PETA requests criminal charges against Smithfield by Pete Hisey on
Friday, June 23, 2006
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has asked a Virginia
Commonwealth's Attorney to file criminal charges against pork processor
Smithfield Foods for its treatment of pigs involved in traffic
accidents. PETA charges that Smithfield mistreated the pigs after a
truck overturned in May, injuring many of the animals in its cargo.
PETA claims that Smithfield should treat the injured animals rather than
euthanize them at the scene, and that if it must euthanize them, it
should use a lethal injection rather than a captive bolt gun. The pork
processor is required by law to provide emergency care to injured
animals, PETA claims.
The animal-rights organization filed a similar complaint in another part
of Virginia in October. No action has been taken yet on that complaint.