Major changes are afoot when it comes to how the poultry industry conducts its business. Over the last several months, some of the industrys largest customers companies like Burger King, Subway and more have demanded that their chicken suppliers overhaul the way they breed, house and slaughter animals.

As it turns out, these changes could not come soon enough.

Today, The Humane Society of the United States released details of a multi-state undercover investigation into Pilgrims Pride the countrys second-largest chicken producer, and one of the few large publicly held poultry providers.

From a farm owner in Georgia beating animals with a metal rod to chickens in a Texas slaughterhouse being viciously punched during their final moments, the abuse documented was nothing less than horrifying.

While the actions of these bad apples are clearly unacceptable, its the system thats rotten.

In Georgia, our undercover investigator spent just four days documenting what goes on at Plainview Farm a Pilgrims Pride contractor. In addition to the facilitys owner beating animals, birds were found dead and crippled, with those alive unable to reach food or water or even move more than a few steps.