The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced animal cruelty charges against 11 people for alleged inhumane treatment of turkeys at seven farms across the state.

Criminal complaints filed by an animal cruelty officer, allege the defendants kicked, stomped and beat turkeys at farms in Chester, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Perry, and Union counties. 

The defendants were employed by Plainville Farms, their job was to capture and crate turkeys that were destined for food processing plants. 

The investigation began in August 2021 after a complaint was filled by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). 

A PETA employee said they witnessed the actions of the turkey catchers. 

The charges include six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, 76 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, and 57 related offenses.