VICTORIA — British Columbia's privacy commissioner says a chicken-catching company was not authorized to use video surveillance on staff in response to an animal cruelty investigation.
Elite Services in Chilliwack said in June it would require one supervisor and two staff members to wear cameras on their vests after an animal advocacy group released an undercover video that allegedly showed workers hitting, kicking and throwing chickens.
Drew McArthur, the province's acting information and privacy commissioner, says he launched an investigation following media coverage of the case over concerns the video surveillance was being used as a "quick fix" and could violate privacy rights.
McArthur's report released today says Elite Service implemented the video surveillance to prevent employee misconduct and restore the company's reputation, but did not consider the privacy risks involved.
McArthur says his office found the company's collection and use of the personal information was not reasonable, and that Elite Services was collecting personal information from individuals without consent, including from farmers, truckers and contractors.
Elite Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
