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22 Charges Filed Based
on PETA Investigation at Hormel Supplier
October 23, 2008 by
Christine Dore
It's with a proud and
ecstatic heart that I report this news today! Our
investigation into an Iowa pig
farm that breeds piglets destined for Hormel has resulted in
22—that's right, count them—22 criminal charges.
The Greene County Sheriff just announced in a news release that six individuals
employed by the farm at the time of PETA's investigation now face a total of 22
counts of livestock neglect and abuse. Those charged include a former farm
manager—who we understand still works on another pig factory farm—and a
supervisor, as well as two individuals who still punch the clock at the Iowa
factory farm as we speak.
A whopping 14 of the counts are aggravated misdemeanors—the stiffest possible
charges under Iowa state law for crimes committed against farmed
animals—carrying up to two years behind bars. To PETA's knowledge, this is
unprecedented.
Charges based on PETA's undercover investigations are now pending against pig
factory farmers in both Iowa—the nation's top pig-raising state—and
North Carolina,
which occupies the second rung on that dubious list!
This is a small victory for farmed animals, but we mustn't forget that Hormel,
which financially supports this farm, has by all appearances yet to make any
changes as a result of this investigation. It has refused to meet with us or
even watch all of the footage, which we have repeatedly offered to show the
company. Maybe now that the law has spoken up, Hormel will finally listen.
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