“This is my personal opinion, it should have been posted a while ago, but its taken a while to write, due to pain. If people want to eat meat & dairy, I can’t stop them. But I feel they have a duty as the consumer to demand the meat they buy, hasn’t been kicked, punched or shocked around its genitals to get it moving; so it can go to slaughter! It’s plain to see (on the video) that downer dairy cows, that simply can’t move unaided, due to illness or broken bones are moved by brute force; instead of being PTS on the spot! I want the consumers to demand CCTV around farms & slaughterhouses, at the end of the day, it’s the consumer who pays for the meat & dairy products, they should care how the animals are raised! Consumers should be assured the meat & dairy products, came from animals given the best welfare standards possible!! It has been well documented that stressed animals, like those seeing their buddies killed in front of them or those that have been beaten or abused; affects the quality of their meat! Have you ever seen a joint of beef in the supermarket fridge, that looks like the skin is bruised? well it probably is bruising; caused by the neanderthals who enjoy kicking & punching the shit out of the animals; because there is nobody to stop them!!” Please read this, regards the above:-http://www.fao.org/3/a-x6909e/x6909e04.htm
“I have seen MANY undercover farm videos showing cruelty before…I find this, the most shocking. The public have a right & need to know how the animals they eat, are actually treated before slaughter!! If there is one video to make you ditch cheese & dairy products…hopefully it’s this one! I became a vegetarian years ago, because I didn’t want to be a party to the abuse, farmed animals suffer daily; although I know not all farms allow their animals to be treated this way! Then a few years later, I saw what happened to the dairy cows, it stopped me immediately drinking milk or eating cheese; all I could see was the images of the animals suffering. I now only drink plant-based “Alpro” milk, I prefer the Hazelnut variety which is made by taking the best whole hazelnuts & blending them with pure spring water (plus a few added vitamins & calcium of course) which I feel is far better for you than milk from a dairy cow; who has been abused her whole life!”
“Many dairy cows suffer beatings or heinous bodily abuse, throughout their life, especially on the conveyor belt of large mega dairy farms, where cows will never feel the grass beneath their feet! The only thing you can be certain of, is that the poor cow (constantly kept producing milk by artificial insemination) has its babies taken away at birth!! These farmers want the last bloody drop out of these poor dairy cows; before they will let them go to slaughter. I should imagine the cows are actually grateful, for an end to their lives of appalling abuse! I am a picky eater, but have found Quorn alternatives, to make any normal meat dishes! I love Linda McCartney’s burgers & sausages, they are tastier than the quorn versions….you name the recipe & there will be some produce, able to make it; without harming any living animal; which is the diet I choose to eat!!
Is your pizza topped with horrific animal cruelty? A new Mercy For Animals undercover investigation reveals shocking animal abuse at a milk producer for Leprino Foods – the world’s largest mozzarella cheese maker and major cheese supplier to Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Papa John’s.
Kicked, abused, electricity shocked in gential area, TORTURED BECAUSE THEY CAN!!!!
To maximize profits, the dairy industry keeps cows in a constant cycle of pregnancy, birth, and lactation. Typically, baby calves are dragged away from their mothers within a day of birth so that all of their milk can be sold for profit.
Female calves are either sold for meat or used as replacements for the “spent” cows in the dairy herd. Male calves, since they don’t produce milk, are often chained by the neck in tiny wooden boxes until they are killed for veal.
Like dogs, cats, zebras, and all other mammals, including humans, cows only produce milk when they are pregnant or nursing — and for the same reason: to nourish their young. The dairy industry steals this milk from calves for humans.
An undercover investigator with Mercy For Animals documented horrific animal abuse at Winchester Dairy in New Mexico, a milk supplier to Leprino Foods — the world’s largest mozzarella cheese producer. Leprino Foods is a primary cheese supplier to Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Papa John’s restaurants nationwide. The hidden-camera video footage shows:
Workers viciously kicking and punching cows, and stabbing them with screwdrivers, causing bloody wounds and injuries
Cows being violently whipped in their faces and bodies with chains and metal wires
Workers maliciously shocking sick and injured cows and dragging them with tractors
Sick or injured cows suffering from open wounds, infections, and injuries left to suffer without proper veterinary care
Expert Opinions
After reviewing the undercover footage, renowned animal welfare experts Drs. Bernard Rollin and Terry Engle and Mr. William Wailes from the animal science department at Colorado State Universitywrote: “Of all the atrocity videos I have examined on behalf of various animal advocacy groups, this one may well depict the most prolonged, and severest pain being inflicted on innocent, non-ambulatory dairy cattle. … It is clear that the workers enjoy this infliction of pain and suffering, and even make remarks to that effect. … Of equal concern is the overall lack of training in animal care husbandry practices as well as in the importance to the social ethic of these types of unacceptable animal abuse. We all hold the owners/managers equally responsible for this egregious behavior!”
Dairy’s Dark Side
Treated as mere milk-producing machines, cows exploited and killed for milk and cheese endure lives of near constant misery and deprivation.
In order to keep producing a steady supply of milk, the cows are repeatedly impregnated. Several times a day, dairy cows are hooked by their udders to electric milking machines that can cause them to suffer electrical shocks, painful lesions, and mastitis (an infection of the udders). Some spend their entire lives standing on concrete floors; others are crammed into massive mud lots.
Cows have a natural lifespan of nearly 25 years, but the stress caused by factory farm conditions leads to disease, lameness, and reproductive problems that render cows worthless to the dairy industry by the time they are four or five years old.
These highly intelligent and social animals suffer unimaginable abuse from the time they are born and ripped from their mothers’ sides until they are so physically worn out from repeated pregnancies and constant milk production that they are sold for slaughter.
