Animal Cruelty Video Shows Abuse at Major Dairy Farm

Idaho operation supplies Burger King, other chains
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 11, 2012 2:15 PM CDT

Yet another tough-to-stomach video is out detailing the abuse of animals in the fast-food industry, this time at a huge dairy farm in Idaho. The video by Mercy for Animals shows workers at Bettencourt Dairies punching, kicking, dragging, and stomping on cows, reports the Miami Herald. Because Burger King gets some of its cheese from the dairy, the group singled out the chain: “The secret ingredient in Burger King’s cheese is horrific animal abuse,” says its director. “No socially responsible corporation should support dairy operations that beat, kick, mutilate, confine and neglect animals.”

The Humane Society called the video "reprehensible," but did not gang up on Burger King, asserting that it has done more to improve animal welfare over the last decade than any other restaurant chain. BK, meanwhile, promises to take quick action. The dairy immediately fired five workers, three of whom face animal cruelty charges, and made all of its workers watch the video and sign a zero-tolerance policy on animal cruelty, reports CNN. "We are all devastated by it," says the owner. "We are family-owned and we love our cattle." The dairy supplies other big names, including In-N-Out Burger and Wendy's, notes the Los Angeles Times. (More animal cruelty stories.)

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