07/09/2006

Turkey plant workers sentenced for cruelty

Two workers at a turkey plant have been sentenced to community service after they were secretly filmed beating turkeys with sticks.

Norwich magistrates heard how Daniel Palmer, 27, and Neil Allan, 30 were secretly filmed using poles to hit turkeys as though they were playing baseball, prosecutor Jonathan Eales.

The two men had been employed as turkey catchers at Bernard Matthews' Beck Farm in Felthorpe, near Norwich.

They were secretly filmed by undercover RSPCA investigators at the plant. Mr Eales said that a vet who saw the subsequent footage said that it was the "most hideous and blatant" abuse he had seen in 25 years.

Both pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and were sentenced to 200 hours community service.

(KMcA)

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