 |
|
|
|
|
| INVESTIGATIONS | 9/7/10 B. Rotz Slaughter Horse Collecting Station, PA 9/7/10 Meeting - Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture 9/1/10 Centennial Auction, CO 8/27/10 La Junta Horse Auction, CO 8/21/10 Veedersburg Horse Auction, IN 8/20/10 Shipshewana Horse Auction, IN |
8/18/10 Shipshewana Livestock Auction, IN 8/11/10 Centennial Auction, CO 8/9/10 Greencastle Auction, PA 8/7/10 Delta Horse Auction, CO 7/31/10 Calhan Horse Auction, CO 7/30/10 La Junta Horse Sale, CO
161 horses were sold during this monthly auction, among them several emaciated mares. In one of the pens the investigators noted three horses with wire around their noses. The wire was so tight that it was cutting into the soft skin. The investigators informed the auction management and requested the removal of the wire. However, management refused to do anything. Several kill buyers were present at the sale. The investigators observed Carters’ driver move horses with the help of an electric prod. He was prodding them in face & eyes, which caused the animals to panic. They rushed into the double deck trailer and several slip and fell on the ramp. Among the ones loaded was an extremely emaciated, pregnant mare. The truck then headed to the Morton slaughter horse feedlot in Texas. Animals’ Angels will make this auction a priority to ensure improvement of these unacceptable conditions. 7/30/10 Sugarcreek Auction, OH
This was the first sale after the auction owner announced that the EU regulations would be in effect and every seller had to provide documentation about the history of the horse he planned on selling. Apparently this caused many sellers to stay away from the sale since the “kill pen” remained half empty. Investigators noted that the same horse they had seen two weeks earlier with fresh injuries had returned to the auction and was in Baker’s pen. The injuries were still visible and a slaughter tag was attached to her hip. Fortunately, after alerting rescue organizations about her presence, she was saved and we have been told she is on her way to recovery. 7/21/10 Centennial Auction, Fort Collins, CO
At this weekly auction, all the horses had access to clean water and hay. However, none of the 52 pigs and approx. 900 sheep and goats had any water in their pens. In one of the pens, investigators observed a young alpaca with a broken hind leg. It was holding the leg up and could not put any weight on it. The investigators pointed the distressed animal out to the auction veterinarian, who checked on it. The animal did not go through the sale and the owner was told to pick the animal up and get veterinary care for the injury. Charles Carter, local kill buyer, was observed buying 16 horses. Immediately after the sale ended at 4:25pm, he loaded all of them on his stock trailer and left. Carter ships several times a week to the slaughter plants in Mexico.
7/16/10 Sugarcreek Horse Auction, OH
Again, several horses in deplorable condition were observed: One draft horse with a broken hip, one horse with long hooves, one horse with a severe eye infection. One horse was delivered to the auction with a deep cut on his buttock and cuts all over his face. The deep cut was initially held together with duct tape, however, when the horse was put into the overcrowded pen, it was rubbed off by the other horses. The fresh injury was bleeding strongly and muscle flesh was exposed. The auction veterinarian saw the horse, but never did anything to ease the suffering. The horse went through the sale and was purchased by Leroy Baker. Despite attempts of a rescue organization to buy the horse from him a few days later, it disappeared and most likely was shipped to slaugther.
6/29/10 Middleburg Poultry & Rabbit Auction, PA
Investigators arrived at the auction at 11:30am, the temperature was 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Some cages with chicken were overcrowded and did not allow the birds to turn or move. The cage floors were bare wire and did not have a wood platform for the birds or small animals to stand on. Despite the hot day, the cages also did not have any water. Two roosters were located in cages next to each other. The roosters began fighting, pecking and spurring each other. Investigators attempted to stop the fighting but could not. No one from the auction wanted to move the cages apart. The roosters kept sticking their heads and necks through the cage wire and when one bird would get temporarily stuck, the other bird would spur him. After 20 minutes the birds calmed down.
