Mel (& Paul) Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 I would imagine a lot of the workers are also paid low wages and given little respect - in turn they have no respect for the animals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 That's not an excuse though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellcat Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 but it is a valid point - pay peanuts, get monkeys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 There are plenty of other animal related jobs that pay peanuts and they don't suffer from the cruelty factor, kennels, stables, junior vet nurses etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellcat Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 Louise, I'm on your side, honest! I was just being a bit flippant. Probably not a good time for it, so I apologise. I know what you mean, I was furious when I saw it, and it tars everyone who works in animal related industries with the same brush. He'll get his someday, what goes around comes around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggle Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 I have also sent an email expressing my disgust. I also cannot believe that these people actually take pleasure from such horrific acts. It makes me feel sick. Whilst I do not eat meat, I do not have any problem with animals being reared for this purpose, if and only if, they are treated with respect during their short lives. If they are being bred for our needs, the least we can do is treat them fairly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 There are plenty of other animal related jobs that pay peanuts and they don't suffer from the cruelty factor, kennels, stables, junior vet nurses etc I agree Louise - a lot is to do with the respect those people are shown and the fact they go into a job because they love animals, rather than because its the only form of employment they can get because they are morons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 I wasn't upset Helen I just get very hot under the collar with this - sorry I have a bee in my bonnet about farm animal welfare I'm afraid I have seen some great farms in my time and also some shocking ones and I don't know why they can't all be nice If there was a formal regulation things would improve but it would have to be paid for and that would mean that the meat prices would go up and we all know what the great british public would think to that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 I expect all those of you who sent emails have had a reply today from them, like I have: For those of you who didn't contact them, here's their response: Thank you for your comments and concerns regarding cruelty by a catching team, shown on the news recently. As we said publicly on the television, we are horrified by the abuse of our birds by these people and condemn their behaviour unreservedly. What was shown is totally contrary to all our principles, policies and procedures. We have been in business for over 50 years and employ more than 3500 people in the UK. The vast majority of our agricultural farm managers have been with the Company for more that 20 years and take great pride in their work. They are equally shocked. We are committed to high standards of welfare. Our sites are open to inspection by the authorities at any time. Such inspections are carried out by the RSPCA, Trading Standards and our supermarket customers on a regular basis. You will therefore understand how sickened we are that this handful of people has behaved so appallingly. This is not the way we care for our birds or do business. We confirm that the people concerned have been suspended and that the matter is being fully investigated. We are working closely with the authorities and the RSPCA. There are further meetings today to go through in more detail the film footage that has been sent to us. We expect the RSPCA to prosecute those who committed this cruelty. We note your comments about ceasing to purchase our products and understand your sentiments. Indeed, we share your feelings of anger and horror. We recognise that our systems have failed in this instance and would stress that this is not typical of our operation. Sadly, your understandable actions will penalise our many staff who, like you, are disgusted and horrified by the behaviour of these individuals. Please be assured that we will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that such maltreatment does not happen again. Yours sincerely for Bernard Matthews Foods Ltd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 At least they have responded and are supporting the prosecution of the morons that did it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 I think they aren't being that honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggle Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 I received an identical email in response to my complaint. I'm not sure whether i think they are concerned or indifferent... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Too be honest I do not think they are bothered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 It's a high profile case with lot at risk for their buisness Martin. I'd say they are probably a bit hot under the collar about it. Lets hope they do do something about it Martin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Like what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Like treating animals with the respect they deserve Martin, regardless of how long they have or what they are being breed for. I assume you know what has been going on with they turkeys they were breeding? Did you see the pictures in the newspapers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Yer I did, but I can't see them changing what they do and how they treat the animals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyhere Posted May 7, 2006 Author Share Posted May 7, 2006 i have yet to recieve any email from this company. the fact is that all of their spin and properganda is total rubbish. BM have long been recognised as one of the worst offenders in animal cruelty and only come out with the usual "were very sorry" rubbish when they get caught. As for the RSPCA being involved, well this is laughable, they are about as effective as a chocolate fire guard. The RSPCA Freedom Food label is just a marketing ploy that food companies use. It is infact the bare minimum requirements of animal welfare and dosn't mean that any product with this label on comes from "happy animals" The RSPCA are aware of the terrible conditions, but like BM, only make a statement when things become public. The part in the email ""Sadly, your understandable actions will penalise our many staff who, like you, are disgusted and horrified by the behaviour of these individuals. "" This is a blatent guilt trip to make us think that by not buying their stuff we will infact be making their employees go hungry! VIVA have the following reports about the continual abuse of animals at BM farms. http://www.viva.org.uk/mediareleases/pr2003/03-21bernardmatthews.htm http://www.viva.org.uk/campaigns/turkeys/turkeys-companyinfo.htm If you go to the main site and search for Bernard Matthews you will find many more reports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 8, 2006 Share Posted May 8, 2006 Their cavalier behaviour disgusts me Gary, and if a member fo the public was found guilty of, say, kicking their dog, they would either be fined or face a prison sentence. I am sure that BM won't be bothered by a fine as they have so much money anyway - the way to penalise them would be to use the press to draw attention to their actions an hopefully people will vote with their feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacedhopper Posted May 8, 2006 Share Posted May 8, 2006 Obvious from the above statement the only concern they have is for the loss of money and not the mistreatment of animals, typical BM. Staff suspended ?? why not, if they are shocked at this treatment being instantly dismissed, its quite clear from the video and pictures who the culprits are. This statement is just spin like already stated. Stuff them and their immoral profits. PS Garyhere, whats the picture on your avatar ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyhere Posted May 8, 2006 Author Share Posted May 8, 2006 the pic on my post's is the cover of Hazel O'Connors latest cd, Hidden Heart. forget everything you think you know about Hazel, this cd will blow you away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
