Hallmark Meat Company employees criminally charged for cruelty

[flvegan]

Source: HSUS

California Prosecutor Files Cruelty Charges Against Slaughter Plant Employees

February 15, 2008

CHINO, Calif. — Two employees of the now shuttered Hallmark Meat Company were charged today with animal cruelty in the aftermath of shocking disclosures from an undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States.

Never before in the knowledge of The HSUS have slaughter plant workers faced criminal charges of this nature.

"Americans know cruelty when they see it, and the HSUS investigation has outraged millions," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "The suffering of animals shown in the HSUS video is beyond comprehension."

After being provided videotaped evidence and a detailed report of the undercover investigation, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos charged Daniel Ugarte Navarro with five felony counts under California's anti-cruelty statute and three misdemeanor counts alleging the use of a mechanical device to move "downer" cows, those unable to stand on their own. Convictions on the felony charges could bring a sentence up to 15 years in prison and $100,000 in fines, plus additional penalties on the misdemeanor charges. The second worker, Jose Luis Sanchez, was charged with three misdemeanors involving downers. He faces up to 18 months in jail and $3,000 in fines if convicted.

More:

http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/cruelty_charges_against_hallmark_employees_021508.html

Link to original story and updates:

http://www.hsus.org/farm/news/ournews/undercover_investigation.html

[Tumbulu]

1. good start

But what about the owners who probably screamed and abused these guys into it? And the people who brought the downer cows to slaughter in the first place?

But a good start- my thanks to HSUS for doing all this legwork.

[flvegan]

2. From personal experience on an HSUS campaign

the owners/powers that be are almost never charged with anything. It's political suicide for the State Attorney.

However, if these two folks don't cop a plea, we may hear a whole lot about common slaughterhouse practice that might put a dent in the meat industry when they stand trial. Considering that the school lunch program is involved, more folks that would otherwise mute the story on this might just listen.

[Critters2]

3. Cheap meat is, in this country, a sacred cow--you should pardon the expression.

The meat industry lobbies state legislatures to death. Not much chance the owners or managers will be held accountable.