The recall of 143 million pounds of beef came yesterday after criminal charges were filed against slaughter plant workers in California and two weeks after the slaughterhouse was shut down for USDA violations.
An investigation by The Humane Society of the United States at a cattle slaughterhouse documented animals too sick or injured to stand or walk — called “downers” by industry — being kicked, beaten, dragged with chains, shocked with electric prods, sprayed in the face with hoses, and rammed by forklifts in efforts to get them to their feet to pass USDA inspection. Downed animals are supposed to be humanely killed and not pushed through the food supply because of their risk of passing on disease.
This abuse was caught on film. Please be forewarned that the video of the cruelty is difficult to watch, but it does illustrate the need for major changes in how we treat farm animals. Whether you eat animals or not, most people would agree that one should never be cruel to animals, especially those already going through such a traumatic process.