One of the Tacchini farms investigated in the documentary Food for Profitdirected by Giulia Innocenzi, was recently sanctioned with a fine of over 12,000 euros and has undergone the suspension of the activity. The investigation, conducted with the support of the LAV, led to light serious violations and confirmed what activists have been denouncing for some time: the zootechnical sector stands on a systematic exploitation model.
The breeding in question, located near Rietihosted Up to 43,000 turkeys distributed in six shedsoperating on behalf of an important brand of the Italian poultry sector. The images and testimonies collected have documented conditions of extremely mistreatment of animals and irregularities in the treatment of workers.
Operators were often employed without regular contract and paid according to the number of trucks loaded, a practice that pushed them to handle animals with brutality to accelerate the times. The turkeys were launched in the cages without any attention, remaining injured or even stuck in transport structures. Many of them came to the slaughterhouse in critical or already life -free conditions.
Many infringements found
According to the authorities, the controls conducted by the Nas revealed different infringementsincluding the failure to implement biosyphicity measures, the delay in the recording of pharmacological treatments, the failure to register animals and serious deficiencies in the field of safety at work. They have also been documented episodes of mistreatment who confirm what emerged in the documentary.
The intervention of the police represents a step forward in contrasting abuses in the sector, but the basic reality does not change: the entire zootechnical model is based on animal exploitation. In too many farms the animals spend their lives in spaces overcrowdeddeprived of the possibility of moving freely or see the light of the sun. Genetically selected to obtain maximum production yield, they develop unnatural physical conditions who compromise their health.
In addition to the ethical question, the zootechnical system also represents a health and environmental problem. Diseases that spread in farms, such as avian influenza, are a constant threat, while the environmental impact of meat production continues to be devastating. Despite that billions of public fundsboth at European and national level, continue to support this system.
A solution could be the start of a process of conversion of the sector to production models based on vegetable alternatives. This transition, if adequately supported, could not only reduce animal suffering, but would represent an opportunity for the entire economic system of the country.
