COLDWATER,MI (WTVB) – Animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has officially requested a criminal investigation into an employee at the Coldwater Clemens Food Group facility following allegations of animal cruelty.
In a formal complaint sent to Branch County interim prosecutor Nora Geiger , PETA demanded that authorities review the case and file applicable criminal charges against a worker accused of viciously beating pigs with a paddle.
The group bypassed federal prosecution channels, with PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden noting that federal agencies have not prosecuted an inspected slaughterhouse for animal abuse since 2007.
The push for local prosecution stems from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection report detailing an incident at the Newton Road slaughterhouse. According to the federal inspector, a facility worker was witnessed “hitting hogs excessively” by raising his arm to shoulder height with a bent elbow to strike the animals with significant force.
The inspector says that other pigs in the area bore physical marks resembling the herding paddle, and immediately notified the plant manager.
PETA made similar allegations against the Coldwater facility in September of 2023.
Emails to Clemons corporate headquarters have not been returned.
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