I am horrified by what I just watched! I'm sick to my stomach and my heart goes out to these poor animals. Pigs are as smart as dogs. If a man will do that to an animal, he will do it to a child, too. Prosecute these "animals"!

Posted by: K Dean | September 16, 2008 07:49 PM

Heart breaking.

Posted by: Polly Walton | September 16, 2008 07:49 PM

I am not a member of PETA or have I ever considered it. But when you see pics and videos like this and of treatment of cattle at the pens recently,these people have crossed the line.
Thank God they have these jobs and are not turned loose on society. They seem to take teir frustrations or whatever out on poor defenseless animals.
It's also a good thing these animals cannot pay these scum back. That would be great to see though.

Posted by: Mike Tierney | September 16, 2008 08:14 PM

Why are the workers/torturer's faces hidden from camera?

Posted by: wayne | September 16, 2008 08:17 PM

I can't understand why anyone would work in a slaughterhouse. They must have serious criminal backgrounds or don't have an education past 3rd grade. They were also probably abused as a child. Very sick. I can't believe this is legal!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jen | September 16, 2008 08:23 PM

This is so terrible it breaks my heart. This should not be allowed, it should not be possible. How can this continue to go on? What can we do to make it stop? Besides writing, calling, e-mailing -- which must be done. All these individuals should be severely punished, and society should never allow such atrocities. There are some serious psychos out there. Absolutely horrible.

Posted by: Adrienne Guy | September 16, 2008 08:46 PM

OMG I cannot believe these sick people could be so cruel. Their faces should be plastered all over the place on "caught in the act, wanted for cruelty" posters especially in their local towns and papers. Let the families and friends know what they are really like. Karma will eventually get these guys (why are most of the cruel ones men?? sure a few women but still ostly men)... but how many animals must suffer in the meantime. It breaks my heart to see how cruel people can be.

Posted by: Koula | September 16, 2008 08:59 PM

This is so sad, it made me cry. I didn't exactly know what it was about and my daugther saw it, I never seen her sob so much before in her life. I had to cut the screen off and explain to her that she wasn't supposed to see that. Now I caughter her in the the freezer throwing all the meat away. It made me cry.

Posted by: Denise Moser | September 16, 2008 09:40 PM

I used to work on a commercial pig farm. Abuse of the pigs only happened once and the offenders were fired on the spot. We went to great lengths to keep them healthy and happy. These people should pay the penalties for there abuse of these pigs.

Posted by: Mouse | September 16, 2008 09:42 PM

To say that this made me heartsick is a VAST understatement. I know that such atrocities occur, but the horrors described here are worse than I could have imagined. Is there a contact at Hormel we could write to? Someone MUST answer for this.

Posted by: Lynn | September 16, 2008 09:49 PM

Jesus,
Reading this alone makes me ill and extremely irate that a human being can inflict such suffering on another defenseless creature; although it is hard to assume that these low-life pieces of trash should be referred to as humans. I cannot believe this actually goes on! Ok, I am not that naive but how could you even fathom this? You have to have some screws loose or a lack of a soul; it is beyond my comprehension of anything sane in this world. These people deserve to be beaten within an inch of their worthless lives and then beaten some more. We would be doing some good in that we would rid the earth of such scum and use otherwise wasted oxygen on someone with at least half a brain

Posted by: Jason | September 16, 2008 09:53 PM

This was so disgusting and made me so angry. It's hard to send "polite" comments to the farm owners when I am SO livid. I have notified everyone I know and this video will be on my myspace page. Thank you PETA, I'm sorry that this world even requires this type of investigation.

Posted by: Melanie King | September 16, 2008 10:04 PM

I couldn't even watch the whole footage it was soooo sad! Especially the baby piglets, how could anyone do that!It is soo sick and revolting!I was disgusted and ashamed for these workers!I would love to give them a piece of my mind. I hope that place gets shut down.

Posted by: Ayshar | September 16, 2008 10:04 PM

ONCE AGAIN THEY GOT CAUGHT ! THIS IS WHY I DONATE TO THE INVESTIGATION AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT AT PETA. YOU CAN TELL WHAT A GREAT JOB THESE UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATORS ARE DOING. IT MUST HAVE BEEN HELL TO HAVE TO WITNESS ALL OF THIS EVIL THAT WAS GOING ON IN THE SLAUGHTER HOUSES. I WOULD HAVE JUST CRIED. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THEY FIRED THOSE EVIL WORKERS FOR THE ABUSE AND TORTURE OF THESE PIGS. THEY BETTER FIRE THEM. WE HAVE TO BOYCOTT HORMEL. AND THIS IS JUST WHAT WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEO. WHAT A NIGHTMARE. GOD BLESS PETA ! LET'S ALL GET THE MESSAGE OUT THERE !! BOYCOTT HORMEL !

Posted by: SASHA | September 16, 2008 10:15 PM

I watched this video with headphones on. My husband was sitting on the couch reading. It was quiet until I screamed in horror watching the baby pigs being slammed into the ground and then writhing, bloody and in pain, on the pile of dead and dying piglets. Is there no God in those worker's lives? That was pure evil.

Posted by: Lin | September 16, 2008 10:49 PM

Firing these workers in the video is not enough. Charges of aggravated animal cruelty should be filed against them and everyone in the chain of command who knew of this or should have known and could have prevented it.

Boycotting Hormel is not enough, criminal conspiracy charges should be brought against them as well. Bravo to PETA for bringing this out, keep it up. I will donate money now to make sure of this.

Posted by: Dennis Acton | September 16, 2008 10:50 PM

I have never seen such horrible torture. I feel so much pain thinking of what is happening to the pigs and the piglets at this factory farm. I have been a non - vegetarian all my life.. I have decided to become a vegetarian from today onwards.

Posted by: sangeetha | September 16, 2008 10:53 PM

I have viewed your "house of horrors" video, about pigs being tortured and being abused. As a manager of a hog farm myself, I can assure you people, that the kind of behavior exhibited by these employees does not happen on every farm. Owners and managers have an obligation to see that thier hogs are being cared for properly. The manager should have viewed this video and "kicked some serious ass!!" The actions of these people were totally out of line and the persons responsible should be fired! The pork industry takes enough heat from PETA already, we do not need idiots like these people working for us. If you hire discount employees, you get discount results.

Posted by: Tim | September 16, 2008 11:11 PM

I cannot go on reading about this anymore without blogging about it. That pork meat plant needs to be shut totally shut down!!! The pigs need to be given to farmers who care about them, feed them and help nurture the piglets instead of banging their heads on a concrete floor. Obviously these pigs do not have emotions, but also obviously, they feel their pain. These people abusing these animals are idiots to say the least.

Posted by: Pam Liewer | September 16, 2008 11:13 PM

What a sad & horrorible place. I can not image what kinda of people would get their shits & giggles by treating animals in such a fashion. What a brave a noble soul for going and showing such a place. Thank you peta!For everything you..

Posted by: Crystal | September 16, 2008 11:29 PM

I just could not believe the torture that was inflicted upon these pigs. The supervisor and workers involved should be fired and charges pressed. I will never buy another product from Hormel until something is done.

Posted by: s. cunningham | September 17, 2008 12:19 AM

I have cried so bad I think my heart is going to break. I wish that this could be shown over public TV. When will this come to an end. But there is a saying. You live by the sword you die by the sword. It always is. This is like taken a a human baby and smashing it's head against the floor, cutting is testicles for without pain relief. May the Devil have these people.

Posted by: Ann Luyt | September 17, 2008 12:49 AM

What can we do?

Posted by: Peter | September 17, 2008 01:01 AM

I am just sick about this. These people need to be arrested and a large fine tacked on them. There is no reason to treat these animals this way. Someone please do something. Maybe an eye for an eye?????

Posted by: Colleen Bazyn | September 17, 2008 01:12 AM

I have been sickened to tears. These cruel people are most likely perpetrators of more crime against children who, "will not listen". I am not a violent man, but give ten minutes in the room with those bastards. I have had my last BLT, Hamburger or lamb chop. I do buy chicken from an organic farmer, and he his good and respectful to the animals he raises. I cannot deny him his livlihood. I am a trained actor and would do anything I can for you.

Posted by: Clay Skaggs | September 17, 2008 01:12 AM

I HAVE WORKED ON A PIG FARM BEFORE AND NEVER EVER DID ANYTHING LIKE THIS GO ON, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GET ROUGH WITH FARM ANIMALS BUT THERE IS A LINE BETWEEN DISCIPLIN AND CRUELTY....UNBELEIVABLE! I don't know a single farmer that acts like this all of them treat their animals with respect since they put food on their table

Posted by: JOHN SCANLON | September 17, 2008 01:16 AM

I just watched the video about the abuse of pigs on that Iowa farm.I am very shocked at the abuse that the pigs had to suffer.No one in their right mind could do that to a living thing.If they will do that,they are capable of doing the same thing to a human!!Peta should get the men in that video and put them behind bars where they belong.

Posted by: butchie johns | September 17, 2008 01:20 AM

I was horrified when I read and actually saw the video about how these poor animals were treated by these workers.
I will never use the Hormel brand again! I truly understand now why some people refuse to eat meat of any kind. What these workers did was horrific?! They must be punished by the full extent of the law!

Posted by: linda warren | September 17, 2008 01:26 AM

Oh, man...

Posted by: Chris Gast | September 17, 2008 01:30 AM

How cruel! Made me extremely sad ... felt like crying. I can't believe this goes on to these poor animals. This cruelty should be known to all people. I wonder if this also happens to other animal farms. After viewing the video I sure don't want to eat meat! These people who cause the cruelty should be prosecuted for "Cruelty to animals!" and put behind bars!!!

Posted by: Maria Pratt | September 17, 2008 01:59 AM

Well, I have never eaten any of the slop that hormel produces, and after looking at this I'm very glad.

Poor pigs (:

Posted by: ❤SavetheanimalsBitch❤ | September 17, 2008 02:05 AM

I am absolutely disgusted by what I have seen. It is a good thing that these people don't live in some of the other countries that will put you to death for this kind of act. I hope that they get exactly what they deserve and that they get a taste of their own medicine. I now will not shut my mouth until something is done about this and I will make sure that everyone that I come across knows what kind of actions that they are supporting by spending their money on these products. Also I want to say thank you to the people that went into this place and exposed these people. I know it had to be hard for you to be there because it was hard for me to watch. Thank you to PETA. Someone has to be the voice for the ones that have no voice.

Posted by: Kimberly | September 17, 2008 02:09 AM

The gravity of cruelty,violence and indiffernce to pain coupled with utter depravity of humanity, shame and remorse shown by the workers in these videos should make the perpetrators of these crime against helpless animals eligible for same punishment as would be meted to a criminal carrying out similar acts of mindless ,ruthless violence to humans and human children.Then, I am sure that fear of God would certainly bring these sub-intelligent beings who are probably and pitiably mentally sick to some acceptable level of decent behavior. I would be impressed if any of these gentlemen in the videos showing off their crimes would voluntarily offer their own bodies to the same level of violent abuse and torture? If so,that may qualify as bravery-not torturing innocent helpless piglets!!

Posted by: Sanjiv | September 17, 2008 02:24 AM

This is a disgrace such things can be going on in America. All anybody does anymore is think about money. I know it takes alot of work to feed a country but why like this? Im sure what I just saw was pure evil. I have no idea how the investigator was abe to put up with that as long as he did, god knows I wouldnt.

Posted by: Ken Shraeder | September 17, 2008 02:51 AM

Today I begun to read the news in my pc. I was horrified for what I read! How come those workers act so voilently towards these animals????!! The supervisor was giving full support to abuse the animals! Just to think that I will eat all that suffering, and pain; all those emotions infiltrating thorough the whole meat....I know I eventually will get sick. And on top, those chemicals sprayed on the pigs!! No wonder why sometimes the meat tastes strangely bad sometimes!!...I know that I will tell all my friends and families about this horrendous incident. I will make sure to email all of them with these news. This is extremely upsetting me!! I will make sure not to buy this meat fromt this company anymore. I will make sure that all my hispanic families will not touch these meat packages anymore!!

Posted by: Maria Tomoyasu | September 17, 2008 02:54 AM

I'm devastated to learn about what really goes on at piggeries such as this. It breaks my heart that people with no consideration for the feelings of conscious beings such as pigs are continually employed to work with animals. The thing that upsets me the most is when management are aware of what is going on but they ignore it. Pigs are actually as smart as humans and its truly heartbreaking that they are fully aware of what is going on. I reckon PETA should create a line of "PETA Approved" foods, so that consumers are aware that what they are buying is cruelty free. Just a thought. I certainly hope that PETA's undercover filming will put an end to the cruelty inflicted upon these poor innocent pigs

Posted by: Louise | September 17, 2008 06:12 AM

This really makes me sick! The only thing i can say to it: disgusting - hideous - criminal! Many humans should change their lowlife behaviour - indeed!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION | September 17, 2008 07:31 AM

Soy de Uruguay, I'm uruguayan - No puedo explicar la impotencia que siento al ver esto. Rezo por esos animales indefensos y esa gente imunda que se creen "fuertes" se sienten "poderosos" contra pobres animales que no pueden defenderse. Esto tiene que parar no puede seguir así, por favor hagan algo por favor!
I cannot explain the impotence that I feel when seeing this. Prayer by those defenseless animal and that people without soul feel "forts" they feel "powerful" against animal poor who cannot defend themselves.
This must stop cannot follow thus, please do something please!

Posted by: jessica | September 17, 2008 08:16 AM

I am appalled at what I have just witnessed. Evil is one word to describe these people, can't they be prosecuted. They certainly should be, poor poor pigs, so sweet and trusting, am truly disgusted.

