Between April and July 2006, PETA undercover investigators reported live birds whose legs were shoved into the metal shackles, from which they hang upside-down on their way to being slaughtered.

PETA's investigators also witnessed how live birds were "slammed against transport trucks and walls, punched and kicked, hung by broken legs, used as a punching bag, and even sexually assaulted—all either for "fun" or out of frustration. One worker crushed a live turkey's head under his shoe until her skull exploded, and another swung a bird so hard against a handrail that he exposed her spine. "

One way to help the turkeys (and other livestock) is to go vegetarian and stop consuming meat altogether. But if that is out of the question, and we don't fault you for that, you can sign PETA's petition to include the birds under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA). turkeys may not have the nobility of horses, they are not endangered like the Giant Panda, but there is no excuse for cruelty. Click on the "Via" link below to sign the petition.