6/28/10 Greencastle Auction, PA Inside the sales barn it was hot, 97 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day the temperature inside the sale barn must have exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and outside close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon arrival investigators observed the cows in the outside slow pen, which were exposed to the heat and direct sunlight. These cows, primarily Holsteins, were exhibiting signs of heat stress, such as panting. Some animals with extremly large udders were laying down and foaming from the mouth. Several cows were extremely emaciated, with body scores of 1.5 to 1. There was no water, food or shelter provided to the animals.
6/16/10 Centennial Auction, CO
At the Centennial horse sale, 28 horses were sold that day. Kill buyer Charles Carter bought 26 of them. The investigators noticed a crème colored mare with white mane and tail. The auctioneer announced that she could not see. Afraid to enter the sale ring, an employee had to put a belt around her neck and guide her through the ring. The mare was purchased by Carter. Concerned that he would ship her to the slaughter plant with the other horses, Animals’ Angels contacted USDA officials to inform them of the purchase. Federal regulations prohibit the shipment of blind horses for slaughter 6/2/10 Meeting with representatives of California Agriculture (State Veterinarian, CA Cattlemen's Association, CA Livestock Marketing Association, CA Livestock Inspection, CA Dairy Quality Assurance) regarding improvement of animal welfare at CA auctions
AA presented evidence from numerous CA auctions. We reported on the common problems observed and also on specific areas of concern. The biggest concern continues to be older dairy cows. They are often in very poor, weakened condition and arrive or become non ambulatory at auction. AA’s position is that cows unable to bear weight on all four legs should never be accepted for sale; that every auction should create a “slow pen” with plenty of room, water, food and shelter for “high risk” cows; and that every auction should implement a euthanasia protocol.
Agreement was reached regarding our main concerns. Also discussed was working together on animal handling guidelines and educational seminars for dairy producers. AA will provide downer protocol and investigative pictures for educational purposes. The LMA representative agreed to a write letter to all LMA member auctions, asking them for open and constructive communication with AA to discuss areas of concerns discovered at the individual market. We believe that the meeting was productive and a very important step on the way to improve animal welfare at California auctions.
5/21-6/4/10 Misner Horse Feedlot, Chino, CA
The feedlot continues to have trash all over the premises. Investigators photograph a BLM mustang with freeze brand in the pen area. Water in tubs appears filthy and undrinkable. Horses have no shelter. Sharp, metal debris in pen area make injuries likely. Recently AA has obtained new evidence concerning Misner’s horse slaughter related interests in New Mexico and Texas. We will be sharing this information with authorities in CA and urge them to initiate an official investigation.
6/1/10 Meeting with Escalon Auction Management regarding animal handling and welfare at the auction
We are pleased that some of our earlier suggestions have been implemented. Most important is the euthanasia protocol has been implemented. Conditions of the bird sale and loading area have improved significantly. Still needed are improvements in handling. Dragging by ears and tails, moving downer cows is unacceptable. Management agreed to have AA provide a written list of improvements, and to subsequently hold a meeting with all employees and inform them of required handling improvements. Among these will be: A “slow pen” for high risk cows will be made available, which will be spacious, with shelter and access to water. If an animal becomes a downer, it will be euthanized on the spot in a timely manner. Dragging by ears and tails is prohibited. An auction yard animal welfare manager will stay in close contact with AA and compliance will be monitored closely. We felt that management at Escalon was genuinely interested in trying to improve conditions and the welfare of animals that are associated with their auction. If they continue along these lines it will make a difference for thousands of animals each year.
5/21/10-5/28/10 Escalon Auction, CA
Improvements:
Investigators did not observe electric prods being used on calves on this visit. Loading area and ramp now have non-slip rubber mats, preventing cows from falling as they are loaded and unloaded. Area for the bird sale is now both sheltered and has better air flow. Most cages have small cups with fresh water for the birds. A euthanasia program has been implemented, with one trained employee present at the auction at all times for emergencies.
Still existing areas of concern:
No water is provided. Cows are crammed into very crowded pens. Weak calves and goats are carried by their tails and ears. A very emaciated Holstein collapses in the alley behind the auction ring. Electric prods are used to make her rise and walk. Another cow goes down in auction ring. A skid loader (Bobcat) is used to move cow out of ring. Several cows in extremely poor condition, some on three legs, hobbling through the alleys.