Posted by: Lorna | September 17, 2008 08:32 AM

hop on the hormel website and tell 'em what you think people! You can make a difference but not unless you shout at them. sara

Posted by: sara trudo | September 17, 2008 08:38 AM

It's amazing what can happen when people become desensitized to something. For example, I worked for a summer at a sewage plant. The first few weeks were awful, the smell was so strong and foul. Time went on and I got used to it. By the end of the summer, we were having sh@t fights!! We were actually throwing it at each other and laughing and having a good time! I know it sounds gross, but i became neutral, it didn't bother me anymore. The same thing happens at slaughterhouses and farms, at first they respect the animals that fill their stomachs and support their families, then over time, they see others hit the animals and it starts to not bother them. I don't condone this for a second, but we all wonder how people can do this, and I think this is how. They think no one is watching, they don't realize there is. GOD

Posted by: Dave | September 17, 2008 09:30 AM

I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THE FACT THAT THE WORKERS WHO ARE UNNEEDINGLY BEATING THESE ANIMALS SHOULD BE FIRED. HOWEVER IF YOU LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE AS FAR AS KILLING THE ANIMALS THAT ARE NOT THRIVING. I ASK THIS WOULD YOU RATHER THE ANIMAL STARVE TO DEATH THEN TO BE KILLED HUMANELY. I WORKED ON ONE OF THESE FARMS FOR OVER TWO YEARS IN A DIFFERENT PART OF THE COUNTRY AND SAW MY SHARE OF ABUSE BUT IT WAS NOT SOMETHING I EVER PARTICIPATED IN. ALSO THE ANIMALS THAT ARE CASTRATED AND HAD THEIR TAILS DOCKED SHOW NO SIGNS OF DISTRESS WITHIN TEN MINUTES AFTER THE PROCEDURE IS DONE.

Posted by: ANONYMOUS | September 17, 2008 09:31 AM

I haven't seen this video yet. I want to, but I am dreading it so badly. The description is nauseating. I will watch it later in the week.

I am amazed by the people on here who comment about treating “their” pigs with "respect." You do all know you are killing these animals for no reason other than greed, no? Raising and/or eating "happy meat" is no better than eating factory farmed animals that are abused. They are not slaughtered out of necessity, but out of greed. Why is that so hard to comprehend? There is enough information out there explaining all the meat alternatives anyone could ever ask for. Stop farming animals and pick a crop to feed humans, not animals at factory farms. Thank god PETA has the funding and support it does.

Posted by: ian | September 17, 2008 09:34 AM

Testing to post comment

Posted by: Valerie | September 17, 2008 09:42 AM

I was wondering if the owner to the farm knows what his workers are doing? If he does why is he allowing his job to be put in such danger of being shut down. I am a huge animal lover. Even though these animals are destined for the dinner plate they should be treated with far mor respect for their lives than this. I am appauled and in tears for what I saw. These men should be locked up in cramped cages and beaten with the same rods and treated the same way as they treat these animals. To be castrated and haiving their protruding parts cut off without anesthia just like they do with the piglets. They think the animals don't feel anything, let's hear them scream!!

Posted by: Aleta Evangelo | September 17, 2008 09:45 AM

I have been calling Hormel, the two offices of the Pork Council (they are having a meeting in Washington DC this week) and I am searching for the District Attorney's office phone number to ask about charges with these instigators.

Please make calls to these people to let them know you are outraged.

Hormel admitted they were getting lots of calls and have just found out about this.

Call, call and call and tell friends and family.

Pork will NOT be allowed in this house - this is sick and thank you Peta for revealing the hidden side of producing meat.

Posted by: Valerie | September 17, 2008 09:45 AM

Is anyone as disturbed as I am regarding the sexual abuse these workers inflict upon these poor, defenseless animals? It is utterly disgusting. What sick people to molest these animals. Sticking things in their butts and vaginas, slapping them on the ass. The physical abuse is beyond awful, but the sexual aspect to this abuse is beyond disturbing. I really wish someone would give me a stick and some steel toed boots and leave me in a room with these monsters, I would let them know just how painful it is to be abused!

Posted by: Misha Veloz-Wiessmann | September 17, 2008 09:47 AM

Whether you eat meat or not (and I don't), there is no excuse whatsoever for treating animals in this manner. I have read, many times, that people who work in these places are often illegals, or uneducated and poor, or people on parole, etc. but none of that deprives them of a heart or the quality of mercy or humanity. What could possibly be the "reason" for treating another being in this way? I don't want to just see these pathetic excuses for human beings fired, I'd like to see them prosecuted for animal cruelty and never be able to get near animals again. And to some of the people posting above: the best way to help stop such cruelty is to stop buying these "products." Stop eating meat!

Posted by: Susannah S | September 17, 2008 09:48 AM

What the f*** is wrong with this society? These assholes must have small penis's to make them so insecure that they have to beat defenseless animals on the way to slaughter. Sometimes I really hate the human race.

And what the f*** is wrong with "management" to allow this to take place???

Honest to god - I'd like to smack these loosers around myself.

And why isn't PETA filing suits????

Posted by: Kathy Garrey, Franklin MA | September 17, 2008 09:48 AM

I read about this last night and kept waking up in the middle of the night thinking of the abuse of the poor pigs. I was crying. I am sick it my stomach still. I hope these low life scum bastards pay for this. I hope karma will get them. I hope Hormel goes out of business for not doing anything. I emailed them and the present owner of the farm. I hate these people.

Posted by: DOGLUVR | September 17, 2008 10:02 AM

I have just watched this and am sick to my stomach. These workers should be hurt themselves in the same manner they are demonstrating. I will never let my family eat Hormel again!!!

Posted by: Angela | September 17, 2008 10:14 AM

This is heartbreaking and disgusting. Those people should have the same things done to them 10 fold.

Posted by: DogMa | September 17, 2008 10:38 AM

There is no such thing as "humane slaughter." If this bothers you and you are not vegan, just know that you are partly responsible.

Posted by: Antigone1000 | September 17, 2008 11:04 AM

ahh im gonna throw up!!

poor pigs!

Posted by: Amber Falobas | September 17, 2008 11:07 AM

We need to go beyond firing individuals that perpetrate cruelty and holding them responsible in a court of law. They need jail time and a court order preventing them from working with animals in the future. Management at the farm and above must also be held accountable with firings too. Rigorous new hiring procedures, training programs and third-party oversight is needed. If the farm is shut down, the workers and managers will just bring their evil to another farm. Hormel too needs to be held accountable by adopting PETA's standards for farming and insisting (and verifying) all their suppliers follow them.
I will NEVER get the images of the baby pigs out of my head. Their dying bloodied bodies is a clarion call for action and change.

Posted by: Chuck in Ithaca | September 17, 2008 11:20 AM

They Should Have A Sticker That Says "WE AT LEAST DONT ABUSE OUR ANIMALS" and one that says "NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS"

Posted by: Amanda | September 17, 2008 11:37 AM

It is great to read the comments about people wanting justice for these pigs.

I have the phone number I called first thing this a.m. to express concern and ask if they are going to press charges. Greene County Sheriff's Office: main # is (515) 386-2136

and

CNN.com mentioned regarding this story: National Pork Producers Council. Incredibly this a.m. the main office (in Iowa) had not hear of this story. Their number (515) 278-8012. Washington office: (202) 347-3600.

There are some numbers now those concerned can do the very effective 'public outcry'. And of course, a call to Hormel.

Hope this helps anyone interested in making some calls on behalf of these pigs.

Posted by: Valerie | September 17, 2008 11:39 AM

Wow! I can not believe what I just witnessed! I personally don't eat pork or care for pig products but I seriously think this has been the most disgusting video I have ever seen when it comes to cruelty of animals. When I first read the article, I was thinking "who cares what happens to them people eat it all the time." However, I must honestly say that something has to change and charges are inevitable.

Posted by: M.B. | September 17, 2008 11:59 AM

THIS IS THE MOST DISGUSTING THINK I HAVE EVER WATCHED. I WAS CRYING AND SCREAMING AT THE HORRIBLE ABUSE THESE PIGS ARE FORCED TO ENDURE. THE PAINT, THE CLOTHESPINS, THE CASTRATION, TAILS CUT OFF, THINGS RAMMED UP THEIR ANUS & VAGINA, THE KILLING OF PIGLETS, THE BEATINGS WITH METAL RODS..HOW COULD ANYONE DO THIS?? WE ARE LIVING IN A VERY SICK SOCIETY AND I WOULD NEVER EAT MEAT AGAIN...I HAVEN'T IN A YR. BUT IF I EVER HAVE A TASTE FOR MEAT I JUST GO TO MY SPACE AND WATCH THE WAY ANIMALS ARE TORTURED. THEIR JUDGEMENT DAY IS COMING.....

Posted by: MARTI | September 17, 2008 11:59 AM

This is just hidious, horrible. Why on earth do they have to treat these animals this way...these animals doesn't matter be it cow, pig, horse, duck, chicken, lamb. goat, doesn't matter THEY do NOT deserve this kind of treatment. And thanks to peta and people like you to go and investigate these kind of things to let the public become aware of how animals are being treated. KEEP UP THE WORK. PUT IT ON THE NATIONAL NEWS, MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE.

Posted by: Karen | September 17, 2008 12:04 PM

What town in Iowa? I wanna know more about this! I am outraged and sickened. I wrote to Hormel. I hope they realize the seriousness of this. This is beyond atrocious! There is no humane way to kill an animal. It's wrong. What gives humans the right to hurt/kill any animal? These are God's creatures. THEY WERE HERE BEFORE US! STUPID, IGNORANT HUMANS!

Posted by: 4 the Animals | September 17, 2008 12:07 PM

I just can not believe that these things actually happen.
I was so sick after watching this video.
I do not understand how people can do these things with no remorse.....They are heartless...and it makes me want to cry that we live in a world like this..
I think when people are caught and convicted the same things need to be done to them as they did to these poor poor animals...

Posted by: JoAnn | September 17, 2008 12:20 PM

I do not even know what to say about what I just watched...I know in my heart that these people will not stop this torture to these poor animals....any animals...It is a cruel world we live in...and there are so many cruel..heartless people out there...

Posted by: JoAnn | September 17, 2008 12:24 PM

I stopped reading from post John Scanlon! I WILL NOT go further. Animals, which are like "US" humans, whether you believe or not, are "NOT OURS" to eat, wear, entertain upon, experiment upon, pleasure fighting upon OR against.... PERIOD!!! GOOD LUCK IN FINDING YOURSELFS AND GOING VEG!!!!! Peace!!

Posted by: Carla | September 17, 2008 01:00 PM

This makes me sick.What depressed me the most is even if we stop this there is always gonna be someone else doing this.I just wanna save them! Ive emailed and will be sending this along to everyone i know! Im totally heartbroken, and the piglets how can people even smash a living things head on the ground with no remorse? I always have attempted to be vegetarian and this was definatly the push i needed. No mroe meat.

Posted by: Rosanna | September 17, 2008 01:09 PM

This video made me want to scream "STOP, STOP STOP !" Pigs are sensitive, smart animals--a million times more smart and sensitive than the abusers. The creeps who are abusing them deserve justice: "an eye for an eye"... I cried so hard for these poor animals, the little piglets, all of them. Where do these farms find these idiots? I wish the tables could be turned and the pigs could get revenge on the abusers--but the pigs are probably too nice to do that, anyway.....

Posted by: C. Creager | September 17, 2008 01:16 PM

Horrific! Pathetic! It's absoulely unbelieveable and there is no reason for any of this. It makes me so sad and actually I can not express my feelings on the disgusting moronic behavior over this. It's inexcuseable in every way!

Posted by: Wendy Salick | September 17, 2008 01:20 PM

Yes, this is horrific, but you need to get involved. Please make phone calls to the below

Thank You for Sharing With Friends

Thank you for telling your friends about the new video footage from PETA's undercover investigation inside a Hormel supplier's facility. Please also take just a few moments to call or send a letter to Hormel.

Please send polite comments to:

Hormel Foods Corporation
Consumer Response
1 Hormel Pl.
Austin, MN 55912
1-800-523-4635

Looking for more ways to help? Please take a few minutes to contact the people who owned and operated this farm during the period of documented abuse. Demand that they fire the workers responsible for the abuse and that they follow all of PETA's animal welfare guidelines.

Please send polite comments to the current farm owner:

MowMar LLP
2108 175th St.
Fairmont, MN 56031
507-436-5664
lynn@lbpork.com

Please send polite comments to the current farm-management company:

Suidae Health and Production LLC
2200 Highway 18 E.
Algona, IA 50511
515-295-8777

Please send polite comments to the previous farm-management company, which was responsible for the farm during much of the time that PETA's investigator was there:

AMVC Management Services
712-563-2080
712-563-9990 (fax)
info@amvcms.com

Please send polite comments to the previous owner, which owned the farm during much of the time that PETA's investigator was there:

Natural Pork Production II
Dan Koester
712-579-9166

You can also help pigs on factory farms by placing this video footage on your MySpace page, your blog, or anywhere else that you are online using the code below.

Posted by: John Schiefer | September 17, 2008 01:32 PM

I didn't watch the video. I can't stand watching crap like this. I can't believe there is animal cruelty in this Century. UNBELIVABLE !!

Posted by: Bill Morris | September 17, 2008 02:23 PM

You know, I've always been very ANTI PETA, but the Hormel investigation makes me say HURRAY FOR PETA! I'm a carnivore, I like meat and I wear my great-grandmother's Antique Angora fur coat... I raise ALL of my own meat, from beef to chicken to pork, etc. I don't like pigs, they don't cooperate well (part of their charm), but I cannot wrap my brain around how anyone would treat any creature in that manner. It makes me sick! I don't buy Hormel products and never will after seeing your video. Makes me wonder about the two confinement barns recently built near my home in rural southern MN... I don't know who they supply and don't know anyone who works there but your story has me curious. If you want to check them out, I'll get their name tonight. They're new barns, with new staff so they probably don't have any problems yet, but UGH! Maybe it's because I'm a mother and don't like to see any mother get mistreated, or their young... I'll never go completely vegan, but can't handle the mistreatment of animals! Good job covering the Hormel story!!

Posted by: Michelle Nash | September 17, 2008 02:26 PM

I don't understand why PETA isn't taking this company, as well as Agriprocessors, to court. This extreme mistreatment is clearly in violation of any minimal animal welfare standards in place. Why are you not taking them to court???

Posted by: Jackie Casano | September 17, 2008 02:31 PM

I am so sick right now. I cannont believe there are such evil people in the world. I am not a vegetarian. I do eat meat which includes bacon. I will never buy any kind of pork product again. Has this factory been shut down? Have these people been prosecuted?

