Allegations Of Cruelty At An Iowa Pig Farm

Main Category: Veterinary
Article Date: 19 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The recent report of animal abuse at an Iowa pig farm has been brought to the attention of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). An undercover video obtained by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) at a pig farm in Iowa alleges animals were kicked, beaten with metal rods, improperly killed and otherwise subjected to abusive treatment. The practices documented in the video are not only disturbing, intolerable and inhumane, but may also be in violation of state laws, and the AVMA urges that an immediate and thorough investigation be conducted.

"If the video is accurate, the system failed these animals," stated W. Ron DeHaven, DVM, CEO and executive vice president of the AVMA. "The responsibility for ensuring food production animals are cared for humanely falls on the shoulders of everyone involved in the process, from birth to slaughter."

Dr. DeHaven emphasized that veterinarians take their ethical responsibilities seriously to protect the health and welfare of animals, and urged food supply veterinarians to remain vigilant. "The veterinary profession as a whole must make it clear that, if these allegations prove true, such abuses cannot be tolerated."

The AVMA has several policies regarding this subject. The "General Comments on Food Animals" policy states that "animals raised for food, fur, and/or fiber should be treated and handled humanely with due consideration to their welfare and well being," and acknowledges that "all must identify and take steps to abandon or correct practices that are cruel, abusive, neglectful, and contrary to the well being of animals." The AVMA's policy on disabled livestock states that disabled livestock should be handled humanely in all situations.

According to Iowa Code 717, investigation of the allegations falls within the jurisdiction of local authorities. The AVMA urges the local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the matter and enforce applicable laws and penalties if violations of the code are confirmed.

The AVMA and its more than 76,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org for more information.

AVMA

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