5/26/10 Mount Hope Auction, OH
The main barn has goats, sheep, calves and dairy cows. The pens are clean, but none of the pens have water or water buckets in them. It is 88 degrees. Pens with goats and sheep are very packed. All the animals are panting. Sheep that have not been sheared are clearly very hot. In a second barn are cages of hens, roosters, ducks and rabbits, some rabbits with babies. The cages are stacked on top of each other with no flooring so that feces and urine rain down on the animals below. None of these cages have water. No fans are anywhere present. All of these animals are also panting. Small boxes contain dozens of baby chicks or ducks but no water. Two young boys are handling the goats and sheep from the holding pen to the auction ring. One boy dressed in traditional Amish clothing was observed pulling the goats and sheep by their ears to the auction ring, holding the mouths of the baby lambs shut to prevent them from screaming. AA will send a report with suggestions for improvement to auction management.
5/24/10 Hart Ranch Horse Collecting Station, Corona,CA
Many more horses than on last visit with 250 to 300 horses on the premises. Pens have no shelter here where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. Several stock trailers parked in front. Feedlot employee observed walking through pens, selecting several horses out of each pen.
5/24/10 Petaluma Auction, CA
Pens have concrete and dirt floors and are not overcrowded. Several cows are emaciated or limping or have full udders. All cows have access to shelter and water. Overall the handling is very good and patient. Worker carries weak calves through the auction ring. In addition to cows 2 horses, one limping, 1 donkey, and a few goats are offered for sale that day.
5/14/10 Sugarcreek Auction, OH
Sugarcreek Auction handling remains terrible. Some horses go down as they are moved from the pens to the auction ring. At auction are 151 kill horses. Some are very thin. Some are sick with strangles infection. A large black horse, a Percheron, is very thin and cannot bear weight on all 4 legs. His right back leg is badly injured. In a pen by himself in a front stall, he is readily visible to auction employees. Investigators stay until the auction ends but the Percherson does not go through the ring. Investigators call Sugarcreek police to report the horse and Sugarcreek’s failure to follow applicable law. Chief Kazar promises to go to the auction and talk to the owner, Leroy Baker, to ensure horse is euthanized.
5/11/10 Middleburg Livestock Auction, PA
Bird Sale: The sale includes pheasants, ducks, quails, chicken and rabbits. All are kept inside wire cages with no water. Cages have no flooring so animals’ feet and legs get stuck and cruel injuries result. In a too-small cage, a male pheasant with broken tail feathers is completely unable to move. Turkeys, also in small cages, are forced into abnormal positions. In other cages laying hens are crammed together; several have bloody hind quarters and no feathers. One hen has an open, painful looking wound that is especially bad. The other hens pick at it and deepen the wound. The auction staff ignores the problem though they should have separated them. Most of the chickens are bought by one livestock company whose worker brutally grabs them from the cages after the sale ends and stuffs them into plastic crates. He then forcefully throws the crates into a van, dropping the crates of birds 4 feet to the floor. 4/28-5/11/10 Bruce Rotz Horse Slaughter Collecting Facility, Shippensburg, PA
Investigators observe slaughter truck and trailer backed up to the loading ramp. Our monitoring of this facility indicates he ships horses to slaughter in Canada one or more times each week. Only one horse, a very emaciated mare, is standing in outside pen. All other horses are tightly crammed together inside a dark barn. They are unable to move about and have no access to outside areas.
4/14/10-4/16/10 Equi Transfer Facility, Summerfield, FL
This “Equine Transfer” facility uses “surrogate” mares to carry foals for expensive
mares. Embryos are transferred and implanted into the “surrogate” mares who then carry and give birth to the foals. In 2008, over 100 of these mares died here as a result of an apparent Botulism poisoning tied to the forage they were fed. The owners of the facility very recently declared bankruptcy (March 2010) and reduced their herd from 900 surrogate mares to 300. Animals’ Angels has reliable information showing that horses from this facility are sold for slaughter. The Stanley Brothers, familiar to many because of recent investigations involving injured horses in their care in Louisiana, are involved in the slaughter trade of these horses. Conditions for “surrogate” mares are surprisingly poor. Expensive client horses graze on 87 acres of green pastures, but the majority of the 300 surrogates are kept on a barren dirt feedlot. These horses are branded with a large “ET” and numbers. Several are thin. A neighbor tells investigators that he has observed dead horses being pushed out of the lot with a front loader. Animals’ Angels will continue to investigate.
