A new Mercy for Animals undercover investigation into an organic farm raising chickens for Costco documented what the organization calls “…some of the worst animal abuse we have ever witnessed.” MFA says their undercover investigator witnessed “baby chicks buried alive while still chirping beneath the compost. Birds beaten with sticks and rakes. Birds on feces-soaked litter.”

Mercy for Animals says these organic chickens, who are required to have access to the outdoors, never got outside during the two and half months the investigator documented conditions. Mercy for Animals is urging the public to sign its petition at https://costcoexposed.com.

This farm is certified as humane by the nonprofit American Humane Society.

UnchainedTV reached out to Costco for comment and was simply told to contact the chicken supplier, Pilgrim’s Pride. Pilgrim’s said that it is “…deeply disturbed by the conduct depicted in video footage collected at a farm operated by one of our independent contract growers. The treatment shown is unacceptable, violates our animal welfare standards, and does not reflect the values of our company.” It added. “We require all growers and their employees to undergo comprehensive animal welfare training and adhere to strict standards designed to protect the health and well-being of the animals in their care.” Finally, the statement said: “Upon becoming aware of this conduct, we immediately terminated our relationship with the grower. We are also conducting a comprehensive review of our animal welfare training and compliance programs, and initiating additional third-party audits across our grower network, beginning this week.” We invite any companies connected to this story to respond further.

Now, UnchainedTV host Jane Velez-Mitchell speaks to the President & CEO of Mercy for Animals, Arash Yomtobian.