Although unconscionable cruelty and violence are standard practice in the dairy industry, caring consumers can help end the needless suffering of cows by choosing vegan alternatives to milk, cheese, and ice cream. Please visit ChooseVeg.comto learn more.
Is your pizza topped with horrific animal cruelty? A new Mercy For Animals undercover investigation reveals shocking animal abuse at a major pizza cheese supplier — Leprino Foods. Workers were caught viciously kicking, punching, and stabbing cows with screwdrivers, and violently whipping them in their faces and bodies with chains and metal wires. Take action at SliceOfCruelty.com
“The video shows workers hitting, kicking and punching cows with hands, boots and sharp objects to get them into the milking parlor. The workers are clearly abusing the cattle and causing distress for no reason.” Dr. James Reynolds
“The handling of the dairy cows and calves by workers in this facility is unacceptably rough and overtly abusive. … This facility should cease operations due to severe animal welfare deficiencies and overt animal cruelty.”Dr. Debra Teachout
“Of all the atrocity videos I have examined on behalf of various animal advocacy groups, this one may well depict the most prolonged, and severest pain being inflicted on innocent, non-ambulatory dairy cattle.” Dr. Bernard E. Rollin, William Wailes and Dr. Terry Engle of Colorado State University
“The handling of the cows in this facility is inexcusably harsh, vicious and inhumane. The cows are kicked, beaten, jabbed with electrified prods and struck with sharp objects. … This behavior is gratuitous and unnecessary, as the workers go out of their way to beat the cows…”Dr. Lee Schrader
“I recommend that charges of animal cruelty be brought against the workers and managers involved, and that the facility be shut down. Such despicable cruelty to animals is beyond sickening and must not be tolerated.”Dr. Armaiti May
“The actions of the barn staff in this video are unacceptable, willful acts of abuse. … The callous acts depicted in this video footage do not meet expectations for humane animal handling.” Dr. Sara Shields
“The use of the hip lifter to drag and hoist a cow above the ground was definitely abusive. … Management should be partially to blame for the abusive handling because they failed to provide both training and appropriate equipment for moving downer cows.”Dr. Temple Grandin
“Seriously after watching this, I just don’t understand how any humans with a heart, can contribute to this torture; by purchasing the meat or milk?? It actually breaks my heart that the public don’t know or if they do, don’t want to watch this…but these poor animals suffer from the day they are born…FOR GODS SAKE… PLEASE HELP THEM BY SIGNING THE PETITION BELOW: OPEN YOUR EYE’S!! PLEASE ONLY PURCHASE ORGANIC DAIRY PRODUCTS OR THOSE WITH THE RSPCA LOGO ON, STAND UP FOR THOSE THAT GIVE THEIR LIFE FOR YOU, TO STOP THE ABUSE…IT’S NOT A LOT TO ASK!!!
“Seriously, if you have had the balls to view this video or any other farm animal video (good for you); can you truly eat or drink animal products, knowing what happens?? Knowing they are tortured throughout their short lives?? Please just give it a go, swap your normal diet slowly, i.e milk, swap it for Alpro (probably the Almond milk is the easiest to try first) Look for enriched soymilk, too, which is also fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Then use Quorn mince to make a spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, shepherds pie & other meat dishes. Try the Linda McCartney sausages & burgers…I’m sure you will be surprised, at how good they actually taste!!!”
“Sorry, don’t buy it, owner “William Wilkinson” said he put a rope around necks of dogs; but didn’t realise it would strangle them?? WTF…the word thick, stupid & irresponsible, come to hand! The guy shouldn’t be allowed to own such sentient beings, if he doesn’t realise rope, when pulled tight, around a neck; strangles!!!”
Updated: 3:52 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014 | Posted: 1:23 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014
WAYNE TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
A 59-year-old man is accused of tying rope around the necks of two dogs and dragging them by the hitch of his car last month in Wayne Township.
According to police, officers were called to the area of Dewey Avenue on July 27 for the report of a man dragging dogs with a rope using his vehicle.
A responding officer reported that he found the two dogs badly injured with multiple gashes. The ropes were still around both dogs’ necks.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, the dogs’ owner, William Wilkinson, told police the dogs got out of his yard while he was at the doctors.
The affidavit said Wilkinson said he couldn’t find anyone to help him when he located the dogs, so he tied the rope around the dogs and traveled about 2 mph with them tied to the hitch.
At one point, according to affidavit, Wilkinson said he stopped to give one of the dogs mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Police talked with a witness who said he saw the dogs being dragged so he raced in to help. The witness told police he noticed one of the dogs was not breathing so he got a knife from his truck to cut the rope.
According to the affidavit, the witness told police he couldn’t get his fingers under the rope because it was so tight. The witness said Wilkinson eventually resuscitated the dog.
The witness then called police, who came to the scene. The affidavit said Wilkinson told officers dragging the dogs was an accident, and he didn’t know the rope would strangle them.
The dogs were taken to a veterinarian and are currently in an unspecified safe location.
Channel 11’s Jennifer Tomazic is working on uncovering more information about this story. Look for her full report later tonight on Channel 11 News at 5.
“Those who secretly film the atrocious acts of violence are not terrorist; they merely want the PUBLIC to know the truth about the lives of the animals you eat & how they are treated. Imagine how it feels for them? animal lovers, having to watch the abuse happening all around them…to enable the public to see the truth. I think they deserve a bloody medal; for keeping their hands off the MF’ing bxxxxxxd’s committing such horrifying acts !!
