Chattanooga slaughterhouse accused of abuse; company denies claims

photo Screenshot from the Mercy For Animals video.

An animal rights organization is accusing a Chattanooga poultry slaughterhouse of the inhumane treatment of chickens, though the company is denying the charge.

Mercy For Animals today released a video that the organization says was recorded by undercover investigators inside the Koch Foods slaughterhouse.

The video purports to show chickens being scalded alive and shackled upside-down before having their throats, wings and chests sliced open while still conscious.

Koch Foods in a statement called the video "inaccurate and out-of-context depictions...."

"The company will not stand for a violation of the important processes and standards that we have in place. Koch Foods will remain vigilant to ensure it continues to operate in a humane, clean and safe manner," said company Chief Executive Joe Grendys.

Mercy For Animals is demanding that Illinois-based Koch Foods adopt new animal welfare standards to prevent future abuse.

The group also said Atlanta-based restaurant company Chick-fil-A is a customer of Koch Foods, but the business indicated Koch hasn't been a supplier since April 2013.

"As a values-based organization, we strictly partner with suppliers who share in our goal of responsible environmental stewardship, and maintain our values throughout all animal welfare and management practices. We wholly support the humane treatment of all animals and do not condone their mistreatment at any point along the supply chain," Chick-fil-A said in a statement.

See more in Thursday's Times Free Press.

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