THIS is the moment a worker at one of Britain's biggest turkey meat farms was secretly filmed killing birds by crushing their NECKS with "inhumane" pliers.

The appalling conditions were captured during a secret three-month investigation at Gravel Farm in Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire.

9 The footage shows a worker snapping the necks of two turkeys with inhumane techniques Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

9 Many of the birds are seen with injuries and open wounds Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Animal welfare group Viva! claim their footage - taken between September and November - shows a worker dislocating the necks of two turkeys.

After crushing the birds' necks with the pliers, both birds appear to flap around in distress for several minutes.

The group claims Gravel Farm provide turkey meat to Avara Foods - who is one of the country's largest suppliers.

Human Slaughter Association guidelines say crushing a bird's neck with pliers, instead of neck stretching, should not be attempted.

As well as the inhumane techniques, the turkeys were found in dirty, overcrowded sheds surrounded by cannibalised animals with open wounds left to suffer a slow death.

BARBARIC TREATMENT

Other animals were found with respiratory issues caused by poor ventilation, and feet deformities making it hard for some to walk.

The investigation has prompted Red Tractor - the UK's largest food standards scheme - to drop the turkey farm from their list of suppliers allowed to display their logo.

Lex Rigby, Viva! campaigns manager, said: "We are absolutely thrilled by Red Tractor's decision to drop Gravel Farm.

"Our team witnessed appalling conditions, documenting the systematic abuse of farmed turkeys, whose shorts lives are filled with nothing but misery and pain.

"While some birds were ruthlessly killed with barbaric neck crushing devices others were left to die slow, agonising deaths from their injuries - all for the sake of Christmas dinner.

[The turkeys] shorts lives are filled with nothing but misery and pain Lex Rigby, Viva! campaigns manager

"Christmas is supposed to be a season of peace and goodwill, and we believe there is no better way to celebrate than to extend our compassion to all beings.

"This is why we are calling on consumers to choose an alternative to turkey this Christmas and choose vegan."

The group say that the rate at which these birds have grown is unnaturally fast and that the birds' small legs struggle to hold up their weight.

They also claim dying birds at the farm were found with untreated bloody wounds, causes by other distressed birds pecking out their feathers.

A spokesman for Avara Foods said: "We have high standards for bird welfare and on, an initial review of the footage, we believe there are aspects that fall short and are unacceptable.

"As soon as we were made aware of the allegations we began an immediate investigation, which has since been concluded.

"We have high standards for bird welfare and have decided to remove the farm in question from our supply chain.

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"The birds on this farm were never part of our plans for Christmas.

The Sun Online has contacted Gravel Farm for comment.

9 Gravel Farm is allegedly a supplier for leading supermarkets across the UK Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

9 Conditions at the farm are cramped, according to the secret recording Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

9 The inhumane treatment of the turkeys has astounded many, including Red Tractor - the UK's largest food standards scheme Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

9 Other animals were found with respiratory issues Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

9 The footage was captured during a three-month investigation at Gravel Farm in Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire Credit: � Google

9 Some of the birds had trouble standing up Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

9 Turkeys with feet deformities can be seen in the footage Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

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