YOU the meat-eating public, have the right to know the animals you eat have been treated with respect; before going to slaughter!! AG- GAG laws were introduced to protect those allowing the cruelty to continue to their animals, & protect those who commit the crimes; what happened to freedom of speech??? They don’t want you, the paying pubic to know the heinous acts of cruelty that go on behind their closed doors; because they know they are likely to lose business !!.
NO ANIMAL meant for human consumption should be treated worse than shit on shoes; they are sentient beings more than capable of feeling the pain of every blow, kick, punch etc. They give their lives for you…please don’t let them suffer in silence! AG-GAG Laws were introduced to stop the public knowing the truth…the animals have the right to dignity & the public have the right to know how they are being treated!Please, sign the petition at http://www.walmartcruelty.com/ scroll to the bottom half to sign”
“Watch the videos below. if you can stomach them, is it fair for animals to be treated this way? YOU have the power to help stop this; please use it & stop AG-Gag Laws!!”
Posted: Sunday, February 23, By Randy Stapilus
Backers of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation anti-videoing legislation — “ag-gag” — have already lost the war, even if the legislation passes. Especially if it passes.
Their best hope is to change strategy.
Senate Bill 1337, which has passed the Senate, bars a person who “without the facility owner’s express consent or pursuant to judicial process or statutory authorization, makes audio or video recordings of the conduct of an agricultural production facility’s operations.” More specifically, it’s intended to ban (though various existing laws already theoretically do) the videotaping of what happens to livestock in concentrated animal feeding operations.
This is significant in Idaho, home to some very large CAFO operations in the Magic Valley and southwest. The new bill would punish violators with up to a year in jail or a $5,000 fine; critics note that’s the same as the state penalty for animal abuse.
Similar legislation has been proposed, most often failing to pass, in more than a dozen states; a Utah law is being challenged in the courts.
The Idaho bill was specifically prompted by a video shot in 2012 at Bettencourt Dairy at Hansen, showing workers beating on livestock. Last week another video shot at an Idaho CAFO, which added animal sexual abuse to the mix, was released. Both have had many, many views, and they’ve gone viral on social media.
We can’t know if the videos alone would have generated massive international attention. We do know the videos, combined with legislation to ban shooting more of them, has sent interest in the subject sky high in news reports nationally and overseas.
The story is irresistible: An attempt to keep the lid on what people have already seen. But memories aren’t so easily erased. Nor is the technology, which keeps moving in the direction of disclosure, as privacy advocates regularly remind us.
Among other responses to the bill are petitions — some inside Idaho, some by national animal advocacy groups. Petitions usually do little by themselves, but they can assist organization efforts, and they keep the subject visible.
Not only are smaller and relatively hard-core groups like Mercy for Animals, which released the Bettencourt videos, involved in this, but also larger and better-funded groups like the Humane Society of the United States. The subject of CAFO livestock has gone mainstream.
If you doubt that, watch the latest series offering from Netflix: The satirical but pointed “Farmed and Dangerous.” The initial plot hook involves an exploding cow. Once issues like this get into cultural discussion, national regulation and legislation may, in time, follow. It’s in the spotlight now.
The Magic Valley has benefited recently from arrival of a number of food processors who came there largely because of the easy supply of dairy products. Don’t be surprised if boycotts of some of them start — and lead to business responses. To see this playing out, Google the Wiese Brothers Farms in Wisconsin and read about the videos and other reports that led a frozen pizza company to cut all ties with them.
Nor is that all. If SB 1337 is signed into law (as seems likely), watch for this: An activist who deliberately violates it, shooting more video, intending to get caught, and insisting on a very public trial that could draw more national and international attention, kicking in the cycle all over again.
The problem for livestock operations is not insoluble. The simplest out is to improve and closely monitor operations, then throw open the doors for public viewing.
Some CAFO advocates have argued that much of what has been shown on the videos has been unusual aberrations, that most livestock is treated better before slaughter than the videos suggest. An open-door policy would be the one practical way to prove it.
Some of what inevitably happens in the best of meat processing businesses is of course difficult for many people to stomach, but the operators could fairly argue that if you want your meat at the supermarket, this is how it has to get there. Since most people do want their steaks and burgers, the argument might settle down, on at least higher ground than it occupies now.
Legislation has its uses. But CAFOs here have among other things a public relations problem, and these kinds of laws seldom are much help with that.
* Randy Stapilus is a former Idaho newspaper reporter and editor, author of The Idaho Political Field Guide, edits the Idaho Weekly Briefing, and blogs at www.ridenbaugh.com. He can be reached at stapilus@ridenbaugh.com.
A new Mercy For Animals undercover investigation reveals shocking cruelty to animals at Walmart pork suppliers. Workers hit, throw, and drop mother pigs and their baby piglets. Learn more and take action at http://www.WalmartCruelty.com
The video below is just a reminder of how animals are treated, without undercover investigations the public wouldn’t have a clue about the atrocities that happened at this farm!
Hidden camera video secretly shot by an investigator with Mercy For Animals at an Ohio dairy farm reveals shocking, malicious cruelty to calves and cows. The video, recorded between April and May, 2010, shows dairy farm workers beating cows in the face with crowbars, stabbing them with pitchforks, breaking their tails, and punching, throwing, and kicking calves.
” This heinous cruelty & horrific torture must be stopped; no animal should be treated this way. They are sentient beings capable of feelings just like humans! Do meat eaters really want to eat meat from animals that have been appallingly abused! The public have a right to know how the animals they intend to eat, are treated!
