COTATI, Calif. – Claiming recent animal welfare problems at Tyson Foods, Inc. facilities aren't isolated incidents, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) initiated four separate actions with federal agencies after releasing undercover video footage taken at a Tyson poultry plant in Carthage, Texas. But Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson defended the company's animal welfare and handling practices. He said the company is still reviewing the video, but he emphasized that Tyson Foods is "absolutely committed" to proper animal handling. "Everyone who works with live animals in our plants — including the person who secretly shot this video — is trained in proper animal handling and instructed to report anything they believe is inappropriate," he said in a statement. "They can report to their supervisor, the Tyson Foods compliance and ethics hotline and even one of the USDA inspectors who have access to all parts of the plant, including live animal handling areas.