Animal Abuse Charges Filed Against Three Chesco Turkey Farmers

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Three southern Chester County turkey farmers were charged Thursday with animal cruelty after state police captured the three on video kicking and beating turkeys.

State police launched an investigation of Plainville Farms in multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania following complaints from the nonprofit, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, based Norfolk, Va.

The three Chester County suspects worked on farms in West Sadsbury and West Fallowfield townships, bordering Lancaster County.

These suspects are free on nominal bail to await a preliminary hearing:

• Joseph Nunez Rosario, 41, of York.
• Christopher McCardle, 37, of Gettysburg,
• Mitchell Buckley, 23, Aspers, Adam County.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said animal abuse is inhumane and cruel and will not be tolerated by her office or any law enforcement in Pennsylvania.

“This was a lengthy and involved investigation that spanned multiple counties and multiple defendants,” Ryan said. “We are grateful for the state police’s dedicated efforts in bringing all the defendants to justice.”

• On Aug. 4, state police received information about the inhumane treatment of turkeys by employees of Plainville Farms or a temp agency that provided workers to Plainville Farms.
• The workers were hired to catch turkeys that were loaded onto trucks and transported to a slaughter facility.
• Investigators learned that employees – known as “turkey catchers” were trained on the proper handling of turkeys.
• The investigation showed turkey catchers kicked the birds, which placed them in imminent danger of being harmed.

Eight other suspects are charged with animal cruelty in Perry, Franklin, Cumberland, Fulton, and Union counties.