Those farms hoping to get Ag-Gag laws are doing so; because they don’t want the public to learn the truth, about the horrific violence & abuse used on their animals; once the public learn of this, they will think twice about buying their products. The people have the power to stop this by raising their voices & demanding better conditions for these poor neglected, abused & heinously treated animals; please use your voice to end this!! Please sign the petition below or at http://www.sliceofcruelty.com/
February 13, 2014 – By Matt Rice
Four workers at a dairy farm that was supplying cheese to DiGiorno Pizza are being charged with a total of 11 counts of criminal animal cruelty. Each count is punishable by up to nine months in jail and $10,000 in fines.
The charges stem from shocking animal abuse captured on a hidden-camera videoby Mercy For Animals at a Wisconsin dairy farm late last year. Abelardo Jaimes, Crescencio Pineda, Lucia Martinez, and Misael Monge-Minerowere charged with violating the state’s animal cruelty statute after they were caught on video viciously kicking, beating, whipping, dragging and stabbing cows at Wiese Brothers Farms in Greenleaf, Wisconsin.
MFA praises the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and district attorney’s office for taking swift and decisive action in pursuing justice for these abused and exploited animals.
Mercy For Animals is calling on Nestlé to adopt meaningful animal welfare guidelines, including zero tolerance for kicking, punching and shocking cows; requiring suppliers to prohibit painful and unnecessary mutilations of animals; and requiring suppliers to provide a safe, clean and sanitary environment for cattle. Tens of thousands of consumers have signed a petition at SliceOfCruelty.com, urging Nestlé to implement such policies, since the investigation’s release.
“These criminal charges should be a wake-up call that heartbreaking animal abuse runs rampant at DiGiorno cheese suppliers. Swift action must be taken to end this unspeakable cruelty. Nestlé has the power and responsibility to implement meaningful policies to end some of the worst forms of animal abuse in the dairy industry,” said MFA’s executive director, Nathan Runkle. “No socially responsible corporation should support dairy operations that torture animals.”
Please take action now to stop this type of blatant animal abuse by signing the petition at SliceOfCruelty.com.
After signing the petition, consider making changes in your own lifestyle to help animals by transitioning to a healthy and humane vegan diet. Visit ChooseVeg.com to learn more.
Watch the shocking hidden-camera video that led to the charges here:
Viewer Discretion Advised – WATCH: Cows Kicked, Stabbed and Dragged at DiGiorno Pizza Cheese Supplier (Please note, these are sentient beings, capable of feeling every strike, punch or kick) should animals be treated like this; just because they are going to be slaughtered? THE ANSWER IS NO!!
Published on 10 Dec 2013
Horrific undercover video taken by a Mercy For Animals investigator reveals disgusting animal cruelty at a DiGiorno dairy supplier. Workers kick, beat, and stab cows and drag them by their fragile legs and necks using chains attached to tractors.
“The video captures workers engaged in numerous serious acts of direct physical abuse and overt brutality—they whip, beat, slap, kick, stab and yell profanity at the cows. … There is a culture of serious neglect and mistreatment of animals in this facility, and the animals are suffering. This must stop.”
Dr. Debra Teachout
“There is no question in my mind, as a veterinarian experienced with farmed animals, including cows, that much of what was being done to the cows was inhumane, brutal and almost certainly a violation of the anti-cruelty statutes of many if not all states.”
Dr. Nedim Buyukmihci
“Dragging live cows, and completely suspending them with the cow lift is severe animal abuse. The actions of these people went beyond rough handling and escalated to the level of cruelty. Kicking, beating, and hard whipping of downed cows is abusive.”
Dr. Temple Grandin
“It is abuse to beat, kick or whip an animal that cannot get up. Hitting an animal in the face is particularly painful. The fact that cows in other scenes are beaten or kicked in the head and face demonstrates the workers have either learned or have been trained that this bothers the animals more than hitting them on other areas of their bodies.”
By Dr. James Reynolds
“Workers were observed to hit, kick and whip downer cows on multiple occasions. Cows were hit in their cervical (neck), thoracic, lumbar, and head regions using hands, ropes, and a thin plastic pipe. All of these actions would have unnecessary and unjustifiable pain and suffering.”
By Calily Bien Updated: Thursday, December 6, 2012,
BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Authorities in Bastrop County are looking for a man who allegedly dragged his horse for 100 yards leaving it with severe injuries.
Horse dragged behind pick-up..cruel bxxxxxd!! Image from Examiner web page
On Nov. 10, a witness saw Mariano Villafuerta, 43, tie a horse to his truck in the 200 block of Mesa Drive in Del Valle and started to drive away.
The witness said Villafuerta accelerated to a high rate of speed with the horse still tied to the hitch of the truck. The horse had a difficult time keeping up, fell to its side and was dragged for about 100 yards.
According to the arrest warrant, Villafuerta then stopped the truck, got out and began kicking the horse in the neck until it stood up. Villafuerta then grabbed the horse by the lead rope and ran the horse down the driveway to the house in the 300 block of Mesa Drive.
The witness noticed that the horse’s left eye was damaged as well as the skin on his body. The deputy who arrived to take the report took pictures of the aforementioned injuries.
The witness said the horse apparently got out of Villafuerta’sproperty and was roaming around when Villafuertafound it.
The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office will charge Villafuertawith cruelty to livestock animals by tripping, which is a state jail felony.
As of Wednesday night, officials have not located Villafuerta.
By Penny Eims December 5, 2012:- Man wanted for dragging horse behind truck in Texas
On Tuesday, KEYE TV published a horrific case ofanimal crueltyinvolving a gorgeous horse who was nearly dragged to his death in Bastrop County, Texas.
The incident took place on November 10, the day that the suspect, Mariano Resendiz Villafuerta, is accused of attaching his horse to the back of his white, Ford F150 pickup and dragging him for over 150 yards.
