PETA has Hormel and Iowa farm squealing...

This is a piece I wrote for my Broadcast Journalism class; it isn't on my traditional list of topics, but I definitely thought it was important to share. I'm a vegetarian and a member of PETA, so the video didn't make me run to the fridge and throw out all my bacon...but for the carnivores out there, the video (on peta.org) is very graphic and might make you rethink that Spam sandwich.

AUSTIN--Hidden-camera footage obtained by undercover investigators with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA, has one of Hormel Foods’ suppliers under investigation by Iowa law enforcement as well as the federal government.

From June to September, the animal rights group recorded numerous employees repeatedly striking, kicking, and throwing pigs at an Iowa farm owned by Mowmar LLP. PETA believes the video depicts clear violations of state livestock abuse and neglect laws and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The shocking footage shows workers repeatedly using metal rods to beat pregnant pigs and kicking the animals in order to get them to move. Piglets thought to be too small for consumption were thrown forcefully against the ground in order to kill them.

A spokesman for Mowmar LLP has called the actions “intolerable and reprehensible.”

According to PETA, this type of animal abuse is widespread, and with the release of this footage, the animal rights organization urges Hormel Foods to become more aware of the abuse. The video evidence has been turned over to Iowa law enforcement for further investigation and potential prosecution.

Hormel Foods, which produces pork products like Spam, has responded to the abuse by issuing a statement ensuring the public that they are, in fact, working with the supplier to ensure this treatment does not continue.

The video footage can be seen at PETA.org, which also offers additional information about their mission.