EMMET, Ark. — Animal rights organization PETA sent a letter Tuesday to Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton requesting an investigation into the alleged deaths of thousands of chickens at a contract poultry farm near Emmet.
According to PETA, a contract chicken farmer contacted the organization after reporting that a Tyson Foods subcontractor bulldozed six chicken sheds on his property with live birds still inside. The farmer claims the shed roofs collapsed during last week’s ice storm.
The property owner told PETA he contacted Tyson Foods after the collapse and was informed the company would suffocate the birds with foam. Instead, PETA alleges a subcontracting crew demolished the structures on January 30, crushing many birds and leaving others to die beneath the debris.
The farmer also reported that some chickens who escaped were run over by a bulldozer, while others were allegedly beaten to death by crew members, according to the letter.
PETA says the property owner provided photos and videos recorded on January 30 and February 2 showing live chickens being run over and injured and dead birds amid the wreckage.
In a statement to TXKtoday, Tyson Foods said the actions taken were appropriate given the emergency circumstances.
“A historic snow and ice storm caused widespread disruption and damage across the country impacting some independent contract grower operations,” a Tyson Foods Spokesperson said in an email to TXKtoday. “In this specific instance, the actions taken were consistent with the American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines and made under exceptional, hazardous conditions, with deep concern for animal welfare and the safety of team members and third-party contractors during an emergency affecting the entire agricultural community.”
“Crushing thousands of terrified young birds to death and leaving many more to suffer and die from their injuries is horrifically cruel—and it’s illegal, so if this is what occurred, charges are warranted,” said PETA Vice President of Legal Advocacy Daniel Paden.
In its letter, PETA cited Arkansas Code § 5-62-103(a)(1), which prohibits subjecting any animal to cruel mistreatment, arguing the alleged killing methods do not constitute exempt “agricultural activities” or humane killing related to an accident or disaster.
The organization asked Sheriff Singleton to have officers visit the property, ensure any surviving injured animals are humanely dispatched, and file appropriate charges against those responsible.
According to a PETA representative, the whistleblower has also contacted the sheriff’s office and confirmed that a deputy has been sent to the farm where this occurred.