“He was drug at a high speed until the horse couldn’t keep up,” “And then when the horse fell, he drug it.”
Investigators believe that Villafuerta was angry about something at the time, and took that rage out on the horse. According to KXAN News, the authorities were alerted to the horrific situation by a witness who claims to have watched the entire scene.
After the high speed dragging, the horse, now being called “Dragster,” was taken to a veterinary clinic for the multiple injuries which cover his once gorgeous coat.
Dragster is currently being cared for by the Meadow Haven Horse Rescue, where he is expected to recover.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Villafuerta, who is facing one count of animal cruelty, but as of yet, he is nowhere to be found.
Owenshad originally been arrested on December 6 and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of only 90 days in jail and an $800 fine.
“The felony charge comes with a much stiffer penalty if the suspect is convicted,” Yahya said.
In addition, Owensis now charged with two counts of driving under suspension and two counts of being a habitual traffic offender. The felony cruelty charge could bring Owens from six months to five years in prison. If convicted of multiple offenses, he may face significantly more time.
Why the shift from misdemeanor to felony charge? There seems to be only one answer. People like you — many, many people like you — used social media, e-mails, letters and phone calls to call for sterner charges for this harrowing crime. Greenville County heard the outcry, took a closer look and seems to have decided stronger charges were warranted.
Want to see how happy and well Andra Grace is now? The Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page has posted this video, as well as many others, so well wishers can keep up with her remarkable recovery. Rescuers were able to recover four of Andra Grace’s puppies as well. They are doing well and will accompany her to their new foster location.
Andra Grace’s puppies, resting before their trip to their new foster home
A Heartwarming Reunion with Two Special Women
Andra Grace had two special visitors on December 19. Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock, the two women who reported seeing Andra Grace being dragged behind the truck, were reunited with her.
According to the Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page, when Kaye and Jennefer saw the pickup truck go by them in the opposite direction, dragging a helpless dog behind it, they turned around to follow it. After the truck sped away without the dog, they searched the roadway until they found her.
Kaye and Jennefer called police and stayed by Andra Grace for the two hours it took for help to arrive. They covered her battered, bloody form with a jacket while trying to soothe her. It might break your heart a little to know that Kaye and Jennefer say poor Andra Grace was wagging her tail as they did what they could to help her.
Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock are reunited with a much recovered Andra Grace
Andra Grace is nowhappily settledin her new foster home, where her two foster parents are both veterinarians. She’s getting a lot of loving care and is well on her way to a contented and satisfying life. Likewise, her now-weaned puppies are in foster homes and can look forward to long, happy lives.
Care2 readers, your signatures on our petition helped turn the tide with respect to the crime committed against this gentle and loving dog. Your outrage, coupled with a deluge of phone calls and e-mails to Greenville County officials, appears to have convinced authorities to take a closer look at this case. Now Roger Owens is charged with a felony. The possible punishment he faces for this heinous act of cruelty is considerably increased.
May justice prevail for Andra Grace and for all abused animals.
On the day after Thanksgiving, two people witnessed something that horrified them — someone in a pickup truck was dragging a helpless dog down the road on a rope. The rope broke, leaving the dog, an emaciated female pit bull, to die by the road. The trail of blood indicated the poor dog had been dragged over a mile. Her injuries were extensive and grievous. Fortunately Animal Control got the dog to an animal hospital, where it is now receiving care and love.
The truck driver has been identified, and reportedly has at least one prior animal cruelty conviction, but incredibly he has only been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in this case.
However, South Carolina law also contains a felony animal cruelty provision applicable to anyone who:
“…tortures, torments, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal or by omission or commission causes the acts to be done…”
Please sign this petition asking 13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor W. Walter Wilkins to prosecute this case under the felony provision of South Carolina’s animal cruelty law, rather than as a slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanor as currently charged.
Get inspired! See how Mercy For Animals is winning the fight on behalf of farmed animals. From groundbreaking undercover investigations that expose shocking animal cruelty to historic legal victories, MFA is pushing the ball forward on society’s treatment of farmed animals.
During the past 12 months, we have gone head-to-head with the largest corporations and meat producers in the world,pressing for change and speaking up on behalf of animals.
By releasing eye-opening undercover investigations, securing criminal convictions of animal abusers, pressuring corporations to adopt farmed animal welfare policies, and encouraging millions of Americans to transition to a vegan diet, we’ve moved the ball forward for farmed animals. We have achieved real, meaningful change.
It’s only because of supporters like you that MFA was able to advocate so effectively on behalf of farmed animals in 2013—exposing cruelty and inspiring compassion.
The numbers speak for themselves. In the past year, Mercy For Animals reached over 20 million people through our online programs, informed 15 million people through news stories, and distributed over 1 million pieces of pro-vegan literature at 600 outreach events in over 190 cities.
But these numbers only tell part of the story. Our work has inspired countless people to move toward a vegan diet, sparing millions of animals the horrors of factory farming. And our undercover investigation and corporate outreach work has led to policy changes that will impact millions more animals each year.
Just look at all we’ve accomplished in this one year alone:
MFA’s groundbreaking undercover investigations shone a bright spotlight on the animal suffering behind the pork, egg, dairy and foie gras industries.
Our legal advocacy department pushed for improved legal protections, triumphantly fought ag-gag bills, and ensured that existing animal cruelty laws were enforced.
Our corporate outreach efforts successfully pressured some of the world’s largest corporations to adopt historic farmed animal welfare policies.
MFA’s advertising campaigns, grassroots advocacy, and public demonstrations educated consumers nationwide about animal abuse on factory farms and the many benefits of a compassionate vegan diet.
