, they cannot ignore us.
Together, we are a force that cannot be silenced. Together, we will hold Foster Farms accountable.
For the animals,
Ben Williamson
Executive Director
P.S. After commenting on the Sheriff's social media, please forward this email to friends who care about animal welfare. The more voices speaking out, the greater our impact.
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