Canadian Chicken Processor Faces Criminal Charges

Canada’s largest independent chicken processor, Maple Lodge Farms, has been convicted of violating two animal health laws due to a 2009 incident when 1,181 hens were killed during a 90-minute truck drive in subzero temperatures. According to the Toronto Star, this is not the first time an incident of this nature has occurred with Maple Lodge Farms: in 2008, 711 chickens were found to be “dead on arrival” after another truck drive in harsh climates. The news source notes that the convictions leveled against the Canadian food producer are just two of a total of 58 animal-related criminal charges.