MFA gives a crucial voice to hens crammed into tiny, barren cages, unable to spread their wings; for pregnant pigs immobilized in crates so small they cannot even turn around; and for cows viciously beaten and mutilated without painkillers.
With you on our side, Mercy For Animals is effectively bringing this cruelty to light and serving as a powerful advocate for these innocent animals.
Please watch our new “Year in Review” video highlighting our many successes and victories from 2013. We hope our shared victories, made possible by your support, inspire you to make a commitment to help the billions of farmed animals who still desperately need our aid. Please consider making a special, year-end donation to support Mercy For Animals’ vital work—so we can secure even more victories for animals in 2014.
This holiday season, give the gift of hope to abused and neglected farmed animals by making a special tax-deductible donation to Mercy For Animals.
Thanks to a kindhearted MFA supporter, all donations made by midnight on December 31 will be matched – dollar for dollar – to a total of $100,000.
With this special opportunity, your gift will go twice as far in helping us build a kinder, more compassionate world.
“Horses will continue to suffer if not properly restrained & the gun aimed at the right place, by someone trained to do so, for an instant death! The horses in this video were in open crates, outside, with no restraints etc. One horse actually has to be whipped to get it away from the horse in the kill pen, but when horses sense danger; they tend to stick with other horses. They are flight animals, just the sound of the gun would make them very skittish; they can smell fear & blood & being able to see their fellow horses killed straight in front of them is appalling! No horse is just going to stand there & not move its head around, i.e. no clean shot which means no instant death via a gun! . This place obviously has no empathy or respect; so let’s get the bastards closed down!”
ALLEGATIONS of inhumane slaughter of horses at a western suburbs knackery have sparked outrage and prompted the Melbourne and Werribee Open Range zoos to source horsemeat from other knackeries.
Secret footage shot by animal activists, the Coalition for Protection of Racehorses, and seen by Fairfax Media, shows several horses being killed at the Laverton Knackery, with at least one animal tied up and dragged along concrete while apparently still alive. The allegations are being investigated by the state’s meat regulator, PrimeSafe, as well as the RSPCA after Animals Australia – the group that uncovered cruelty to Australian cattle in Indonesia in 2011 – made a formal complaint.
Footage of a horse being dragged at Laverton Knackery
In a detailed letter to the Department of Primary Industries, Animals Australia claims dozens of breaches of animal cruelty, hygiene, welfare and meat industry laws, which could result in the cancellation or suspension of the business’ licence.
In one case, Animals Australia alleges a ”worker shot the horse twice, did not ensure the horse was dead, and then tied the horse to a tractor and dragged him across 60 metres of concrete and gravel after which he was found to still be breathing.
”The worker shot the horse again and the horse’s throat was then slit and the horse continued to make purposeful movements, paddling his legs and lifting his head off the ground until he eventually died.”
PrimeSafe chief executive Brian Casey said it would examine the potential breaches of the Pet Meat standard.
Mr Casey said horses are ”skittish” at the best of times but animals must always be handled and killed humanely.
Laverton Knackery did not wish to comment when contacted on Wednesday .
The RSPCA confirmed that is conducting an investigation into animal cruelty, after receiving a complaint in November.
Last week, Animals Australia showed the video to Melbourne and Werribee zoos director Kevin Tanner. ”Zoos Victoria has ceased all supply arrangements with Laverton Pet Supplies following the presentation of evidence from Animals Australia showing inhumane treatment of horses at their premise,” Mr Tanner said. He said Zoos Victoria was also reviewing all other meat supply arrangements for all its zoos, including Healesville Sanctuary, to ensure suppliers adhere to the organisation’s Animal Welfare commitments.
Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses campaign manager Elio Celotto said the group was ”absolutely unsurprised” at the vision its activist captured.
”Primesafe, in my opinion, are not doing their job, these horses deserve to be treated with dignity,” Mr Celotto said.
Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh said he would closely monitor the investigations.
”Cruelty to animals will not be tolerated,” Mr Walsh said. ”Animal handling facilities that do not adhere to the rules and regulations regarding animal welfare can expect to face prosecution and have their operation licences cancelled.” “It’s no good just saying it, Welsh needs to act & prosecute all who do not adhere to rules & regulations; but then would lead to around 90% of slaughterhouses needing prosecutions!”
The allegations come amid renewed pressure on Australia’s live export trade after footage of cruelty to Australian cattle in Israeli abattoirs was screened on the ABC’s 7.30 on Tuesday night.
The new claims have again prompted calls from the Greens, independent Andrew Wilkie and some in the Labor caucus for the trade to be shut down or for tougher scrutiny by regulators.
“Dear God…this is no slaughterhouse; its a torture chamber. NO animal should be treated like an inanimate object, incapable of any feelings. Having to watch their fellow beings being slaughtered right in front of them is despicable & in total contradiction of updated slaughterhouse rules. Animals feel pain & fear just as we do, if a slaughterhouse like this was found to be operating in England etc. it would be shut down immediately! So please send the email at the link below; these animals need our help, our voices NOW!”
Animals from all over the world end up in Beirut Public Slaughterhouse, Karantina. Sheep and cattle are exported live from countries in the European Union such as France, the Czech Republic and Spain (where they have legal protection), and end up here. Our Investigations Unit visited Beirut Public Slaughterhouse, and what they found was unimaginable.
Please email the Lebanese Agriculture Minister. Help get this hellish place shut down.
Our investigators are still trying to come to terms with what they’they’ve seen.Below is an investigator’s account of their visit. Please be warned; what you are about to read is distressing.