Posted by: Marie | September 17, 2008 02:44 PM

I chose not to watch the video because I intially read the article on CNN and that alone brought me to tears. I can't imagine witnessing that horror. I only wish for God or someone to have these workers lined up and have the EXACT same punishment put upon THEM! I know two wrongs don't make a right but in this case I hope nothing but the worst for them. Im sick to my stomach about this and I want something to be done. If the presidential candidates want another issue to fight--SURELY THIS IS THE ONE!!! This must be stopped. Im not a vegan, but I have compassion and this is simply NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Posted by: Sohni | September 17, 2008 02:59 PM

My heart goes out to the PETA investigator(s) who had to force him/herself every single day to get up and go back to a place like this, knowing they would have to put themselves through another day of watching this horrible abuse happen all over again.
THANK YOU personally, and thank you PETA for raising awareness.
If only this video could be shown on national TV, more and more people would become aware of this, would become vegetarians and absolutely boycott places that "produce" food from live animals.
Sadly, people see videos such as the one we've just seen, they are sick to their stomachs for a few days, and then go back to eating meat and hitting up drive-thrus again.
People who work at slaughter-houses cannot be "normal" to begin with, and who-ever brought up the "desensitizing" further down in the blog made a good point. It happens daily. It's a common occurence in the lifes of these people.
How can we go through life closing our eyes to this abuse and continue eating meat? There is no way I could, thanks to PETA for showing us how things really work in the "live-"food industry.
And we have to know - this is NOT an unusual or seldom incident, this happens every day everywhere all over the world.
I am in physical pain over this and have not been able to think about anything else for the past two days.
I am a firm believer of "people get what they deserve". I have to believe in that, it's my only way of getting sleep at night.

Posted by: D. | September 17, 2008 03:04 PM

I interned for one of these companies this summer and I will just say that whoever the PETA investigators were, signed a contract with the company during their training that stated if they witnessed any abuse, they were to report it. These companies do not condone, stand for, or advocate animal abuse. If the upper management knew about this during the duration of the abuse, the employees would be fired on the spot. There is no tolerance for animal abuse in this industry or the company. I agree, the people abusing the sows in this video should be shot, but do not blame Hormel or any other company involved. If they knew what was going on, they would have put a stop to it. If you want Hormel to monitor the individual treatment of every sow on the farms in the US, then that is called vertical integration, which is what PETA and HSUS is so against!
The management has the ultimate responsibility to promote the positive handling techniques of the animals on their farm. The behavior in thsi video is not something that is okay with them. Also, while blunt force trauma to the piglets to euthanize them may not seem like the most humane way of euthanasia, or the no anesthesia for castrating, it is legal and the Standard Operating Procedure in the swine industry in Iowa.
Also, for those of you who mentioned this as a slaughter house... get your facts straight! It is a sow farm! Not a slaughter house.

Posted by: D Gills | September 17, 2008 03:08 PM

I sent an email to Hormel, this was their reply:

We find the images in the PETA video appalling and they are inconsistent with our standards and industry standards for animal handling.

Even though the abuse on the video occurred several weeks before our supplier purchased the farm, it depicted practices that are completely unacceptable.

We expect all current suppliers to adhere to the proper animal handling standards from day one and continue to do so throughout our relationship. We are working with our supplier to ensure this activity is no longer taking place, and they are investigating this matter and will take appropriate disciplinary actions, including terminating employees. Underscoring our company's zero tolerance policy, we have in the past terminated employees, truckers and contracts with producers when animal welfare issues have arisen.

Animal welfare and animal husbandry have always been top priority at Hormel Foods. This is simply about treating animals humanely because it's the right thing to do. We take our zero tolerance policy for the inhumane treatment of animals very seriously and have implemented many standards outlined in our responsibility report.

Posted by: DogMa | September 17, 2008 03:10 PM

My husband works on this farm. We just watched this video together. We know what was done wasn't right, but it was only a few employees doing this. You cannot blame the entire farm for the stupidity of some. In one of the investigators notes, my husband remembered that incident. The investigator totally exaggerated the abuse on that day. Grantd, the video shows horrific scenes, but some of what he wrote may not have been true.

Posted by: Leigh | September 17, 2008 03:16 PM

Please let us know how we can put these people to severe punishement. They must be prosecuted and put into prison. This type of cruelty not only happened at Iowa farm but other farms as well as reported on PETA. We need to stop all these from happening and put those in charges to punishment.

Posted by: Thuy Ngo | September 17, 2008 03:24 PM

The video of the pigs was heart breaking. I'm still stunned.
I thought there were strict laws that inspections must take place to assure that animals are treated humanely?
There is absolutely no excuse for not watching, and making sure that people like this are not employed.
The practice of castrating and cutting off the tails gets defended by saying it is quick and the pain only lasts a moment..Well obviously not. I know that is a widespread belief. Castration is never done with anesthesia, anywhere that I know of.
Well I will not buy any more pork products from the store. Living in a rural area I know pigs are not stupid animals, stubburn but not stupid.They make good pets and show affection when treated with affection.
The people here that raise them for food treat them well, and they are slaughtered by being shot in the head. They do not suffer.
I know some people would prefer meat not be eaten at all. But that will never happen. The cruelty is totally un called for. Just sickening and that can be stopped.

Posted by: Celene | September 17, 2008 03:36 PM

I am so sick by this video I am still shaking. Those poor pigs, I am definately thinking about changing my eating habits. I would love to take a drive up to Iowa and let those pigs, not the little animals but the men, know what I think about them.

Posted by: Pamela Rooney | September 17, 2008 03:53 PM

This is sickening! Something must be done!

Posted by: latoya | September 17, 2008 03:58 PM

Disgusting! No more pork for me because every time I'll eat pork, I will remember these helpless creatures.

To the perpetrators - remember, what goes around comes around!

Posted by: Susan Panton | September 17, 2008 04:24 PM

FOR ALL WHO HAVE A HEART.......BOYCOTT HORMEL!

IT IS HORMEL'S RESPONSIBILITY TO END THE ABUSE OF THEIR SUPPLIERS. IT IS HORMEL'S RESPONSIBILTY TO PREVENT THE ABUSE IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Posted by: Sandra Toscano | September 17, 2008 04:57 PM

I eat meat and I do not support or agree with PETA on many things, but this is somthing that PETA should go after. No animal, even an animal meant to be eaten needs or deserves to be treated like this. The men (maybe women too) that do this to these animals should be fired and given jail time. I am currently raising mice for feeders. I know there are places that raise feeder mice that are just plain mean to the mice and keep them in horrible conditions. My goal is to raise feeders in a clean, and abuse free enviroment. These people at the pig farm should do the same, and if they cant they should be shut down.

Posted by: Alicia | September 17, 2008 05:09 PM

I am an ex-emt, that is the worst thing i have ever seen in my life. to reply to the guy that works there, why did you not do anything? i am discusted with our human race.

Posted by: Michelle Mueller | September 17, 2008 05:14 PM

Why can't these monsters be prosecuted?

Posted by: Hope | September 17, 2008 05:43 PM

This is:

A Concentration Camp for Pigs. Hormel is the Enemy.

You know what needs to be done to the enemy.

Never again!

Posted by: Bill Wallace | September 17, 2008 05:52 PM

I watched the cruelty! Those employees need to prison terms!
Please don't buy Hormel Products!

Posted by: Sue Kang | September 17, 2008 06:13 PM

I cannot imagine what it takes to be an undercover cruelty investigator. My thanks to PETA for that. To the couple that watched the video together, whose husband works at that sow barn, it only takes one to commit horrible cruelty. The management of that company is responsible, period, whether it is a few or many causing the cruelty. And the intelligence of the animal to which the cruelty is inflicted should not be a consideration. All God's creatures deserve compassion.

Posted by: Pat | September 17, 2008 06:25 PM

tks Peta for going into these place to investigate where these people feel they can torment and abuse animals any which way htey please because they are 'behind closed doors'.. it saddens me so each and every time to konw hear how animals suffer this way by cowardly cruel bullies of humans and these animals simply 'have to 'put up with it'.. as in the case of Hallmark meat exposed by HSUS.. I hope likewise this particular place will also be exposed for what it is.. and the guilty parties.. be more than accountable for their cruel and cowardly bullying actions on poor defenceless animals.. they are truly DISGUSTING humans!.. I wish I their 'dangly' bits would also be cut off and thrown onto some heap.. and then burned..

Posted by: bet | September 17, 2008 06:56 PM

this needs to stop immediatley. this is unnecssary crulty. are there no laws for this type of crime. protesters should be there all the time. staff needs to be retrained.

Posted by: kim | September 17, 2008 07:24 PM

Don't forget, Hormel owns quite a few brands: Farmer John, Saag, and others, so boycott those, too.
here's a link: http://www.hormelfoods.com/

Posted by: C. Creager | September 17, 2008 07:24 PM

I am sitting here writing this email and the tears just will not stop. I can not believe that these men who did this are human !! What are they really like in their personal lives. It sickens me to see these creatures of GOD be treated like this. They don't have to suffer like this to become a meal. They did this on purpose for their own pleasure and sick minds. I can not stop crying. To see how they laughed as they threw those piglets on the floor and still alive they laid in their own blood. The farmer is as much responsible as the men they have hired. Their pictures should be plastered in every newspaper, news station across the world.Why havent they? I will never buy anything to do with Hormel ever again. Thank you PETA but we have to close this place down. Tell us what to do and I will get an army of people to stop this abuse.
They should go to jail and be abused themselves like they have abused these poor animals. Absolutely disgusted !! Shut these farms down who abuse any kind of animal. God Bless all those animals.

Posted by: Rosa | September 17, 2008 08:23 PM

Post the Farmer's name and address and phone number. Who is the Mayor and how can someone allow this to happen. Someone has to go and take those pigs out of there and put them in a safe environment and let them just grow old and healthy. Email me this info please and we will start calling right now.

Posted by: Rosa | September 17, 2008 08:28 PM

I think we can all agree on who the real pigs are. But 'pig' is much too kind of a word to describe these monsters. The insanity in the video has even made it to the front page of AOL news.

For everyone making the pledge to give up pork, kudos to you! You're making the best decision you possibly could for these animals.

Posted by: Sarah | September 17, 2008 08:52 PM

I WILL NEVER EAT ANYTHING PORK JESUS HAVE MERCY ON US
THE PEOPLE THAT ABUSED THE PIGS ARE GOING TO HAVE VERY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO THEM.

Posted by: jane bauer | September 17, 2008 09:04 PM

I am left speechless and yet with so much to say after what I have just saw. I couldn't bring myself to watch the whole thing but I know it must have been terrible. Animals should be treated with respect and I hope these people one day realize what they have done and feel shameful. I absolutely am against animal cruelty, these animals did not deserve this. The monsters who did this to them will hopefully feel guilty for the rest of their lives.This disgusts me, i am proud to be vegan.

Posted by: Marii | September 17, 2008 09:26 PM

I am so disgusted by this video these sorry excuses for human beings are going to be judged real soon. I is so sad to see this happen to these animals its doesn't matter if you eat meat or not these is no excuse to treat any animal like this. I wanted to cry for these animals u can just see the pain in there eyes when you look at them. I hope that this story makes the news across the world and forces these company's to be held accountable for this kind of miss treatment, and I hope that the faces of the "SORRY ASS EXCUSES OF HUMANS BEINGS" get what they have coming to them.

Posted by: Lakisha | September 17, 2008 09:39 PM

My husband and I were horrified by this video! I have recently read a book that has opened my eyes to the meat industry as a whole. Vegan will be my new way of life because this type of thing will be hard to stop.

Posted by: Jessica Musso | September 17, 2008 09:50 PM

The video was horrific. But Hormel's response by Brian Stevens was equally horrific. He had high regard for the producers and said they were a good group with the highest integrity. It's not possible to have high regard and integrity when your operations allows abuse. Every animal farm for food production is going to have abuse. The business must have some practice to actively seek and eliminate abuse. If the producer says abuse must be reported, why wasn't it reported? Why did PETA have to do an undercover? There's management problems and peer pressure to not blow the whistle. The employees and managers should be punished, the producer should be punished, and Hormel should be punished. And anyone who buys Hormel should feel part of the guilt. I'm a meat eater and plan to stay that way, but I want humane treatment of animals.

Posted by: Garry | September 17, 2008 11:10 PM

Thank God/dess for PETA. If it wasn't for your hard work and dedication, stuff like this would go on and no one would know or care. This is what I wrote to them and I also sent a hard copy via snail mail. People need to get involved and write, call, do whatever you can to speak up for those who can't. All creatures great & small !!

Hormel Foods,

I find the animal abuse that goes on at the factory farm you purchase pork from in Iowa is disgusting and appalling. Shame on your company for not having stricter guidelines, rules and policies that are regularly monitored and enforced regarding the treatment of animals from those who your company purchases pork, poultry or beef from. I urge that you follow PETA's eight-point policy when governing future pig-farming operations. PETA's plan includes calling for the immediate termination and criminal prosecution of anyone who is caught abusing or neglecting animals. It also calls on your company to enact and enforce meaningful animal welfare guidelines for your suppliers.

Anyone who believes that animals don't suffer or have feelings is cruel and unintelligent. I urge your company to rethink it's relationships with such disgusting and degrading animal abusers so that your company name is not associated with such cruelty.

Shame on you if you stand back and do nothing. Please take a stand and let these suppliers know that Hormel will not tolerate animal abuse and cruelty.

Posted by: Ailette Rodriguez | September 17, 2008 11:17 PM

This is truly discusting, to do this to the baby piglets in front of their mothers screaming in pain is like doing this to a child to its mother.. These scumbags are lowlifes pathetic uneducated morons who deserve to be castrated and thrown in the rubbish tip where they belong... I am so upsett right now I am sick of reading these horror stories something needs to be done..
That why I gave up eating meat...

Posted by: Brandy | September 17, 2008 11:23 PM

I wrote Hormel they sent me the same letter as above posted by Dogma ;this is what I sent back So YOU NEVER EVEN READ the comments ,You just forward the same crap to everyone,Shows you don't really care , I have not been able to sleep after seeing the peta video ,But I would like to know are these employees still working there ? Has this factory been shut down ? Have these people been prosecuted ? I will tell everyone I can about your slaughterhouse .And I or my family will never eat pork again . We are haveing cards made up about hormol slaughter to pass out at flea markets, wal-marts and anywhere we can think of ,thats my childrens idea ,good one too. I will be right there helping them. Hope you have a good night sleep
.

Posted by: cheryl | September 17, 2008 11:40 PM

I just wrote to Hormel foods, about the pig farmers, and can no longer eat pork. I will never get the images out of my mind, of the needless atrocities that I have learned about that go on in pig farms since I have been learning about them the past couple of months. These workers are sadistic and need to be prosecuted, then checked into a mental institution.

Posted by: Tracy | September 18, 2008 12:33 AM

Most of what was seen was wrong and unsettling. My wife and I both worked in a farrow to finish farm and there was alot that was done that we so in human for the animals. but as far as docking the tail and casterating them they don't suffer long two minutes after they are done they are running around playing with no pain.the farm we work at we also disinfected the instriments used to casterate and dock there tail after every litter or as needed in the same litter and they also got antibotics and iron shots. but as far as beating them there was times we had to get after them but not to the extent of what was shown in the video. There needs to be a line between abuse and a firm hand just like children.

Posted by: dan p | September 18, 2008 12:34 AM

I have spoken with Dan Koester and he is not the former owner of Natural Pork Production II. Can this be corrected in John Schiefer's blog?

Posted by: Heather A | September 18, 2008 01:02 AM

These individuals who blatantly harmed, maimed and sodomized these pigs should be prosecuted and thrown into jail for many many years. The pigs were defenseless. They were female pigs and young. The usage of sexual language to describe the sows and abuse of the sows' genitalia is extremely disgusting and horribly disturbing. It makes me seriously contemplate about the mental health of the workers and if they have committed sexual crimes against women and children. Help to convict these scum and make examples out of them! No animal should have to suffer at the hand of any man or woman regardless if the animal is raised for slaughter. These very types of crimes on animals made me become aware of what role I was playing in the factory farm horrors. I altered my lifestyle and became a VEGETARIAN. It was easy to do! Seeing the suffering of the animals was motivation to change. No longer will I support these hideous horror farms by purchasing animal meats!!

Posted by: Diana | September 18, 2008 01:04 AM

I do eat meat and will continue to do so. I eat meat killed by small farmers using humane methods. I can't support being a vegan. However, I will write to Hormel and actively encourage anyone I know to boycott their products (which are crap anyway). Thank you for doing this. I wish you would publish the names of the people in the video. Torture in any form is unacceptable.

Posted by: Kandace | September 18, 2008 01:27 AM

My God. PETA, I don't normally agree with your views or your delivery of them. I eat meat, wear leather and own a purebred dog but after seeing this I won't be buying my pork products from Hormel.

Posted by: Tanya | September 18, 2008 01:29 AM

ALL I can say is STOP contributing to CORP GREED any which way POSSIBLE! If you chose to contribute to the cruelty and continue to eat meat buy ONLY from small local farmers where you can take a peek BEHIND closed doors! Why do you think corp factory farms and slaughterhouses are always tucked AWAY from public view??

Who EVER designed the un-Godly farrowing crate was a TRUE Hitler and to ALL animals subjected to the meat industry, 'MAN' are NAZIS in THEIR eyes and whether charges are brought about to these SICKOS AND the DECEIVING pork industry/factory farms (don't see ANYTHING resembling a farm pictured on MOST pork products) SUCK for putting these mother pigs behind bars of TINY cells where they can't even turn around! I know I would ABSOLUTELY go OUT OF MY MIND!

This is NO longer a nation under God as we are in a pact with the devil (corps, capitalism, materialism, militarism, elite bankers) which has destroyed humanity as we know it as they are considered mere commodities/profit $$$ and PLENTY of profits able to line the pockets NICELY of politicians, juidial system AND the USDA so they ALL turn a blind eye...

THAT'S how corrupt our govt is, NOT what this country was founded on as the Greatness of a nation and its moral progress is based on how its animals are treated...WOW if this is factual then we are in for a HARSH judgment!

The driving passion that has overwhelmingly governed my life is the UNBEARABLE pity for the suffering of human & non human animals caused by people (Corp GREED/MEAT INDUSTRY) for their own personal gain, regardless of how severe the pain, intentionally and maliciously inflicted on innocent others.

PEACE
&
God BLESS the beasts!

Posted by: SHARI | September 18, 2008 01:46 AM

I eat meat, and realize that something has to die to provide me with this kind of food. Even so, there are humane ways to raise and slaughter animals that don't expose the animal to needless pain, suffering and terror.

My solution is that I'm going to do my best to avoid buying meat, dairy, poultry or eggs from commercial sources. I'm either going to raise my own (I have chickens and a dairy cow already), buy from a local farm where I can see the animals and check out the reputation of the farm family, or I'm going to drastically cut back my intake. I'm cutting back on restaurants even more than normal, and will not be buying processed foods if I can help it.

If all of us cut back the purchase of these products, the mega corporations that have pushed these factory farms on us will be forced to change their ways.

If we do nothing, this kind of cruelty is going to continue. No one cares about these animals unless we take a stand.

Posted by: Bill Masterson | September 18, 2008 05:41 AM

That video was very disturbing, including everything else similar that is on this website. These so called "people / human beings" should get tortured the same way they do to those animals to see how they like it. humans are disgusting >_>

Posted by: Steve | September 18, 2008 06:42 AM

It is not about not eating hot dogs, bacon, etc. It is about the humane treatment of animals used for human consumption. To make hot dog and bacon, it is not necessary to torture these pigs. I wonder how these savages would feel if they had a stick up their behind, or their testicles were cut off! I hope they go to jail. This is animal abuse and it must be stopped!

Posted by: Dalie Cabrera | September 18, 2008 07:22 AM

I just watched and listened to PETA's video of the abuses that went on at one of Iowa's large hog confinement farms and it makes me not only ashamed to be from Iowa, but ashamed to be a member of the human race.

I've always loved ALL animals and as a Christian, I believe God gave us authority to have dominion over all the world's resources, land, water, air and animals. With this responsibility, we are to be good stewards of it all also.
I do believe that God intended for us to eat plants and animals and I also believe it's God's will for us to harvest our food humainly and to not kill or harm any living thing for pleasure or out of ignorance or stress. What we eat should be killed swiftly and painlessly as possible. I thank God for the food he provides me with to eat. I was married to an Iowa farmer for over 20 years who raised pigs and cows. and grains and I've witnessed animal abuse that haunts me to this day. I finally got enough courage to divorce the farmer (with a restraining order) Iowa farmers are saying how bad those at the hog confinement farm was and they'd never do anything like that. DON'T BELIEVE THEM! When the economy is bad for the farmers, they also get meaner as they look at livestock as dollars on hoofs, so when they are worth less financially, or farmers get into a bind financially due to floods, drouts, hail, wind damage, etc., they also take out their frustrations, not only on the livestock, but also on their pets and family.
I'm also very dissapointed in Senator Harkin's comments on tv, stating that Iowa Farmers wouldn't treat animals that way as it's not financially profitable. Our government leaders should be interested in what is morally and ethically right, rather than just thinking about the almighy dollar as the bottom line for what is acceptable in the handling, raising and selling of livestock.
I also believe these abusers will pay dearly for what they did when they meet their MAKER at judgement day, as well as they should be doing hard time in prison where the punishment fits the crime.
I pray that GOD gives special blessings to PETA and helps them to be very successful in their challenges to STOP THE ABUSE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ANIMALS. From a TRUE ANIMAL LOVER

Posted by: Cheryl Roe | September 18, 2008 07:41 AM

IF YOU DO NOT GO VEGAN, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. IF IT REALLY BOTHERS YOU, STOP EATING ALL MEAT AND USING ALL ANIMAL PRODUCTS. HUMANE SLAUGHTER IS A FANTASY TERM CREATED BY THE MEAT INDUSTRY TO MAKE YOU THINK THAT ANIMALS CAN BE TREATED WELL, THEN MURDERED FOR YOU TO EAT THEM. IT CANNOT BE DONE. IF PEOPLE ON HERE TRULY WANT THIS TO STOP, IT HAS TO STOP AT YOUR HOME. OTHERWISE, DON'T POST ON HERE AS THOUGH YOU ARE OUTRAGED, THEN SIT DOWN AND EAT A HUGE CHUNK OF FLESH FROM AN ANIMALS THAT HAS SUFFERED AS MUCH AS ANY OF THESE PIGS YOU CLAIM TO BE SO UPSET ABOUT. NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR YOUR "OUTRAGED" OPINION WHEN YOU HAVE NO INTENTION OF MAKING ANY CHANGES IN YOUR LIFESTYLE TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING. AT LEAST THE PIG ABUSERS ARE UPFRONT ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING. THE REST OF YOU POINT THE FINGER AT THEM, BUT CONTINUE TO PROMOTE ANIMAL CRUELTY THROUGH YOUR LIFESTYLE. YOUR LACK OF DIRECT PARTICIPATION DOES NOT ABSOLVE YOU OF GUILT IN THE TORTURE AND DEATH OF THESE, AND ALL OTHER, ANIMALS KILLED FOR YOU TO EAT.

Posted by: Antigone1000 | September 18, 2008 10:00 AM

Words cannot even begin to express how my heart ached and hurt for these poor pigs. The only satisfaction I can get is knowing that these individuals will be paid back for their cruelty by a much higher source than our judicial system.

Posted by: cindy8793 | September 18, 2008 10:22 AM

Leigh, you said your husband works on this stupid farm. Well, I'm sure he witnessed this abuse and did nothing to stop it. You say the investigator exaggerated the abuse. YOU SAW THE VIDEO!!! What? You think that was staged? No, IT WAS REAL!

Posted by: 4 the Animals | September 18, 2008 10:30 AM

Get 'em PETA...this is horrible and unacceptable behavior. I'd like to do the same thing to those workers in the video. I hope they are prosecuted to the highest extent...!

Posted by: lwg | September 18, 2008 10:59 AM

Yes but God NEVER intended for animals to be exploited in any way shape or form in the name of the almighty dollar which he warned would bring us down and be the demise of MAN.

The almighty dollar has taken God out of MANY MANY MANY peoples lives and will eventually destroy mankind and folks this is EXACTLY what Corp America Greed IS and the stock market is a PRIME example!

Out of the satanic GREED genetic engineering and chemical warfare are included to assure profits stay HIGH regardless of how the animals suffer OR it affects consumer health...hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, msg, who knows what else these evil minds use but the list goes on and on with absolutely NO concern whatsoever for the "people"!

Out of illusions & brainwashing they have created sheeple who believe all the lies and deceit to keep them in business and TV is an EXCELLENT tool, it keeps the masses complacent, they tell you what to eat, where to eat, what drugs to take (along with all the nasty side effects) as all you see is drugs & fast food commercials so believe it or not they TOO control the tube INCLUDING the news, only what THEY want you to see & hear, you didn't see this video on the news or anything about AGRIPROCESSORS!

We The People are ONLY here for the ride and that's IT, mere peasant slaves to them and if you think the TOP elite, the REAL rulers of this county are protecting your assets while taking your rights away, then you're in for a HELLUVA ride as everything being done in this country is ALL for the benefit of the TOP elite bankers and corps which include the pharmaceutical & the meat industry!

If they can do this to the animals can you IMAGINE what they could do to us??? Think about it...

PEACE

Posted by: SHARI | September 18, 2008 12:00 PM

To be perfectly honest I'm more shocked that someone (Leigh) actually took the time to write "My husband worked here during this investigation...etc" on here and try to use that as a defense against the people doing this.

Why don't you ask your husband why in the hell he works somewhere seeing this abuse every single day and doesn't do something about it? Regardless of whether or not "the investigator totally exaggerated the abuse on THAT day" you're still coming out and admitting that 1) there still actually is abuse, and 2) it's occurring on a daily basis.

As far as not "blaming the entire farm for the stupidity of some" as far as I'm concerned the stupidity is extremely widespread if workers, including your husband, are witnessing this everyday and not taking it to the upper management.

Without any question, and no regard to possibly losing my job, I would immediately take the issue up the food chain to the higest management level in existance, and not lay off until something was done.

The fact that your husband worked there and did nothing makes him almost as bad as the people committing the abuse.

I think that the meat eaters of the world should stop trying to justify the abuse that goes on and either stop eating meat, or admit that they are heartless empty shells that have no regard for the value of life.

Posted by: Meagan | September 18, 2008 01:08 PM

Anywhere you go to work, you are bound to encounter people who are sick individuals. You cannot blame the entire farm or Hormel for that matter, for what the people did. The new managers at the farm are trying very hard to clean it up and are already getting rid of these employees. Everyone is so worried about what happened to the pigs. What happens if they close the farm and the people who work there & had nothing to do w/ it lose their jobs & can't support their families anymore? Will we get this much outpouring of concern for our kids when we can't feed them or house them? I doubt it!

Posted by: Leigh | September 18, 2008 01:53 PM

I have been a hog farmer for over 15 years. I have never treated my hogs like that. But lets kept in mind that this video doesn't represent the average farmer!! Those of us that are raising hogs for a living strive to improve the handling of our livestock! These people in the video are NOT HOG FARMERS, they are 9-5 workers that don't care how they treat the animals because tomorrow they will probably be working at Walmart. It's people like this that give the true hog farmers a bad name!!!

Posted by: Dave | September 18, 2008 02:20 PM

I became a vegetarian about a year and a half ago and am now trying to start a group in Regina to protest this kind of thing. Watching this video is like watching a nightmare. Whole species of animals are being born to die, the time they spend alive is hell and now they're being genetically altered to do it better. And that's what all the future babies have to look forward to. The only way I have been able to deal with the crying and nightmarish thoughts that I get from this is the realization that I can take action and fight. So Peta's work here is so greatly appreciated that I don't have words for it. Everything I see in this video should be outlawed and the images make me sick to the stomach. These workers don't seem to like PETA - they can watch as I show everyone this video. Stephen

Posted by: stephen cox | September 18, 2008 02:29 PM

I am a vegan and have watched so many videos that continue to make my soul bleed just thinking about them. However just from the investigators blog I have not been able to watch this video. I truly wonder what has happened to the word "kind" in mankind? Yes these workers are horrific heartless individuals, sorry cannot bring myself to call them human, but unless we all stop believing the propoganda that the meat and dairy indusrties put in front of us the torture will continue. Their commercials are so not true people. The word is that we are becoming immune to antibiotics due to over prescribing....NOT...it is due to all that they give to "factory farm" animals to just keep them going. Why do you thing young girls start menstruating at younger and younger ages, approximately 10 now whne It was about 14 when I was young, it is all because of the hormones that are put in milk. Do you know that we are the only mammals that consume milk as adults and that cows only produce milk when they are with calf. So the dairy industry inpregnates them so that they will produce milk and if the baby is not a female that can be used in the future and is born a male it is either taken away then to become veal or is thrown into the trash heap. The whole time the poor mother is crying and trying her best to clean her new baby. Now tell me they do not have emotions. People that eat the flesh of other living, breathing being are no better than those in the videos, you are walking grave yards. Why? Because your intestines are very long and that piece of meat you ate last week is still inside you. Wild animals that were meant to eat meat have very short intestines and excreet the meat within hours not days. Well now that i have probably pissed off lots of people from my "soapbox" I guess I will close by saying that these places are not farms at all...why do you think they call them slaughterhouses?

