The conditions of the infrastructure are described as toxic, decomposing bodies of dead animals lying around and entire rat populations flourishing inside. The building in question, which has around 150 ducks living in the midst of this wasteland, is located in Lichos (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), around 50 km away from Pau.
A “false video propagating lies and dishonesties”
On Thursday, one of the co-owners of the family enterprise “Couvoir du Saison” took a stand on their official website. Aurore Vidal claimed that the video was fraudulent, since only the outside area reflected their property, where she acknowledged some of the grievances. However, she stated that the images from inside the building could not have been taken in their facility and announced that the company would sue L214 for defamation.
The ministry of agriculture launched a criminal investigation into the matter, which could be followed by a complete suspension of all operations. An official statement emphasised that there were hopes that this was in fact an isolated case.
L214 lawsuit
The animal rights organisation filed a lawsuit for animal cruelty, abandonment, and harm to the environment. L214 has been known to attack branches of the foie gras producer, having previously focused on production methods and the closure of slaughterhouses. In that aspect, the organisation issued a demand to Minister of Agriculture Julien Denormandie that all inspection reports of such facilities be published.
The minister replied that inspections would be increased to avoid such “unacceptable, yet isolated cases” in the future, which would only bring discredit to an industry he firmly supports and trusts. He further underlined that all reports would be communicated in transparent manner.
“Our priority is the well-being of animals”
Cifog, which represents the foie gras producer, condemns the conditions depicted in the video and claims that they are in no way reflective of the company’s work methods that would prioritise the well-being of animals. Cifog announced that they would take legal steps if a criminal investigation was opened.
Meanwhile, director Marie-Pierre Pé claimed that L214 tried to create a vegetarian world and were willing to use any means necessary to achieve said goal, even through public stunts such as this case.
Inspections are set to be conducted on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by further check-ups and a possible suspension.