“The slaughterhouse is chaos. Everything is coated in a layer of blood, faeces and body parts. The slaughter area is heaving with people, live animals and slaughtered bodies. The sounds and smells are overwhelming.
Men grab defenceless sheep by the fleece or back leg. They fall to their knees and are forcefully dragged, one by one, to the slaughter line. Cattle are dragged by ropes around their necks. When they try to resist restraint they are yelled at and beaten viciously with metal rods. The animals are visibly terrified and in their frantic attempts to escape they slip, trip and fall, slamming their heads into the concrete floor.
Groups of sheep are forced to jump over dead bodies and wide gutters full of blood. They desperately try to force their way away from the bodies of other sheep they have just watched being slaughtered. Cows are left suspended fully-conscious by one leg for long periods of time, their faces resting in pools of other animals’ blood. They watch animals being slaughtered all around them. I wonder if they realize it will soon be their turn?”
Viewer Discretion Strongly Advised
Compassion Investigates: Beirut Public Slaughterhouse, Karantina
Published on 5 Dec 2013
Please be warned, scenes in this video are distressing.
Animals from all over the world end up in Beirut Public Slaughterhouse, Karantina. Sheep and cattle are exported live from countries in the European Union such as France, the Czech Republic and Spain (where they have legal protection), and end up here. Our Investigations Unit visited Beirut Public Slaughterhouse, and what they found was unimaginable.
Compassion in World Farminghave lodged formal complaints and made demands to see Beirut Public Slaughterhouse in Karantina shut down until it can be totally refurbished and staff can be properly trained in compliance with OIE slaughter recommendations. Now we need you to help us fight this battle for the animals.
Take action:-
Every day Beirut Public Slaughterhouse is open and operating animals are suffering unimaginably. This place should not be allowed to operate while it flouts international recommendations on slaughter. We believe thousands of EU animals pass through Beirut Public Slaughterhouse every year. Please send an email today to the Lebanese Agriculture Minister and call for an immediate shut-down.
Please share this campaign with your friends and family. Animals facing slaughter in Beirut Public Slaughterhouse need our help.Please forward this link as widely as you can:-www.ciwf.org/Lebanon-slaughter
“This set of low life imbeciles need to receive the same inhumane treatment they dished out! I’m sure I wouldn’t be the only one who would love to whip them across the face, kick & poke them, then hang them upside down by a tractor!”
“Do you think if someone committed this horrific cruelty & abuse to a dog out on the street; they wouldn’t be arrested & charged for animal cruelty?? Of course they would!! I see no reason why it should be any different for workers who abuse farm animals.”
I was disgusted to see undercover video footage of workers kicking, beating, and stabbing cows at a DiGiorno cheese supplier in Wisconsin called Wiese Brothers Farms. The video also shows cows who are too sick or injured to even stand being callously tortured and dragged by their fragile legs and necks with a chain attached to a tractor.
DiGiorno should not tolerate this blatant animal abuse.
DiGiorno has the power and the ethical responsibility to ensure the cows who produce milk for your cheese are protected from needless violence and suffering.
It’s time for DiGiorno to adopt meaningful animal welfare policies for its dairy suppliers, including:
* Zero tolerance for animal abuse
* Requirement that suppliers provide a clean and sanitary environment for cattle
* Proper care and transportation for sick, injured, and downed animals
* Elimination of mutilations without painkillers, including tail docking, a cruel and outdated practice that involves
cutting through the skin, nerves, and bones of cows and is opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association
Until DiGiorno decides to do the right thing, I will be taking my business elsewhere.
“The video captures workers engaged in numerous serious acts of direct physical abuse and overt brutality—they whip, beat, slap, kick, stab and yell profanity at the cows. … There is a culture of serious neglect and mistreatment of animals in this facility, and the animals are suffering. This must stop.”
Dr. Debra Teachout
“There is no question in my mind, as a veterinarian experienced with farmed animals, including cows, that much of what was being done to the cows was inhumane, brutal and almost certainly a violation of the anti-cruelty statutes of many if not all states.”
Dr. Nedim Buyukmihci
“Dragging live cows, and completely suspending them with the cow lift is severe animal abuse. The actions of these people went beyond rough handling and escalated to the level of cruelty. Kicking, beating, and hard whipping of downed cows is abusive.”
“Rejoice it’s Christmas, go vegetarian; drive past all the cows & other farm livestock in the fields, look them in the eye & say “I don’t eat your family”…It feels GREAT!!!”
Cows are highly intelligent and friendly animals who can form long-lasting, deep bonds of friendship with other cows and even their human caregivers. Cows have extremely complex social groups and tend to choose the herd leaders for their intelligence, experience and good social skills.
Versus:-
Researchers have shown that factory farmed cows kept in groups of more than 200 become stressed and will continually fight for dominance. Having bonds of friendship broken whenever cows are sold to other farms or slaughterhouses also heightens their stress.
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Much like humans, cows mourn the deaths of those they love. They even shed tears over the loss of friends who are separated from them. The bond between a mother cow and her calf is particularly strong and cows are widely known to cry out for their calves if they go missing.
Versus
Like humans and other mammals, cows only produce milk when they are pregnant or nursing, so the dairy industry keeps cows in a constant cycle of pregnancy and lactation. Newborn calves are dragged away from their mothers within a day of birth so that all of their milk can be sold for profit.
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Cows are smart and sophisticated animals who can even understand cause-and-effect relationships, which is a sign of advanced cognitive abilities. Not only do cows swiftly figure out solutions to problems, they find the challenge wonderfully exciting.
