Results from undercover sting; Company denies the claims
Yesterday (Monday, January 5), the Humane Society of the United States released the results of its investigation of Butterfield Foods in Butterfield, a hen-slaughtering plant owned by Mankato-based Downs Food Group.
The company that processes hens that are no longer commercially useful for egg laying was the target of an undercover sting that includes a video shot inside the plant by one of the organization’s members who had worked at the plant for two months.
According to the Human Society of the United States, many birds slaughtered in the plant were unsuccessfully stunned before being killed, while the report also stated that others were still alive when placed in the tank of scalding water that is used in de-feathering the birds. The research report was presented by the Humane Society’s vice-president of farm animal protection, Paul Shapiro.
In response to the allegations, an attorney representing Butterfield Foods, Terry Fruth, told news outlets that the company adheres to standards for humane slaughter, and that there are a number of company and government observers on-site to ensure that occurs.
The Humane Society has filed a complaint against the plant with the Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office, alleging violations of Minnesota’s animal cruelty law, and forwarded it to Watonwan County Attorney Stephen Lindee. Lindee will be the individual who decides whether prosecution of the company moves ahead.
In addition, the Humane Society also filed a complaint with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
To view the Humane Society’s report, go to: http://hsus.pr-optout.com/ViewAttachment.aspx?EID=YhgcmmjaJJeaDSTbvDVSAebZn8ybg8b0yN4IKxWCyuc%3d
