Christmas: Turkeys

Introduction

In the UK around 90 per cent of turkeys are reared intensively on factory farms. They’re selectively bred to grow quickly and often suffer from agonising leg disorders, joint degeneration and heart disease as a result.

The industrial units in which turkeys are raised frequently lack appropriate environmental enrichment, causing extreme stress and the development of unnatural behaviours as a result – such as cannibalism and feather-pecking

Investigations

Clearwell, East and Strawberry Hill Farm

Footage from an undercover investigation into three British intensive Red Tractor turkey farms – East Farm, Norfolk and two Gloucestershire-based farms Clearwell and Strawberry Hill reveals shocking scenes of suffering and abject animal cruelty, all for the sake of Christmas dinner.

Read more

 

Gravel Farm

Our 2019 turkey farm investigation revealed shocking conditions found on an intensive farm supplying Avara Foods – one of the UK’s largest poultry processors supplying major food retailers and restaurant chains.

Read more

 

Cruelty-free Christmas

First ever Christmas ad to expose turkey farming!

In 2019, 14 million turkeys were killed in the UK but we have an opportunity NOW to effect change, reaching MILLIONS of meat-eaters with our investigation! We’ve launched the FIRST EVER CHRISTMAS AD TO EXPOSE TURKEY FARMING, using footage from this investigation, and need YOUR SUPPORT to reach millions more.

You CAN HELP US get this powerful ad shown on YouTube every day in the run-up to Christmas. The more donations we receive, the more places we can show it, the more people go vegan or move in that direction.

Resources

Have a Merry Vegan Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy, so what better way of spreading peace, kindness and compassion to our loved ones and our animal friends than by making the big feast deliciously vegan? This guide will help you navigate the special day with easy recipes, fancy recipes, stockists, socialising tips and recommendations for alcohol, starters, mains, desserts – the whole shebang!

Read more

Bring peace to all this Christmas

This leaflet asks people to choose compassionately this Christmas, ditch the meat and celebrate with vegan food instead. Our popular festive leaflet is perfect for door dropping and all actions.

Order

Deliciously Vegan Christmas Guide

Blow everyone’s Christmas stockings off with Viva!’s deliciously vegan recipe guide! Over 25 recipes including scrumptious starters, luscious mains, tempting sides and heavenly desserts, not forgetting truffles, Christmas cakes and cheese!

Shop

Vegan Christmas Cards

Our vegan-themed Christmas cards are sprout of this world! Share a message of compassion and kindness this Christmas, while supporting a vegan charity. Make your festive gifts go even further!

Shop

Further reading

Did you know that turkeys don’t just say ‘gobble, gobble’? They have over 30 distinct vocalisations, including ‘yelps,’ ‘purrs,’ and ‘kee-kees’. Turkeys can even recognise each other by their unique voices!

Find out more about turkeys

Media coverage

Scroll up