Posted by: Charlene | September 18, 2008 03:35 PM

Do you see the fear and desperation in the "blue" pig's face? I do and this is what haunts me. I've been a minimal meat-eater. I'm weaning my self and stopping all together. This is too, too horrible.

Posted by: Laura Bundy | September 18, 2008 04:04 PM

No one see's the good things these people do for the pigs. They have to do these things for the benefit of them and the other animals. everything is done for a reason. the employees give medicine every day to runts and hurt sows. I would love to see anyone here try to move a stubborn pig. there is no way they will go through doors or around crates without giving them exta motivation. if anyone thinks they can do a better job i challenge you to just try it and see how you do. there is so much over exaggertion in this. Pigs have feed every single day. they have water any time they want it and they treat sick pigs every single day.

Posted by: Tyler Vaughan | September 18, 2008 04:05 PM

Leigh - no, not any place that I have worked have I encountered such heartless human beings. The majority of people I have ever talked with like animals and would never hurt them. The people who worked at this farm had some serious mental issues and made a choice to take it out on defenseless loving beings that deserve way more than humans could ever give them. I don't care if the people who worked there lost their job. Big deal! They still have their lives. Those poor pigs don't. Those people can find other jobs. Perhaps they need counseling and therapy for their anger issues!

Posted by: 4 the Animals | September 18, 2008 04:33 PM

I grew up on a farm and was taught respect and compassion for the animals in our care - those used for food and others. Anyone who wasn't sickened by this video and the knowledge that this is taking place cannot have a heart.

Writing to Hormel and their other brands? You bet! Encouraging everyone at my large University to do the same? You bet! Just contacted the foodservices director also. Hormel should have no income at all utnil this abuse grinds to a halt and an inspector is on the property everyday.

Leigh, your husband and anyone else who works at that farm need to be fired and the entire staff, including management replaced in the hope someone can get it right. If your husband stood by and watched and probably participated, and didn't blow the whistle, he is every bit as guilty as those filmed. There is no defense for him or anyone at that facility.

Posted by: Cary | September 18, 2008 04:50 PM

Tyler - Oh, what a life for the pigs! Food and water anytime they want. Give me a break! They are mistreated and spend the entire, short lives in fear because they don't know what is going to happen to them. They have feelings too. And for you to say you'd challenge me to move a pig??? There is no challenge because I would never be there in the first place. I would never treat animals the way that you do.

Posted by: Kate from NY | September 18, 2008 04:59 PM

these morons who work in animal husbandry.. they should be vetted.. shoudlnt' they?.. why are 'any' sicko' or moron allowed to work there or anywhere where they come in contact with animals considering they have a sadistic and callous/cruel streak? you wouldn't let a paedophile work with children.. then why would you let certain characters handle or be in close contact to do what they want with animals?.. I haven't seen the video becuase I know it will upset me immensely and get me all angry and in a rage.. as all animal abuse or cruelty cases do .. but having read some comments.. the guilty parties should be fired.. and black listed never ever to work or come in contact with animals in work or ownership.. whatever ever..
they're just sickos.. and they shoudl just vent out their sick acts of cruelty onto THEMSELVES! and if they happen to permanently maim themselves in the process .. even better..
sick.. sick world..!

Posted by: beth | September 18, 2008 05:29 PM

How is it possible that HORMEL had signed a contract with a producer who treats intelligent and sensitive beings like pigs (who are equal to dogs !!!) with such an atrocious cruelty ? If PETA had not documented in an undercover video footage the unacceptable abuse committed by HORMEL`s provider on lovable beings, these horrors would still have gone on for a long time... So HORMEL`s explanations about "Corporate Responsibility" and"Animal Welfare" are not very credible. Poor animals, poor pigs, handed over to human monsters, before being devoured by them.
Roswitha Marcuzzi.

Posted by: Roswitha Marcuzzi | September 18, 2008 06:00 PM

It disgusts me that anyone could treat animals so awful.

I have a pig that i rescued from a commercial pig farm and he is the most intelligent, trusting and loving animal i could ask for.

He nows sleeps in clean straw and runs around in acres of grass with his other rescued friends, where as before i had him he has lived in a concrete pen with no daylight.

It upsets me so much to think what kind of mind some one must have to be cruel, as i cant get my own head around the idea. It makes me feel sick.

I

Posted by: Laura | September 18, 2008 06:02 PM

I have farm pigs, Yorkshires and a sanctuary for them called: New Dawn MT Farm Sanctuary. Farm animals of various breed live with us in safety and peace. Part of the reason, one of many reasons we did this was driving by the Hormel kill factory. Read on...
Thankyou PETA for the work you do!!
If you drive on I-90 through MN the Hormel factory which looks like an Auschwich-esq place, has a "fun spam" museum out front to lure tourists from noticing on the side road to the back of the kill plant, stocktrucks full of precious pigs going to horrific slaughter. They to this to divert attention. I cried as I drove by Hormel's huge kill factory.
Please stop eating meat and encourage alternatives to use of animal products, so this horror may be a thing of the past at all stages of the life of farm animals-pigs are wonderful animals, most people like pigs, do stop liking ham too!

Posted by: Montana veg | September 18, 2008 06:05 PM

Yes, the video is very disturbing for the people that work on the hog farms and care about their jobs and have a love for the animals. Those people in the video are just there for a paycheck. Them and their manager should be fired and charges brought against them. As for cutting tails and cutting nuts without no pain meds, as soon as you put the pig down it is fine. The pig will holler because you are holding it. I am totally against someone beating a hog.

Posted by: Piglover | September 18, 2008 06:06 PM

I dont even know what to say..... Those are very sick and demented people. I hope they get whats coming to them.
I just recently became a vegetarian and I am so happy that I did. This is awful, I'm definitely going to spread the word. This is just soo disturbing I can't believe it.

Posted by: Kayla crawford | September 18, 2008 06:26 PM

OH MY GOSH!!!!!! How could ANYONE ever do something like this. I have been a vegetarian for 2 years and this just shows me exactly why. Anyone who says PETA is just exaggerating about the cruelty is completely disturbed. I wish these people at that farm could experience everything those pigs go through and they just might think twice. Hire some people with a brain and education past 1st grade. KARMA, KARMA, KARMA!!!!!!!

Posted by: Amanda | September 18, 2008 06:28 PM

i became Vegan about 3 months ago for my health and my health only, but after watching this video I have even more reasons to back up my decision and lifestyle. Oh yeah, and this video on pig abuse made me literally throw up, I think more people need to see this and more people need to be aware of how their consumption is disgusting!!!

Posted by: Natascha | September 18, 2008 06:37 PM

I noticed you ask us to send a polite comment to Hormel
How can you be polite after seeing somrthing like that???
and why weren't those people arrested right away the ownership changing hands has nothing to do with what these people did. They decided to do it themselves they are sick and cruel and need to be held accountable for their own actions

Posted by: P. K | September 18, 2008 07:02 PM

WOW... i worked in a sow unit for two years and people that think they know what goes on there after seeing those videos have no idea... that is about a five minute video out of months these people worked for the company.. it is completely radiculous for them to try and get all kinds of pitty and to exagerate... there were things in this video that are horrible and i definately dont agree with but they were definately taught a different way to deal with the animals.. and like tyler said... there is a TON of good that these workers do for the animals.. so for the people that think they just know what goes on and how bad the units are maybe you should really get your facts straight..

Posted by: Kelsea Tyson | September 18, 2008 07:06 PM

I went to the Hormel website to see what kinds of things they "claimed". I thought this one was interesting: "Hormel Foods is committed to reducing the impact our day-to-day operations have on the environment and ensuring animal welfare."
Hmmm, doesn't look like based on the video I just watched!

Posted by: Kristin | September 18, 2008 07:17 PM

Leigh, i support you 100% i also work on a pig farm in iowa and i have too see this happen on numerous times and i can understand where your husband is coming from, i myself have reported to my supervisors and sometimes nothing is done, sometimes we as co-workers are not in the position to change anything! all we can do is make sure that we do it right!! again leigh you have my support 100%

Posted by: pig farmer | September 18, 2008 07:58 PM

Tyler, what are you trying to say. Extra motivation??? Do you mean like shoving poles up a pigs ass?? Do you call that extra motivation to get the pigs to move??
And what part of the video is exagerrated?? After all it is all caught on video and is hideous to most of us.

I gave up eating meat 4 years ago after my first visit to Farm Sanctuary at which time I realy started to learn about the horrers that go on in Factory farms. I can not support that at all.

Posted by: Susan Johnson | September 18, 2008 08:27 PM

Tyler...Please try and challenge your ideas about pigs. Try for a day to look at them as smart animals and not just uncooperative brutes. The reason they are uncooperative is becuase they are very smart. Smart animals don't volunteer to be placed in gestation crates or other places where they feel confined or unsafe. If they have associated pain or any real stress with a particular place they remember that and stubbornly refuse to go back.

If pigs are treated consitantly with respect and given rewards for desired behavior they are proven to be highly motivated learners. It is our human constraints and expectations on them that make them uncooperative.

Posted by: joanna | September 18, 2008 08:37 PM

I agree with Tyler V. Also the farrowing crates are designed so the sow can't roll over and crush or suffocate the pigs. Out in the open, little pigs get killed by mother sow all the time!! Also I am surprised the undercover team could watch and tape this stuff for weeks and not do something!! I found the video disgusting, and I am sure this is not a normal pork farm. We used to raise cattle and I can relate to having to 'persuade' animals to move when and where you want. I love meat of all kinds and always will,

Posted by: John K. | September 18, 2008 09:13 PM

This video actually made me cry......my stomach is so upset. These idiots should receive the same treatment that they inflict upon these poor animals. This needs to stop.

Posted by: Jamie | September 18, 2008 09:27 PM

I add my outrage in agreement with every person on this blog regarding the horrendous treatment of those humble creatures; but don’t blame Hormel, don’t blame Wal-Mart. Blame yourself! Did you buy Hormel pork tenderloin at King Soopers last week for $3.99 a pound? Where do you think that came from? Americans pay less for food than any industrial nation. Did you give up your cell phone, your cable TV, your SUV, your daily latte/coffee at Starbucks, your lunch at McDonald’s or Burger King or fill-in-the-blank fast food place while objecting that paying a sustainable price for humanely raised pork or beef or chicken or turkey is too much? I’m an omnivore, but I want to know where my food comes from so I can TRY to sleep at night without visions of tortured, suffering, crippled, drugged animals in the human food chain on my mind. Bless PETA!

Posted by: Donna Martin | September 18, 2008 10:04 PM

What do you mean? By the good things those people that abused the pigs and piglets, maybe you should be one of those pigs and maybe you would realize how getting fed and giving them meds would feel like after someone shoving a metal rod up your anus or you vaginal part. Do you think that's humane? You think that happens for a reason? Yes, true I'm sure there are good farmers out there but we are talking about idiots here, stupid isn't even the word that describe these people that did this to the poor pigs and piglets. They are lower than human kind and I don't believe that they should be put into the sitation those pigs were in. Oh you think motivation is they way to describe how these animals were being treated, maybe you should go and read the investagtors blog again and if your smart enough you wouldn't call it motivation. FYI, it's called ANIMAL CRUELTY! They get paid for taking care of those hogs but instead they take advantage of what they had, I pray to god that these types of lower than human kinds falls directly to hell and burn in hells fire forever. Over exageration isn't the way to describe this, this is unacceptable for human and animals. Maybe your one of them and that's why you don't see the wrong in this. Or maybe you do know someone who does this? I think there maybe something wrong with you if your writing that. Yes, I can agree that pigs get fed ever day but what about the abuse? Would you like to get fed every day and like to get hit with a metal rod or even worse if you had a baby and they cut off your baby's testicles or slam his head on the cement. Do you call that right? I was very disturb by this incident, I mean which human that has a decent heart wouldn't be? People that pick on animals or helpless people that can't fight back are cowards! If you think you tough let's put you in a circle and have you surronded by normal people and see what happens....I pray that the animal abusers get worst than just jail time. I hope they get a crow bar up in their anus and see how that feels in jail and never make an earning again. Please do no hire cowards like this. They are just a waste of space in society. Pigs get slaugter but still that's not enough, inhumane people has to put them through torture and pain. Stupid cowards, I really hope that the people in the video that's doing the abuse or anyone out there that abuses animals get the worse of life, your day will come and hopefully not to far away! GO PETA, I hope there will be more supporters, we love our animals! I have emailed all my friends and relative to support you!

Posted by: Chom | September 18, 2008 11:31 PM

To Tyler, You aren't going to make anyone on this site feel better by reassuring them they are fed and watered well. My husband works for a hog barn and PETA doesn't want these animals confined at all. They believe that is cruel alone aside from the dumb @ss*# that choose to brutally harm those animals. I don't believe for a second that those 2 investigators just randomly decided to gain employment, I think they were notified by some employee that couldn't stand what they saw and wanted them exposed with the fear that if they followed their company policy and reported it that nothing or not enough would happen. My husband makes it to work 24 hours a day if need be and 7 days a week including holidays, we have a sensor phone that calls our home at all hours if the temperature is wrong and he responds immediately without extra pay. Does he do it because he loves pigs or animals NO he does it because it puts food (obviously with his profession not a lot of pork) on our families plates and jobs are limited around our area. I appreciate you trying to add some sugar to the bitter truth but what was done was unprofessional and just plain WRONG, these people do have to pay for what they did and for the best interest of those animals I think everyone who works in that barn should lose their jobs for having any part or knowledge of it and those animals should be transfered out of there. I have to say those investigators were brave little souls for even being there because if those people were brutalizing those animals without any fear of what could happen to them or without feeling a bit of remorse I now fear what could have happened if they would have been exposed. I certainly hope that what needs to be done is done but the world is not vegan and this is just the way it is. You don't have to agree with it but I don't think you will ever stop it. To think that vandalizing hog units or coming after their empolyees and making phone calls is going to stop the world from eating meat is a nice thought to help you think you are doing your part, and I am sorry for the animals that were abused and wish severe vinidication on the employees that harmed those animals but in defense to the rest of the people that are employed with hog barns, they are doing a job to put a roof over their families heads and food on the table not everyone is there thinking the demented or cruel thoughts those employees were thinking or acting on some are just trying to survive.

