No More ‘Humane’ Hype: American Ostrich Farms’ ‘Humane’ Labels Scrubbed After PETA Suit
American Ostrich Farms in Kuna, Idaho, once boasted in its advertising that it treats ostriches “humanely,” “ethically,” and with the “highest standards of animal care and respect.” But whistleblower reports alleged quite the opposite: Workers allegedly kicked birds with extreme force, beat them with shepherd’s hooks, and shoved boots into their genital openings, taunting the animals with threats like, “I’m gonna f*** you in the a**.”
So in November 2024, PETA filed a lawsuit against the company over its allegedly false and misleading marketing. The case is now settled—American Ostrich Farms is no longer calling its practices “humane” or “ethical” treatment.
Keep reading to get the shocking details of this case, from the whistleblower report to PETA’s persistent legal action that took down the company’s ostrich welfare claims.
Whistleblowers Alleged Chronic, Systemic Neglect and Abuse at American Ostrich Farms
In 2024, former workers at the facility alleged the following:
- Birds attempted to flee from workers and ran into fences, breaking their wings and toes, skinning their legs, and tearing open the skin on their chests.
- Some workers cut chicks’ throats while they were fully conscious, causing them to cry out and flail while they bled to death.
- Ammonia levels were so high in the enclosures confining chicks that some temporarily went blind, and others suffocated because they were huddled together so tightly in apparent distress.
- The enclosures confining many birds were constantly wet and muddy, and they did not provide adequate shelter from rain, snow, and wind. Several ostriches died while frozen to the ground.
PETA Suits Up
In November 2024, armed with the damning whistleblower documents, we filed a complaint on behalf of Washington, D.C., consumers, taking aim at the facility’s false, misleading, and downright deceptive “humane” claims.
After we filed the lawsuit, American Ostrich Farms apparently scrubbed much of its animal welfare claims from its advertising—like “ethical practices,” “humane treatment,” “humane handling,” and “highest standards of care and respect.”
The Only Way to Eat “Humane” Is By Going Vegan
PETA has repeatedly exposed facilities hiding behind misleading “humane certified” labels, and the story is always the same: abuse, neglect, and cruelty. One thing is clear: There is no such thing as humane exploitation or slaughter.
In nature, ostriches roam the hot, dry African savannah, forming strong social bonds and protecting one another. Chickens live in complex social hierarchies; mother cows tenderly nurture their calves. All these animals have rich emotional lives and feelings. The only way consumers can truly show them compassion is by going vegan.
Are You Vegan Yet?
If not, what are you waiting for? By going vegan, you can spare nearly 200 animals every year, drastically reduce your carbon footprint, and lead a healthier life. If you’ve already made the compassionate switch, help someone else do it by urging them to take PETA’s three-week vegan challenge:
