***Warning: Content of video is extremely graphic***
The BC SPCA is recommending animal cruelty charges against eight employees of Canada’s largest dairy farm located in Chilliwack.
On June 2nd, 2014 the BC SPCA received an undercover video from the non-profit group Mercy for Animals Canada which showed employees using chains, canes, rakes, booted feet and their fists to viciously beat and kick the dairy cows.
“We immediately launched an investigation into the case and have recommended Criminal Code charges against the eight employees identified in the video for wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering and injury to animals,” said Marcie Moriarty, the BC SPCA’s chief prevention and enforcement officer.
According to Moriarty, BC SPCA constables went to the property last week alongside a respected dairy cattle expert and veterinarian as part of the investigation.
The Chilliwack Cattle Sales farm is owned by the Kooyman family, which released a statement on Monday following the allegations.
“We have been working with the BC SPCA and regulatory authorities and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. In addition, we will be taking any and all steps necessary to assure that no such incident takes place on our family farm in the future,” the statement read.
The eight workers in question were originally suspended by the company pending further investigation but were fired Monday evening.
“The images in the undercover video are extremely disturbing and highlight an urgent need for better standards to protect farm animals in B.C. from abuse and neglect,” said Moriarty.
The farm, which supplies milk for brands such as Dairyland and Saputo is said to be cooperating with the investigation. Moriarty said the BC SPCA recommends that the Canadian Codes of Practice, which set out minimum standards of care for various farm animals be incorporated into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act so that standards can be enforced.
“The images in the video we received were distressing and clearly unacceptable,” said Moriarty. “British Columbians, including the society’s 80,000 supporters, are increasingly concerned about the treatment of farm animals. We look forward to working with government and industry on solutions to prevent further neglect and abuse among the 100 million farm animals raised in B.C. each year.”
Dairyland and Saputo issued a statement in light of these allegations:
“Saputo is outraged by the alleged incidents having taken place at the Chilliwack dairy farm. We do not condone any form of animal cruelty and we expect milk producers to adopt proper animal care methods at all times. Since being informed of this horrible situation, we have voiced our concerns through the BC Dairy Council, which acts on behalf of dairy processors in British Columbia, to both the BC Dairy Association and the BC Milk Marketing Board (BCMMB). Furthermore, we fully support the SPCA’s investigation and actions.”
To learn more about the humane treatment of dairy cattle, visit spca.bc.ca/dairycattle.
To take action against animal abuse see the BC SPCA campaign at spca.bc.ca/action.
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