Posted by: Jeanie | September 18, 2008 11:43 PM

I have totally kicked red meat and pork, chicken is next, I don't know if I can ever drop seafood, I love it too much.

Posted by: Paul | September 19, 2008 01:03 AM

This is horrific! Everyone that tortures animals should be gutted! I'm glad I'm a smart vegan!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Kelly | September 19, 2008 08:05 AM

I would like to see EXACTLY the same happen to these people who do this........that would be true justice and punishment!
May God Send Them to Hell Fire

Posted by: Julie | September 19, 2008 08:44 AM

Well, Mr Tyler Vaughan, I would like to give you some motivation the same way....you wanker......

Posted by: Jule | September 19, 2008 09:46 AM

One question...why is this Tyler guy on the PETA website if he doesn't see that what these farmers are doing is wrong? Why do you even visit the PETA site???? Usually people that love animals care about what PETA is doing or maybe he just wants to stir up trouble and see if he can get a rise out of people like the farmers do when they bash a defensless animal on the head with a rod. Tyler, your comments are not being taken very lightly or positively but you are getting a rise out of us. Goal attained.

Posted by: Kristin | September 19, 2008 11:37 AM

To Tyler - How about scared, or even a smart? I don't think calling the factory farmed pigs stubborn is fair and it's sad to me that people put these negative descriptions on these defenseless animals to justify abusing them. I would be scared to move too around mean human beings pushing me around and beating me. Pigs are smart animals and know when they are being mistreated. I know you are just trying to help us understand but I hope you will examine your thinking a bit deeper.

Posted by: Heather A | September 19, 2008 12:16 PM

Deplorable and disgusting.

Posted by: C. D. Clifford | September 19, 2008 12:24 PM

The video i have just witnessed is absolutely disturbing. I am a sixteen year old employee and I happen to work for a hog confinement in rural iowa. It is ownwed by the same iowa company however a completely different business. The way these workers treated these animals, in no way reflects the company or any other barn under the company name. These were sick individuals that were twisted in the head, which gives all hog barns a bad name. I can assure you that these outrageously heiness actions are not tolerated by any barn under this company. It just so happens that there was a sick and twisted boss to not manage other employees actions.

Posted by: john | September 19, 2008 01:32 PM

Stock Price people....Hit Hormel where it hurts-just like the pigs got it. A brutal beating to the pocket book-Drive the stock price down into the ground and bury it. Maybe then they will get up out of the office chairs, take the ties off, roll up the sleeves and go out there and kick some workers asses into shape. Hit Hormel where it hurts the most....Their pocket book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: MC | September 19, 2008 02:37 PM

Bravo Tyler!! The reason he and I are on this website is to defend the opposite side of the issue. There is more than 1 barn @ this farm. Employees only work in their certain barns so therefore you cannot blame everyone becuz obviously you can't be in 2 barns @ once so you cannot see what is happening elsewhere. As for moving the pigs, THEY DON"T MOVE ON THEIR OWN! You can't say "here piggy piggy" & expect them to move. They don't. As for finding a new job if the farm was shut down...this is small town IA. There are no jobs around here unless you want to drive 50 miles but then you have gas prices to deal w/. We are not a rich community. We can't afford to move or drive that far.

Posted by: Leigh | September 19, 2008 03:18 PM

Cruelty to animals is a criminal offense. Besides being fired, why are these people not being arrested? Bravo to PETA for the excellent jobs you do. Our animals deserve love and respect just like us humans. I have thought about these poor animals since watching the video, and I have even shed tears for them. Maybe those workers should go through some of the same torture those pigs went through.

Posted by: Carol | September 19, 2008 03:55 PM

If you don't have the ability of a human being to work on a pig farm then don't. Pigs are considerd animals, they don't have an IQ of a human being but doesn't give the ppl in the video or others out there that are abusing the piggy's to do so. Get another job if you don't know how to perform the right duties. Most of these comments aren't going out to the farmers that are doing the right thing. I think the main point here is going out to the inhumane, abusive, cowards that don't have the capability to do their job right. Or by the way good luck on making a living now, hope you pay for a the hurt and pain you have caused the animals and us readers that have been affected by the video that shown. A big thanks to PETA once again to catch cowards like the ppl on video.

Posted by: Chom | September 19, 2008 05:07 PM

Antigone 1000,
You are absolutely right!
Humane slaughter is nothing but a myth! It just does not exist!

Peace for all animals!
GO VEGAN!
Most of my heroes wear masks!

Posted by: Judith FFFA | September 19, 2008 06:01 PM

I'm going to boycott pig products...actually all red meat. While not all pig farms mistreat their animals, it's hard to know which ones do and which ones don't. Pork, beef, etc are all bad for you anyway. Why not stop overbreeding the poor animals and let them live happy?

Posted by: Margaret Benbow | September 19, 2008 06:38 PM

The only thing that went through my head as i watched that man beat that poor defensless pig was that he must be either a) a murderer, or B) a wife and child beater. Its impossible to think that these people are normal. They are seriously deranged to think that its ok to beat on a defensless pig and get away with it. I really hope that one day, they will pay for their crime because they are no different than the people who tortured other people, who are killers and all the skum of the earth.

Posted by: Sandra Hould | September 19, 2008 06:40 PM

Leigh,
I'm sick of seeing your disgusting name on this blog. You do not care about animals. You're just some troublemaking bitch. Do us all a favor, and piss off!

Posted by: Sharon Girouard | September 19, 2008 07:58 PM

I just reviewed this video and I'm so disgusted and sickened by the sadistic abuse of these beautiful, precious animals.
I would like to say to the people on this blog site who minimize the suffering and abuse of these animals by complaining about how difficult it is to get a pig to move, etc. Pedophiles and child abusers, as well as abusers of any kind, minimize the abuse by telling their victims that they somehow "deserved" it. That is what a few sick people are doing on this site, trying to make it appear as though the animals deserved what they got by not cooperating nor moving fast enough for them. I wonder how fast you would move to get in line for your death? I wonder if you'd cooperate with someone who is about to hang you upside down and cut your throat? Would you hurry up and get in line?
I didn't think so. Neither would any pig. They are not as stupid as you make them out to be. They can sense or smell death. The stench of death is all around them and they are terrified just like any human animal would be if we knew what was coming to us and had to listen to and watch others being beaten, tortured and murdered. These pigs are constantly listening to other pigs and piglets screaming and they cannot do anything to help each other.
As I was watching this video, my cats came into the living room where I am when they heard the baby pigs screaming while being castrated without anaesthesia. Even my cats have a sense of justice and compassion. They KNOW when another animal is in distress and they respond inwardly on an emotional level. Any one who cannot see this reality in an animal is simply spiritually dead inside.

Posted by: Sharon Girouard | September 19, 2008 08:29 PM

Granted the video was disturbing for all animal lovers out there, but what I don't understand is how come the person that was undercover allowed this to continue for three months????If PETA is for ethical treatment of animals put an end to it as soon as you see abuse occur, instead of allowing the animals to suffer while you get your video. Shame on you PETA for not doing the "right" thing and reporting this right away to the authorities, course I guess, you wouldn't be able to get the PR from your little video while you could of prevented animal suffering and cruelty, maybe you should be concerned about the animal's rights instead of your own self gain.

Posted by: Jaclyn Wilson | September 19, 2008 08:47 PM

I want somebody's head NOW!

Posted by: Paul Austin | September 19, 2008 09:12 PM

I don't think I have cried as much as an adult as I have after seeing the atrocities committed by my fellow human beings. These pigs are the creation of god just like you and me. To violate these wonderful intelligent animals is like violating god.

I am a meat-eater myself and I finally see the hypocrisy I help perpetuate. I don't blame Hormel as they are just a company who provides the consumers what they want. I blame us as humans.

I have to take a hard look at myself for being a part of this indignation. As of now I am a member of PETA and I have lets Hormel know how I disapprove of this monstrosity.

The funny thing is that I shunned religion all my life but after seeing this video I have turned to god and repented over and over again for being born as a human. I do hope that the pigs can forgive us.

I was especially appalled by the repeated beating of the injured sow by a metal rod. Her cries drowned out all of the cries of humanity and made me so much more inclined to do whatever I can to help defend these poor defenseless animals. I am sorry but we are so much worse than these pigs.

May god bless their souls.

Posted by: Faisal Ahmed | September 20, 2008 12:19 AM

a pig is such a wonderful creature. So smart and friendly, its sad to see that we still have not evolved into a state of ethical treatment of all things living or not! It says alot about someones character if they are willing to commit to such an abusive lifestyle....

Posted by: alvin | September 20, 2008 01:24 AM

Leigh- one of the articles I read said PETA is passing the video onto the sheriff's office. So criminal charges could be forthcoming. Recently another PETA undercover video of pig abuse resulted in one person in NC being charged with animal cruelty.

If anyone has updates on the law enforcement response to this video, please post it on this blog.

And as someone else posted, if you want to draw more attention to this case, call the sheriff's office and ask them to press charges against these men:

Greene County Sheriff's Office
(515)386-2136

Posted by: Heather | September 20, 2008 01:31 AM

Peta should check out pipestone systems company alot of the same stuff in the video happens there also, vets condone it its all about money money

Posted by: troy woelber | September 20, 2008 10:10 AM

That's why I donate to Peta Investigation and Rescue Fund but I find it so hard to accept that these companies are not going to be exposed on their cruelty and held accountable.

Posted by: Margarita | September 20, 2008 07:34 PM

To Tyler, Leigh and kelsea tyson, you rock. Actually knowing and understanding is something most peta members have no idea about! Thank-you for writing on here and defending what you know is true-- Not all employees beat the animals, its just a few retards. Kudos on your efforts!

Posted by: Jessica S | September 20, 2008 09:14 PM

It made me so mad watching that video. I don't think I ever felt that kind of anger. Something needs to be done. It is so heartbreaking. I just wish I had a chance to talk to those guys who did that to those poor animals. How would they feel if someone did that to them. They need to leave their personal problmes at home and let off their steam somewhere else. Who ever manages that place shold be ashamed of them selves. It's one thing they are making food out of those poor things, but it's a whole other thing for those animals to be treated that way. I hate those people so much.

Posted by: Tatiana | September 20, 2008 09:19 PM

I am sick to my stomach. These horrible people need to be prosecuted.

Posted by: Sharon | September 21, 2008 02:46 PM

I will warn friends and family about this terrible corporation. This is truly a disgusting, pure evil act that cannot be ignored. Something MUST be done immediately. No living creature deserves this torture. Thank you peta for letting the world know the true side of Hormel's conditions and actions.
Thank you.

Posted by: Ashley | September 21, 2008 04:32 PM

I was sick to my stomach after watching this video. Where on earth do they find these sadistic morons that work in these places anyway? These animals don't deserve that kind of treatment by these scums. I hope they get theirs one day and the sooner...the better. They think they're powerful by hurting these animals but the truth of the matter is they are nothing but COWARDS and LOSERS.

Posted by: Carolyn Whiteway | September 21, 2008 06:13 PM

EVERY ANIMAL FEELS PAIN & HAS EMOTIONS!
SHAME ON US FOR BEING SO GOD DAMN IGNORANT, INSENSITIVE & ARROGANT!

Posted by: Shauna Saling | September 22, 2008 12:48 AM

I wish these workers could come back to this earth as those poor pigs and be treated the same way. That would be just what they deserve. In the mean time they belong in jail.(to say the least)

Posted by: terry | September 22, 2008 12:14 PM

You can email Greene County Sheriff Thomas Heater and ask for ALL of the workers involved in abuse to be prosecuted at:

theater@greenecountysheriff.net

Posted by: Heather A. | September 22, 2008 01:58 PM

This is in response to Jessica S - you must be one of those retards then

Posted by: Janice in WI | September 22, 2008 10:44 PM

Sharon Girouard: I'm so glad you called me a troublemaking bitch because that means ppl are reading my comments and I am getting my side across. Thanks!!

Posted by: Leigh | September 23, 2008 12:08 PM

I am very upset about what people do to animals , there needs to be laws that put them in jail for a long time the law is to easy on them , those poor animals I just can't image any animal or human going through that kind of pain , they need to put all the people in that plant through the same kind of pain . Getting fired is not enough they will do it again they are sick in the head , who or what will they hurt again . I am just sick that anyone in the human race would do this , I hope they feel the pain that that have oout these animals in .

Posted by: liza | September 24, 2008 02:00 PM

I at least know a person who works at a hog farm and they do don't do that there but after watching this video I can say that these worksers obvisouly have a criminal background. My son's father ( who he doesn't see) and has supervised vistations with ( but hasn't been to any of them) works at this pig farm. and I can tell you I have been abused by him in the past and he is on probation for 2nd offense of domestic abuse on a female. . Isn't kind of a shame that the state allows him to work at such a place where there are females ( such as a pig ) can do this because he has lost his control over beating women but can beat on a pig?? How can he do this? I pray that he is found guily of animal abuse and neglect, because if he can beat on a women why not beat on a pig? Pigs cant yell or tell him to stop or call 911!!!! How dare he and other co workers act out in this matter. I know they were trained to do their jobs right they just don't care, have no self esteem,and are lazy and just want their paychecks so they can go out and get drunk or go get high.

Posted by: Abby Cook | September 24, 2008 03:46 PM

I want to thank you for sending investigators into slaughterhouses. I can only imagine how hard that job must be to witness this type of murder and abuse. It is sad that man can be so cruel to poor defenseless animals, but these people are animals themselves. By witnessing these video accounts, seeing the pictures and reading the investigators blogs it has made my decision final to become fully vegan. This is something that I have had some trouble with in the past. My husband and I are going to actively live this lifestyle and to also spread the word of the extreme cruelties that are being practiced in our country everyday to all of God's creatures. Thank you so much!!