4/13/10 Okeechobee Auction
Okeechobee is a large, old auction with small, dark pens. No food or water is available. Cattle attempting to stand on manure-covered concrete floors are continually slipping and falling. The pens are overcrowded. Cattle with long horns are packed in with other calves and cows. Risk of injuries is great with lots of movement and slipping inside the pens. Again, auction workers are very suspicious, when investigators try to access areas where animals are being moved they are approached immediately and told to leave. Handling inside the auction ring is satisfactory.
4/12/10 Arcadia Auction
Arcadia is a very large, modern auction. However, the pens with concrete floors are covered in manure and very slippery for the cattle. No food or water is provided in the inside pens. Outside, investigators observe two cows in an adjoining pasture. The two cows are down and panting heavily. One is extremely thin and much of its tail is missing. The remaining stub is bleeding. Both cows have auction tags attached. There was no readily available or logical explanation why theses cows with tags attached were separated from the others and left in the pasture. Auction personnel seemed very uneasy and alert to investigators, with several employees closely watching the investigators observe the cows. Investigators feel unsafe and have to leave. Returning the next morning, investigators find the cows are gone. Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor this auction.
4/12/10 Wauchula Livestock Auction
Wauchula is an old, run down, dark auction. There is no water or food for the cattle, calves and goats in the pens. Completely unnecessary use of electric prods and incompetent handling increase panic of animals already spooked by the booming noise of very loud, heavy hydraulic gates. Animals are driven into a very narrow, dark shoot into auction ring. Panicked animals trying to turn back but are forced forward, causing them to slip and fall. Animals’ Angels will discuss the issues observed with auction management and push for improvements.
3/25/10-3/27/10 Mount Hope Auction, OH
The 3-day auction is billed as the Mid-Ohio Exotic Animals and Bird Sale. Animals present include camels, horses, llamas, deer, pigs and miniature pigs, buffalo, African cattle, wallabies, raccoons, bears, wolves, several types of primates, several types of birds that are sold in pet stores, mice, snakes, frogs, turtles. Vehicles from many different states, PA, NY, VA, MI, IN, TN, were observed in the parking lot. Investigators observed a female burro, apparently in season, being mauled by many of the other burros. Auction workers moved the burro to a separate stall after investigators pointed out the concern. Many animals had no water or empty water buckets. At this auction, owners are supposed to feed and water their own animals. Once sold, the animal is supposed to be taken care of by the new owner. Investigators observed as a seller with mini donkeys complained to auction employees. She told them that the burros in the stall next to hers had not had any water or food for 2 days. The employee went and brought back some water for the animals. The auction needs to monitor the feeding and watering of the animals to ensure that all animals have access to water and food. Animals’ Angels will inform auction management of these findings and recommend improvements.
3/6/10 Mel’s Stables Horse Sale, New Holland, PA
At this New Holland sale barn, horses had no hay, all water buckets located in pens were empty and handling was rough. The crowd was large, mainly Amish. Auctioneer Mel Hoover announced that over 300 horses were to be sold, with 60 sold in the first hour. These first horses were in generally poor shape, several were emaciated, and one was infected with strangles. They sold for little money. A black draft horse blind in the left eye went for $75. In an alley investigators observed another draft horse (tag# 070) down between 2 other drafts. Handlers continued to get him standing again, but the horse continued to go back down. Investigators were told the horse was brought in from far away and was just “tired”. The auctioneer maintains a running commentary at odds with the condition of these horses, such as, “Coggins ready and good to go.” Outside 5 horses were severely agitated and crammed into one small extremely overcrowded box stall. They kicked, bit and fought continuously. Several other severe fights between horses in similar stalls were observed. Investigators commented it seemed a miracle no horses were killed or badly injured at this auction where overcrowding is a huge problem, with nowhere near the facilities necessary to safely and humanely accommodate 300 horses.