Versus
The only thing cows on dairy farms learn is that they are likely to be kicked or beaten on their way to the milking parlor two or three times a day. A study by the dairy industry indicates that nearly 40 percent of cows are lame because of intensive confinement, filth and unnaturally high milk production.
This eye-opening video takes you behind the closed doors of America’s factory farms, hatcheries, and slaughterhouses— revealing the journey that animals make from farm to fridge.
Uploaded on 3 Feb 2011
Mercy For Animals presents Farm to Fridge. Narrated by Oscar-nominee James Cromwell, this powerful film takes viewers on an eye-opening exploration behind the closed doors of the nation’s largest industrial farms, hatcheries, and slaughter plants — revealing the often-unseen journey that animals make from Farm to Fridge.
One of the most effective techniques for educating others about the health and ethical benefits of a plant-based diet is distributing literature in public places with heavy foot-traffic.
A great thing about leafleting is the lack of preparation time required. Also, at the right time and place, just one person can hand out hundreds of brochures in less than an hour.
We recommend passing out 25 Reasons To Try Vegetarian brochures which you can order from the MFA Literature Store.
Another great idea is to take MFA’s powerful new “Ask Me Why I’m Vegetarian” T-Shirt Challenge — designed to spark crucial discussions about the ways animals raised for food are treated and our moral obligation to alleviate needless suffering.
Here’s how it works:
Order a men’s or women’s cut “Ask Me Why I’m Vegetarian” t-shirt
Wear your new “Ask Me Why I’m Vegetarian” t-shirt with pride.
When someone asks about your shirt, smile and give them a 25 Reasons brochure from the packet you’ve been keeping in your purse or backpack.
Have a friendly discussion about the reasons you went vegetarian.
Pat yourself on the back. You’ve just inspired someone to move toward a compassionate diet.
Wash your shirt.
Reorder literature.
Repeat.
That’s it! By starting conversations and planting seeds of compassion, you’ll be helping to spare countless animals unimaginable suffering. Simple. Effective. Vital.
Click here to order an “Ask Me Why I’m Vegetarian” t-shirt for $25. Your t-shirt order will include a free 10-pack of 25 Reasons brochures. Click here to order more 25 Reasonsbrochures.
While individual vegetarians save lives every time they sit down to eat, we can exponentially increase the number of animals we help by encouraging others to try vegetarian living too.
Since young people tend to be very interested in vegetarianism—and open to change—college campuses and concerts are particularly good places to leaflet.
Need some inspiration? Consider the math:
Let’s be really conservative and assume that only 1% of the people who receive a brochure decide to go vegetarian after reading it. If you pass out 200 leaflets in an afternoon, that’s at least two new people who became vegetarian.
200 leaflets x 1% = 2 new vegetarians
Based on annual slaughter statistics, the average vegetarian saves over 50 animals per year (about 27 land animals, and many more aquatic animals).
If we assume that, on average, those who do go vegetarian stay vegetarian for at least one year, that equates to at least 100 animals saved from just a few hours of leafleting.
2 new vegetarians x 50 animals per year = 100 animals saved per year
Don’t underestimate the power of the pen — or keyboard and mouse! Writing letters to the media, businesses, and legislators is a great way to speak up for animals.
The animals are counting on you. Your actions, your voice, and your volunteering makes a difference. Thank you for having the courage and moral strength to act for animals and be the voice of the voiceless. With your help, we will create a more compassionate world for all beings.
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
You can find out more about me & this blog by reading "ABOUT THIS BLOG" on the menu (when i finish it) lol
PLEASE NOTE.....
Not all of my posts will be current news, or even about animal abuse! I do like to share other animal news, uplifting stories or videos; some that are funny or just touch the heart!
If I have anything to say on any post, you will see it in bold blue writing. I try to remain a lady, but it's hard to contain my anger & emotions at the some of the stories I post; I don’t have a heart of stone, tears stain many articles I write!
Lastly, my apologies for any errors; I am learning whilst posting, so if you find anything that doesn't work or a broken link, sorry, I'm only human!!!!
ABOUT THESE POSTS
I would just like to make readers aware, that I search for stories on the internet; regards animal abuse etc. I copy stories etc. from the internet; assuming these stories are correct at time of publishing. Having said that, sometimes the press get it wrong! So I just want to add that at the time of me posting a news story, I presume all the facts seem present & correct.
Please note....all people mentioned in this blog, are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, in a court of law.
Error: Please make sure the Twitter account is public.
Flag Counter Added May 2012
Face Book – Please Take Notice
For anyone wishing to connect to me via my Facebook page...PLEASE NOTE, ONLY PEOPLE I ADD AS ANIMAL ADVOCATES CAN SEE MY WHOLE PAGE...I do this out of respect for those friends I have who do not wish to see graphic images, videos or links of animal abuse!
As 99% of my page is animal related; anyone not in the above group of friends; will only see a limited amount of posts!!
DUE TO ANIMAL HATERS...I WILL ONLY ADD PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVE WHO THEY ARE via Facebook, Wordpress, Twitter etc. & WHO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN ANIMAL WELFARE... i.e. if your Facebook page has absolutely nothing to do with animals, I see no point in joining my page. My Facebook is solely for animal welfare, I am not interested in playing games etc. I don't mean to sound rude but I am not interested in the amount of friends I have, its the quality of those friends that count.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND REQUESTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN. I do not want anyone to be upset by graphic images etc.
My aim is to educate & raise awareness to the horrors animals face, at the hands of humans, every day, around the world!!
We can not hope to achieve better laws, to protect animals, unless we unite as one, to speak up for those who are voiceless!!
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DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
STOP ANIMAL ABUSE 
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