Posted by: Beth Rooney | September 24, 2008 06:42 PM

The things people do to animals makes me so ashamed to even be a human. I dont understand how a person could put a living thing in so much pain. People need to understand that animals feel pain and sadness and anger and love like we do. yet people treet them like their nothing. This angers me so much. Yes i do stand out at school bc im the only vegetarian but the thing that keeps me going is knowing that an animal didnt have to die so i can eat it. I hate that people dont even care about the animals they put throguh pain. They should think do i want this to happen to me, probably not so why am i doing it to this poor animal. Its like the golden rule DONT DO THINGS THAT YOU DONT WANT TO HAPPEN TO YOU!!!!! SO WHY ARE YOU DOING IT TO AN ANIMAL??? Put yourself in the animals shoes. what if the animal magicaly transformed into a human and you turned into an animal. would you want the newly formed human to hurt you like you do to it? most likely the animal wont do it to you bc animals are very forgiving creatures thats why they make such great companions and they are still good in homes even after they were abused as young animals. LOVE ALL ANIMALS!!!! :) (the smiley face is only for people who love animals.)

Posted by: Natil | September 24, 2008 08:56 PM

I will never get the image of that poor animal terrified and screaming dragging her useless legs behind her and then shot with joyful glee from that fucking asshole. Thier time will come....tick tock

Posted by: Gina | September 25, 2008 04:12 PM

I am so disgusted and deeply upset by this atrocious animal abuse. These "workers" are a complete disgrace to the human race. I pray that they will be fully prosecuted on all counts of animal abuse.

Posted by: Katrina Monroe | September 25, 2008 05:26 PM

This is enough to make you sick to your stomach. Why are these people not checked on a regular bases. These are "just" animals,but like any other have feelings. Babies dying like that and the mothers not treated properly is disgusting. I'm apauld and feeling very sick about reading this article. Hormel should be shut down

Posted by: Ellaine | September 25, 2008 06:29 PM

No little being should be harmed. We are stewards of this earth and its creatures. People who hurt animals need to feel the pain they cause so they will understand what they are doing.

Posted by: Judy Mccarthy | September 25, 2008 06:35 PM

I can not bring myself to watch the video. I watched the one where they were skinning animals alive and it haunts me. I am so sad for the pigs that I have nothing to say except I wish I could cut off the testicles of the mean people who do this for a living and seem to get off on it. What TRASH! I hope they rot in hell!

Posted by: shanti bringas | September 25, 2008 07:03 PM

I want to cry.

Posted by: Jordan Arbel | September 25, 2008 07:15 PM

I come from a long line of pig farmers-so I know this is not the way they treat their hogs...I have seen some of the members of my family fall victim to some diseases brought by the pigs they care for--but they still do not treat them inhumanely!! Did you know that pigs are (in the name of science)burned by blow torches and then studied for skin grafts by burn researchers? Did you know that cannibals report that human flesh tastes like pork? Did you know that pigs are smarter than dogs? Did you know...? What do you know about hogs and pigs? Obviously, these places should be shut down...PETA is a hero in this respect...How do you deal with bullys? Tell Tell TEll!! I think Hormel is just the tip of the iceberg...go get 'em PETA!!
If you showed this video to kids I bet they would remember this until death and probably become vegens...I am considering it myself...Nancy

Posted by: Nancy L. Melenyzer | September 25, 2008 08:34 PM

I am sick after seeing what these workers have done. Just sickening. What else can be said!!!

Posted by: Bridget W | September 26, 2008 05:19 PM

WTH. Man, Were those people Prosecuted for Animal Crualty or WTF man.

Who is this organizatin that Recorded this? Why dont they do somting about it, Reportem to Animal Crualty Protection or something.

But I dont like them saying something like, If you eat Pork chops, hot dogs, etc.. you support this. Bull, I eat and I do not Support it, I hope this is not happening in every slotherhouse farm.

Posted by: Nenad Shuput | September 26, 2008 10:59 PM

I feel the sorrow of these hogs and the pity of these workers, yes I can understand working on a pig farm can be tough. in one of the co workers interview in the paper he claims that the pigs don't want to get off the truck of course they don't want to when they see metal rods beaten on their backs, or shoved in their assholes, or spray paint up their nose.. I think these co workers are idiots, and are lazy. with a criminal history.

for starters

A man works out on that hog farm. Take a look at his criminal history and tell yourselves that it's not just him it's the 18 other workers out there with the same history that are "caring for our livestock.

richard michael ralston

http://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/DefaultFrame

Posted by: Abby | September 27, 2008 06:06 PM

At the very least, I hope to see a follow-up from PETA where the farm is shutdown and the workers are prosecuted. Preferably, these scumbags would have to endure the same cruelties that they dished out.

Posted by: Jennifer D. | September 27, 2008 09:45 PM

I find the actions of the workers UNACCEPTABLE!
Their faces should be shown and published for all to see.
I have contacted Hormel to express my outrage.
I can assure all of you..pigs do have "emotions"..maybe not exactly like humans, but pigs are very intelligent creatures.
In any case...they can feel pain.
The poor injured pig being forced to move in great pain, then killed..is horrible beyond words.
All of it is despicable.
None of this should happen.
These people should be prosecuted and publicized.
If they can do this to animals..they can do it to people.

Posted by: sue stevenson | September 27, 2008 10:05 PM

WHAT THE F~~~~~~!! THESE PEOPLE ARE SICK!!! SOMETHING HAS GOT TO HAPPEN TO THEM AND THEIR EVIL!!!

Posted by: LAURA HOKE | September 28, 2008 08:29 PM

if I ever were to come into a situation in which I'd have to decide over whether to save either one of the pigs' lives or the workers' ones ... guess whom I'd give all my strenght ?! I wouldn't even bother to look into the workers' eyes ! How is it possible that we even need to file a petition to get rid of such criminals ? This is not a matter of decision !

Posted by: toddy | September 29, 2008 08:14 AM

i feel helpless that there are so many abuses that cant be helped.

Posted by: eileey | September 29, 2008 08:31 AM

My comment to Sue:

These workers either already have done this to women or they have already been to prison and learned nothing of it. or are just plain dumb and disrespectful towards people, animals, themselves for that matter. Why is Greene County taking soo long to file charges against all these sick minded workers?!?
If it were a child they would be in jail or prison by now..

Please help protest animal cruelity out at the Hog Farm in Bayard

Posted by: abby | September 29, 2008 02:13 PM

Does anyone believe in Karma? We are all personally responsable for this torture!!! We must make amends now. What parent, brother or sister, could stand by while people are profiting from this? My life's mission has just become clear. After I dry my tears, Where do I start?

Posted by: heather | September 29, 2008 04:34 PM

it hurts my heart to see the animals squeel with pain!!animals have feelings and they should not be getting slammed on the floor and left there to die. no money in the WORLD could make me hurt an animal. that should be the same for everybody! getting spray painted in the face would or could kill you.... so why do they do that to animals

Posted by: Arielle | September 29, 2008 07:38 PM

I am going to do what I can possibly do to keep this from happening in my area. My husband is a farmer so there is no stopping him from eating meat but if he saw these poor excuses for men there would be no stopping him as he did to them what they did to those poor hogs.

Posted by: Amanda Jones | September 30, 2008 01:57 AM

And to Arielle and those who agree with her,

getting slammed on the floor and left to die. This is called blunt force trauma. The thing that makes this acceptable is that they are dead on impact. They are not really left to die. The twitching you see in the video are random nerve firings. When the brain is destroyed all nerves have freedom to fire at will. When the piglets are slammed into the ground their skull is crushed and they die instantly.

But I do agree about the comment about the "spraypaint." However, it is actually a product that helps heal wounds and bruises. And while it can cause irritation, it does not kill. But you're right. Intentionally spraying it in an animal's eye is not right.

Peace

Posted by: Mike P | September 30, 2008 01:12 PM

Mike P
Would you think it appropriate to give such an emotionless, matter-of fact description and justification of this form of killing if the victims were human infants and not infant pigs?

Posted by: lynda downie | October 1, 2008 12:40 AM

After writing to Hormel, I receivd an email saying they are not associated with this.. It was signed by someone supposedly from Hormel but not on their"stationery". What does that mean?

Posted by: Linda Em | October 1, 2008 09:41 AM

lynda-
As you know, these are not human infants and in fact, are pigs. They don't have the capacity to understand what is going on at the age of one to two days (when the blunt force trauma is most commonly used.) Sure you can argue that humans can't either, but killing a human is a felony and is unethical for many more reasons than that. These pigs have things wrong with them, from broken legs, to prolapsed rectums. Though the video says "the ones deemed runts," I assure you that is not the case. Runt pigs are pulled down to foster mothers so that they can be in litters with pigs of the same size.This is done so they have less competition for food. A piglet with a broken leg or prolapse is going to die anyways. They have no ability to get milk and would die of starvation. So I ask you lynda, would you prefer that they die slowly and painfully of natural causes, or instanly without suffering?

-Mike

Posted by: Mike P | October 2, 2008 12:45 AM

Mike
True, unlike human infants these infant pigs are not granted legal or moral protection from this kind of treatment. But that's only because humans have chosen to exclude them. We can(and I think we ought to)include them.
In answer to your question, if these piglets must die, then I'd prefer they be euthanized humanely, not have their skulls crushed.

Posted by: lynda downie | October 3, 2008 02:08 AM

Lynda,

I don't understand the first part of your comment. You believe that these infant pigs should be granted legal protection? Under what circumstances? Could you elaborate?

Because I am a consumer of pork products, I guess I have a little bit of a different opinion. Pork is one of the top three meats consumed in the US. If every piglet was given an overdose of a barbituate (a depressant anticovulsant drug given for euthanasia) the price of pork would increase due to the use of these medicines. Sure, giving a shot to a piglet for euthanization is more aesthetically pleasing, but it is just as humane as blunt force trauma. Blunt force trauma IS humane. You obsess about the fact that the pig's skull is getting crushed. It is being euthanized instantly. What does is matter if the skull gets crushed? You seem to be arguing based on emotion and not based on factual reasoning.

If every piglet WERE protected by law, as mentioned earlier, pork prices would increase greatly. Much money would have to be put aside to new facilities, as well as on-the-clock faculty to watch these hurt pigs. Maybe you are a vegan or vegetarian, and there is nothing wrong with that, but the truth is that the majority of our nation is not. A rise in pork with our economy the way it is today could cause problems for both the consumers and producers of pork products.

You may accuse me of being one of those people that only care about money. I am not. I am simply stating these price differences because of the people it would effect due to the vast use of pork products in our nation.

-Mike

Posted by: Mike P | October 3, 2008 03:28 PM

To Mike and Lynda::::

I believe the topic of this PETA investigation was based on criminal acts on farm animals. PETA was just trying to do their jobs by trying to take out the workers who played a role in abusing our meat.and laughing about it. I don't see how their investigation reflects on how to kill a pig. They are trying to make a statement among all respected farmers on the right way to handle a situation. If someone hadn't of reported this kind of behavior to PETA don't you think that these workers would do it to a person?? Not only that but show no emotion towards anything that they lay their hands on. I could only imagine what it is like to be a farmer, but from where I come from A PIG IS A PIG. it is still an animal and so are these cowards who are sending the meats to Hormel. I don't think Hormel really had anything to do with the way the workers act. This is the abuser we are talking about not the money maker.

Posted by: abby | October 3, 2008 05:24 PM

Mike
Right, I do think that these baby pigs and all animals should be given ethical and legal protection against such treatment.
Clearly you don't find it problematic to view animals as food products. I do. I'm a proponent of animal rights. Our use of animals as food, clothing, etc is a violation of their rights.
Because the dominant worldview of animals as property is so deeply entrenched and not likely to be changed anytime soon, we are asking that animals be treated humanely at the very least. I don't think that crushing the skulls of piglets is humane. I know I'd prefer a lethal drug to getting my head bashed in.
As for the added cost to consumers, to those of us who value animal life, these babies deserve at least this small consideration.

Posted by: lynda downie | October 3, 2008 11:42 PM

i work on hog farm its not done like that at our barn.... dont judge all barns this way thanks

Posted by: john | October 4, 2008 08:35 AM

Abby,

My first post was taken off, but I had made remarks about the video made by PETA. I said it was propaganda used to invoke emotion from the viewers. There are many things in the video that are common practice and are not inhumane. And the other part I agreed to. That these individuals were bad news and needed to be taken care of. But the way PETA makes it out is that the whole corporation is evil and is okay with this type of treatment of their animals. I know from experience that this is not the case. I was standing up for the hog farmers and the way they do their work, while also condemning those individuals who acted like criminals. Also, Hormel had nothing to do with it. Hormel bought from the previous owners, but the barn shown in the video was under new management. I'm just trying to educate those out there who chose to make decisions based solely on emotion with out taking any time to find out the truth.

Peace,
Mike

Posted by: Mike P | October 4, 2008 11:33 PM

hi there..
i cant believe what these inbred hillbillys actually were able to carry out this without been prosecuted till there privates were cut off while still awake...think that people can actually treat an intelligent animal like a pig.they are a shame to society and should be wiped off this earth as they dont deserve to live..its a disgrace...it was exellently investigated..the investigaters get a gold star for catching these sadistic assholes..they should be lined up and tortured the way they did to those poor pigs...throwen on the head and things stuck up there rectum...

Posted by: glenn mcmaster | October 5, 2008 02:37 PM

Mike
I did respond to your questions but my comment wasn't posted. I guess we were getting off topic, not sure.
lynda

Posted by: lynda downie | October 6, 2008 08:36 PM

Lynda,

If you wanna talk more about it shoot me an email at evbaseball14@yahoo.com I'd like to hear what you have to say.

Peace,

Mike

Posted by: Mike P | October 8, 2008 01:38 AM

that is really disgusting animals should have just as much rights as humans as they are the same thing as us they breath they have feelings they feel pain they eat they sleep they go to the washroom the only thing they cant do is speak english but they have there way of communicating just like babies and foreigners something must be done

Posted by: charlene | October 8, 2008 05:39 PM

Mike
I appreciate the offer, but I see my response to you was posted(Oct.3)after all, so we're not derailing the thread. So we could continue here and that way others can contribute as well, if they want.
Lynda

Posted by: lynda downie | October 10, 2008 01:17 AM

I am writing from Spain and I can´t watch the video, just by reading and looking at the photographs, I can imagine how horrible and disgusting and unsensible, cruel the torturing of these poor animals must live. I feel like crying for the animals, (whatever animal it may be, they are living beings)that feel as we do...it is incredible how some "human" animals can be so unconscious of the pain that they inflict to living creatures who cannot defend themselves at all. That´s sick, they really must be a stupid coward with not enough brains to be called a human being. I don´t eat meat (anymore). I tell all my family and friends as much as I can to reconsider eating "animals". It is sickenig what we humans are capable of doing, and how we do it, which is worse. They are making their karma,no doubt. THANK YOU PETA.