3/3/10 Camelot Auction, NJ
Horses were kept in large pens with access to hay and water. There was no overcrowding, possibly due to small number of horses present. The majority of horses were in satisfactory condition with a few underweight and bony. One horse had an apparent and highly contagious strangles infection (yellow puss dripping from nostrils). Trucks of Frank Carper, kill buyer and owner of Camelot Auction, were parked on the premises. Carper, who also frequents New Holland Auction in PA, ships horses to Canada on a weekly basis.
3/1/10 Greencastle Auction, PA
Investigators immediately noticed very poor conditions of dairy cows. Cows in the outside pen were in deplorable condition - several were limping quite severely, several were emaciated, several had over-full udders and walked with difficulty. One cow, Tag# 479 had her injured foot taped with duct tape and one cow had 2 bleeding front knees. Several cows appeared too weak to remain standing during transport to the slaughter plant. In the inside pens were approximately 200 very young calves, many with umbilical cord still attached, unstable on their feet. Electric prods were used by some of the workers.
2/27/10 Middleburg Horse Auction, PA
Again the following day, kill buyers Rotz and Moore were at the auction. The quality of horses here was much worse than at Centre Hall auction. Several horses were emaciated or limping. One horse, tag # 126, had an open wound to the forehead. Investigators observed horses banging their heads against low crossbeams in the pens. Some pens were dangerously overcrowded. Horses seemed generally agitated and were observed biting other horses and vigorously chewing on fencing. A large draft horse in a pen with other smaller horses was observed repeatedly kicking the smaller horses in their sides and back legs. These horses were tied to the fence rails, unable to move sufficiently to avoid being kicked. Still other horses were tied in narrow stalls with no water. Rotz and Moore stood in the auction ring and were observed buying many horses. Some severely limping draft horses were offered for as low as $10. Neither kill buyer bid on them. 2/26/10 Penn Valley Horse Auction, Centre Hall, PA
Known kill buyers Bruce Rotz and Brian Moore maintained a presence in auction ring, with Rotz apparently impatient, prodding the auctioneer, “ Come on, let’s get them sold….” Several horses, emaciated with ribs clearly visible, were present. Several more horses with old scars, some with scarring from halters and buggy harness such as that used by the Amish, were observed. Investigators also observed many working draft horses with hooves in very bad condition. One auction pen was called the “suspect pen” with 3 horses in unknown condition inside. Horses had access to hay but no water. A total of approximately 150 horses were at sale; the majority of buyers and sellers were Amish. Most horses sold for between $1,200-$3,500.
2/24/10-2/26/10 TX Department of Agriculture Export Pens, Del Rio, TX
Approximately 60 horses arrived at the pens each day. The pens were sheltered and provided water for the horses. However, dangerous and inhumane open trailers were used to transport horses to Mexico. Overhead pipes were broken off, leaving jagged edges and putting horses at risk of severe head and eye injuries. Horses were packed onto the open trailers without shelter from the sun or the elements. Investigators were told that the horses were being trucked to the slaughter plant in Zacatecas, Mexico. Known kill buyers Saulters and McDaniels brought in horses during the 3 days investigators were present. Soon after his arrival, Saulters confronted investigators demanding they leave though they were on a public right of way. Later, investigators observed that Saulters was forced to take back 3 of the horses he had brought in, with the horses being loaded back onto his truck. Still later Saulters stopped in the middle of a public thoroughfare, approached investigators and spoke to them in a threatening and irrational manner. Investigators filmed the encounter, then filed a complaint with the police department.
