WASHINGTON – An animal interest group claims an undercover video taken at a Minnesota turkey breeding farm before Thanksgiving shows turkeys living in dirty and inhumane conditions.

The video was taken at Hargin, Inc., a turkey breeding operation in Pope County in western Minnesota. Compassion Over Killing claimed responsibility for the video, which was taken by a plant worker with a hidden camera. The group claimed that an estimated 25,000 turkeys were being kept in cramped, filthy conditions.


Speaking to the Star Tribune, Randy Hagen, owner of Hargin, said the company works to comply with animal care guidelines established by the National Turkey Federation, including guidelines for euthanizing sick or injured birds. Hagen added that the company will take action if willful violations of the guidelines are found.