Posted by: Arlene | October 10, 2008 02:38 PM

Wow, that video is amazingly horrifying. I read one comment because there's so many, but people do have a right to call it a slaughter house, since these pigs are obviously being slaughtered and not really killed in a remotely humane way for meat eaters out there. This video is very convincing and makes me not want to eat meat anymore.

Posted by: Michael | October 11, 2008 11:23 PM

Umm I just check Hormel Foods website and they released a statement on the 17th Sept regarding the PETA video. They claim that their company has nothing to do with the farm in Iowa. I would be interested if someone would verify this...

Posted by: Melissa | October 12, 2008 06:53 AM

Hey guys,
I work in a hog barn just like the one on the video. Only, we do not beat the hogs. It is standard operating procedure to pen mother animals so that they do not kill babies by rolling over on them.

I do not condone violence on animals, it is cruel. But when the tails and testicles are cut off it is no more painful then that of circumsision on human babies. It actually saves pain and suffering for them later in life.
Maybe you should advocate for human's foreskins.

Posted by: jimbo | October 12, 2008 10:52 PM

That's the most horrifying thing I've ever seen in my life. How the hell do these people end up running these places and how the hell are they still open. I will never be able to understand what pleasure a person can get from smacking the heads of newborn animals off a concrete floor.....It's the next generation of Hitler's.
They deserve to be eaten alive by the same pigs they're beating... If only...

Posted by: Amanda | October 13, 2008 07:05 PM

I have seen pigs slaughtered before, but not like this. I can't imagine anything so cruel. Spraying paint up the sow's nose?
In her eyes and on her face? WHY?

What did this accomplish besides breaking USDA regulation for starters?
I think the USDA should be brought in on the investigation to this farm, and on that worker in particular.
Did this pig obey any better?
Why is spray paint being used to mark the animals anyway?

In the case of slaying the piglets, I would like to know what method SHOULD be used to kill them. I was very disturbed when I watched that particular event.

If you ask me, I think a prosecution should find them guilty and fine ev
ery offender, in order to donate 100% of the proceeds to PeTA.

I would truly like to know how to become a PeTA undercover investigator... I [think] would like to help.

If anyone knows how to report several cases of animal cruelty, please feel free to email me. There is a similar case of animal cruelty right here in my small city. The animal control department doesn't properly euthanize abandoned dogs.

My regards to the investigators.

-CR

Posted by: CRneXt | October 14, 2008 04:22 PM

Can someone tell me when these sick pig beaters will be facing some jail or prison time???? instead of letting this continue on some more...

Posted by: abby | October 14, 2008 09:50 PM

im glad all these decent people are outraged.but if you buy pioces of animal carcases for dinner then your as guilty as these butchers demand is the source of the misery.so dont complain about the evil men grow up take a stand. however where ever there killed or kept its cruel.meat is meat dead bits of animals .face the animal do you still have an appetite.

Posted by: colm o carolan | October 17, 2008 07:33 AM

Wow i am shocked to see something as horrendous as this! it just makes me sick, and i just about cried!

Is there anything else we can do? i really need to know!

If there is, please contact my e-mail address:
Tofu_Hut@hotmail.com

Posted by: Tofu | October 17, 2008 02:55 PM

A society will be judged by how it treats it's animals. I am ashamed to be an American.

Posted by: Shelly Pedersen | October 21, 2008 03:30 PM

Jimbo,

Kudos.

-Mike

Posted by: Mike P | October 21, 2008 05:14 PM

My heart, and I mean my WHOLE heart goes out to all those animals, pigs, dogs, cats monkeys, rats and other creatures who are treated in this manner. I wish that someone would bash their heads into the floor, selfish bastards... I do not support violence, but I love god and hope that he will forgive these men for their cruelty, but this must stop.

Posted by: Chloé N. C. | October 21, 2008 07:37 PM

Shelly,
Leave this country then. If you are so ashamed, what is keeping you here?
Your choices are simple. Stay and live in the country you are ashamed of, or leave.
But I guess you would be missing out on all the benefits this country has to offer and you wouldn't want that now would you?
Every dollar you spend supports this country. Just know that!

Posted by: Kurt K | October 22, 2008 11:08 AM

I have always been an animal lover, and in the the month that I have signed up with peta's newsletters, I have been totally sickened by what I have seen. I just read the article on the pigs, I dont have the stomach to watch the video. As I am sitting at my desk, with tears running down my cheeks, I am wondering what have we become. There is so much I want to say, but I am totally speechless. But this is my vow, to never eat meat again. This is say in front of you and God.

Posted by: Laura Duran | October 23, 2008 12:30 PM

I am SOOOO glad those nasty, abusive motherf*&^%$s are going to get what they deserve. To torture an animal, ANY animal, is disgusting, inhumane and should be treated like child abuse. In my opinion, these "people" if you can call them that, should carry a heavy sentence, along with a hefty fine and should not be allowed to work and/or have ANY animals. As a PETA member, I am proud to say that today is a good day for animals in distress.

Posted by: Chantal Soto | October 23, 2008 12:37 PM

To Lynda,

After reading your post I had to comment on your statements. I too am a pork consumer. I would like to believe that most farms treat their animals more humanly then this, but the fact is pork/chicken is VERY cheap, so cheap that it is scary to know that these animal's lives are worth so little in terms of cost. I would have NO problem what so ever to pay more knowing that the animals have been slaughtered in a humane way. If the true cost of Pork needs to be raised to have humane farming practices then let it happen! If you can't afford it then eat something else.

Posted by: Chris | October 23, 2008 12:56 PM

The so called "paint" sprayed on the pig is probably a disinfectant to stop the spread of a skin disease. It is a blue color .....FYI

Posted by: John | October 23, 2008 03:39 PM

I just now received email, saw the horrific pictures and read the worker's log. I am in shock and not at all surprised.

The human race is moving at a fast rate of speed toward extinction, and I for one hope to be watching the show from somewhere in about 50-60 years. We are nothing more than a plague on the face of the earth, and unfortunately, the innocent humans will go down the same road as the guilty inhumans.

I know there are some good people out there, and I read your comments. Good people will not be spared when it is time for us to leave this planet and leave it to the animals who owned it in the first place. It is such a shame, and I feel very sad. If a human being can do this type of thing to another living creature, then we, as humans, have failed in a very fundamental way to teach love, peace and tolerance to each other and our children.

Sorry this is not uplifitng, and the facts are facts--we are on the way out, and I am very happy about that fact.
Linda

Posted by: Linda J. Grindstaff | October 23, 2008 04:33 PM

I'm happy to report that my formelry carnivorous boyfriend has become a vegetarian!!! When he saw how animals raised for food are treated he gave up meat straight away! I love kissing him even more now because his breath doesn't taste of rotting animal flesh!!!

Posted by: Furball | October 23, 2008 06:18 PM

Well, I do not agree that humans are nothing more than a plague. We are animals too, you know. And, we are likely to meet our demise because of our big brains. How ironic. We have been able to control Earth, and it seems we are abusing this privelege. Sadly, there are evil people who are misguided. But, this video is not something that will change as long as animals are being used for any purpose whatsoever. As long as people are "using" animals for our own purpose, they will continue to be abused. The only answer is to go vegan and to boycott all companies that use or test on animals! If we don't buy into the culture of using animals, it will go away. I just wish it would stop now!

Posted by: Jessica | October 23, 2008 08:28 PM

I like the job you guys do in terms of enforcing rights to animals. Often time we humans don't give as much importance to that as how we give to human-to-human crimes. However I am carnivour. I ate meat all my life. If I start being vegeterian I will promote dirt wash, exploitation of trees and plant, and murder of insects and worms. I think this goes to an extreme. I agree that many times farmers commit unnecessary brutalities, but we can't eat meat without making some harm to an animal. I think there should be a regulation in which allows to kill the animal in the east painful way possible. But we cant just stop eating. Also there should be government promoted investigation and not expectance of a private non-profit organization to do them. But good job. Animal don't deserve to be mutilated.

Posted by: Leandro Mazufri | October 23, 2008 10:10 PM

I'm horrified by what I've just watched, those are not humans... How can a human treat like that with anyone or anything?! That's just disgusting to realise that such assholes live and call themselevs a humans.

Posted by: Aram | October 24, 2008 01:27 AM

How horrific. The cruelty is beyond belief. I couldn't stomach watching the whole video, it was just too disturbing.

Two years behind bars is not long enough to teach these sick barbarians a lesson. I hope they get the maximum sentence allowed, and that the videos are shown to the prison guards that watch over these evil men.

p.s. I agree with other posts, the culprits faces should be in full view for all to see.

Posted by: JustSad | October 24, 2008 09:48 AM

Saw the pictures of abuse at Hormel- pig farm suppliers.
I just cried when i saw the abuse...the looks on the faces of the poor animals!
Laws must be changed to protect the innocent animals, people need to know Pork is not the "good white meat" As a nurse i tell patients not to eat it, and I have not eaten it in yrs! Good for Iowa to prosecute these sick farm workers!!

Posted by: cass kormanicki | October 24, 2008 10:20 AM

I can't even watch this entire video footage. When will people learn that ALL life is valuable, not just human life? Throw the book at 'em!!

Posted by: Dawn | October 24, 2008 12:19 PM

Its Horrible The Way They Treat The ANimals ANd i Watched Some DOcumentary About It ON My FRiends Myspace Page..Nd Its So Horrible That I EVen Decided To Become Vegetarian.

Posted by: Breonna | October 24, 2008 12:48 PM

I just read on some news websites that the manager has been fired, but no charges have been filed against him. any one else heard this?

Posted by: marie | October 24, 2008 01:16 PM

I too eat meat and agree with some of the others that I would rather pay more money for the product knowing that it is preventing the animals undue stress and abuse, than keeping the prices down at the animals expense. And to the people who stand behind the workers... ok so you need to use force to make the animals do what you want them to but, how do you explain shoving items in their anus or vagina. That is just sick and twisted no matter how you look at it.

Posted by: Darla | October 25, 2008 12:44 PM

I hope all of them get put away, thats enough counts to add up to more than just a slap on the wrist or some community service. These lowlifes are scum and need to be put in jail. wait till big brotha meets some of these pansys.

Posted by: carl hreha | October 26, 2008 07:27 PM

these people are the most heartless S.O.B.'s ever.After all the terror and horror they inflict on these poor animals,do they then go home and kiss and love their family members with all that blood on their hands and consience.They will have to answer to a higher authority on their cruelty!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: N.I.4.N.I. animal liberation front | October 27, 2008 12:25 PM

My heart breaks because no defenseless animal was put here on earth to intentially suffer.
Thank you, PETA, for all your hard work to protect our animals as they should be protected.
And, thank you, PETA, for "bringing down" those who are guilty.
May they suffer for the rest of their lives.

Posted by: maxine dunbar | October 27, 2008 12:29 PM

O.K. well, I have a headache from watching this video but I did it. It is agony to watch this but I think when animals suffer like this we can at least validate their suffering by watching it.
I had to remind myself that I wasn't in China.
Leigh, I am amazed that your husband witnessed these incidents and he did.....what....????
If anyone on this blog lives in CALIFORNIA ...Please vote YES on Proposition 2 ...Thank You.

Posted by: Ruth Abbott | October 31, 2008 04:48 PM

Hormel is not the only one doing these disgusting things to such beautiful animals one widely know company with just as much animal cruelty if not more going on is Tyson foods someone really needs to investigate thier treatment of pigs and send someone in to expose the horrific acts those pigs endure on a daily basis its just sickening they need to be investigated and not just let off the hook

Posted by: angie | November 4, 2008 11:22 AM

I watched this video and cried throughout. I can't believe human animals can do such acts to other animals...it disgusts me and makes me so mad. I have been vegetarian for 15 years and only buy products with the leaping bunny logo. 2 years in prison is not enough for these animals they should have done to them what they did to those Intelligent creatures.

Posted by: Amanda Bills | December 16, 2008 07:42 AM

HOW CAN YOU KILL THE PIGS !!!!
THEY ARE ALIFE LIKE US IMAGINE WHAT HORROR ARE THE HAVING!!!!!!

Posted by: danni | January 30, 2009 10:18 AM

1 year ago I saw these videos and it really broke my heart to think there would be such kind of people in this world that would have no kind of compassion for these animals. I too have cried so much and pray for them for all their suffering. How can any body have the heart to abuse these animals when you can see in their eyes their cry for mercy. May God forgive those who does this to them. That is why I became a vegan and do not consume any kind of meat for a year now. I thought it would be only for a few months that I would be able to go without meat. I feel more than ever more healthy. Please do not eat meat you do not need it. Just go on line and see how many food preparations you can make without meat. If we can make more people become vegetarians or vegans we will help more animals to be saved from these kind of abuse. Please support these kind of cause by not buying meat for those who can not afford to donate for this cause you will be doing a lot for them. Thanks to my granddaughter which is only 12 years old showed what was going on not only with pigs but all kinds of animals for meat and fur. I also thank my family for supporting me and going along with me in not eating meat at all as long as we live. Thanks to Peta for all the information and thanks to you for all the support.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Posted by: Aracelia Lopez | February 5, 2009 04:12 PM

I just stumbled upon the video and I am so disgusted and shocked by what I just saw. I can't even believe it. I don't think I ever want to eat pork, or any meat, ever again after seeing such cruelty. I think everyone involved in the horrendous treatment of pigs should be stoned to death. I can't even put into words how upset I am about this video; it definitely sends a powerful message.

Posted by: amftgb | March 24, 2009 09:40 PM

I have seen the video and am very upset at what took place at that farm. I, however, work for another pork producer and assure you that we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to beating the animals we care for. I have seen several employees terminated for striking one of our sows. So please don't sterotype pork producers because there are facilities which do care for their animals the way they are supposed to.

Posted by: Larry K. | April 15, 2009 08:03 PM

disgusting.
im so upset with this.
im sick to the stomach.
why in the world would you do that to any living creature :(
horrible

Posted by: Gary Furtado | June 25, 2009 06:19 AM