MONTREAL - Pointing to practices that they allege include cramming thousands of chickens into trucks in extreme temperatures, and scalding and eviscerating the birds while still alive, Mercy for Animals Canada has called for a boycott of Maple Lodge Farms.

The Brampton, Ont., company is one of the largest producers of chicken in Canada, making products such as sausage and cold cuts for grocery chains.

In 2013, Maple Lodge was fined $80,000 for animal cruelty and had to invest $1 million into improve its treatment of animals, especially during transport.

On their website, Mercy for Animals Canada posted video of the alleged mistreatment, but according to Sophie Gaillard, a lawyer who specializes in animal cruelty and who works with the SPCA, practices at Maple Lodge "are pretty standard for Canada."

Mobile users click here to watch the video

"There are big problems in transport," she said.

Maple Lodge couldn't be reached for comment, but in a statement on their website the company said it is committed to conforming to established norms in animal welfare.

A study of their facilities by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is ongoing.