The Western Hog Exchange (WHE) has launched an independent investigation with third-party experts in animal care and transportation, following notification of hidden-camera video depicting alleged farm animal mistreatment at one of its operations. CTV’s W5 program first contacted WHE about the video in the first week of September
2014.
“The care and handling of animals is a responsibility we take seriously, and it is paramount that our shortcomings related to animal care are dealt with immediately,” says Brent Moen, WHE Chairman. “As soon as we heard about potential problems at our assembly yard, we hired two independent third-party experts to come to the facility to review and evaluate our animal handling protocols and employee training procedures.”
WHE was provided a one-time opportunity on Wednesday, September 17 to review the video footage taken at one of its assembly yards during the summer of 2014. Mr. Moen agreed to appear on camera with W5 immediately after viewing the videos.
“Many of the images we saw on the video were shocking and disturbing, and they are not in keeping with the animal care training and policies in place at WHE,” says Moen. “It’s clear that we need to do better – and you have my word as Chairman that we will do better.”
Moen has requested that CTV share the footage with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“The Western Hog Exchange takes responsibility for what happens at our facilities and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities and our third-party experts to make this right,” says Moen.
This hidden camera video footage is part of a larger investigation being done by an animal rights organization and the television network.
Source: AlbertaPork