2/22/10-2/23/10 TX Department of Agriculture Export Pens, Eagle Pass, TX
Approximately 60 horses were present in the pens on each of the 2 days. Workers loaded horses for shipment to Mexico onto a parked trailer 50 minutes before the rig arrived, needlessly making the already long and arduous journey for the horses on the trailer even longer. Hay was given only if horses stayed overnight. Water was accessible all day, no open deck trailers were observed during the two days investigators were present. Handling was calm. The pen manager informed investigators that no injured or lame horses are accepted. However, instead of providing veterinary care for these horses or euthanasia if needed, these horses are sent back with the shippers
2/19-2/22/10 Stanley Brothers Collecting Station, Bastrop, LA and Trailing to Eagle Pass Export Pens, TX
Animals’ Angels investigators traveled to Louisiana because of complaints received about the condition of horses in the possession of the Stanley Brothers. Arriving at the Stanley Brothers Horse Collection Station in Bastrop, investigators soon observed a lame and severely emaciated horse. The horse held her left front leg out in front of her, apparently unable to bear weight on it. The investigators noted a green slaughter tag affixed to the horse’s withers. That Sunday evening, one of Stanley Brothers trucks backed up to the loading ramp. Unable to tell if the horse was among those loaded, investigators followed the trailer to the federal export pens in Eagle Pass, TX. After observing the truck unload at the pens without seeing the horse, investigators spoke with the export pen operator, showing him photos of the horse. The pen operator assured investigators that the horse was not there. The horse still had to be at the collecting station in Bastrop and Animals’ Angels filed a complaint with the Bastrop police department. The police officer dispatched confirmed the investigators observations and wrote in the police report that the horse was in need of veterinary attention. The case is still ongoing, but Animals‘Angels will make sure that the Stanley Brothers will be held responsible.
2/12/10 Wild Horse & Burro Adoption, Seguin, TX
Animals’ Angels investigators at the Wild Horse and Burro Sale in Seguin, TX found the equine in good condition and their treatment acceptable. Handling was calm and water easily accessible. Approximately 80 horses from Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming and Oklahoma were separated by mares, yearlings and geldings in eight pens. Not all equine were sold. Investigators did not observe any suspicious buyers or anyone buying a large number of horses.
2/2/10 New Holland Auction, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators found fewer horses at auction than usual and none that were emaciated or injured. Known “kill buyers” Bruce Rotz & Frank Carper from Camelot Auction were buying horses. However, among the dairy cows being sold for slaughter was a Holstein with a severe injury to the hind foot and leg. The cow was unable to bear weight on the leg and was in obvious pain. The condition of this cow should have prevented employees from accepting her. Conditions for the cow were going to get a lot worse. In the experience of Animals’ Angels investigators, once auctioned a cow in her condition would very likely be trampled to death during transport. Investigators contacted the humane officer and the auction manager, recommending that the suffering animal be euthanized, which was done immediately. The incident shows the need for better supervision of employees during unloading, as well as the need for the auction veterinarian to be more proactive in the timely euthanization of suffering animals. Animals’ Angels is working to determine who brought the cow in such deplorable condition to market and the information about the incident has been forwarded to the District Attorney.
1/22/10 Sugar Creek Auction, OH
Upon arrival Animals' Angels investigators found an otherwise healthy looking horse lying dead in the parking lot. In the pen area, investigators observed as the typically rough, untrained workers used long wooden poles to hit and poke horses with great force. Eventually this caused horses to rush forward, knocking down a closed gate. One horse escaped while a draft horse went down, its legs thoroughly wedged in the gate. The Amish workers stood by and watched as the frantic horse whirled its legs at great speed for several minutes until it was finally able to get up, though with one leg still entangled in the gate. It took several more minutes to disengage the horse’s leg. By luck the horse did not appear to be injured (though the auction veterinarian was never observed checking the horse), nor was the horse trampled during the sustained uproar. However, the workers’ unnecessary and cruel handling of the horses is a violation of Ohio law [statute 959.13]. Another situation had a less positive outcome. An emaciated mare, tag # 739, went through the auction unsold. It is a crime in Ohio to allow a horse to get in this condition. Upon receiving the mare, Sugarcreek Auction should have called law enforcement but did not. An Ohio rescue was able to take the mare and their vet treated her for shock and colic. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated and the mare had to be euthanized.
10/27/09 Slaughter Horse Collecting Station, Fallon, NV
The Animals’ Angels investigators observe the slaughter horse feedlot in Fallon, NV. Property records indicate that it is owned by Bouvry Exports, a company that also owns a horse slaughter plant in Alberta. Apparently the Fallon lot serves as a collecting station for horses from the surrounding states, which are then shipped to Bouvry’s large feedlot in Shelby, MT. The premises in Fallon appeared very run down and there were only a few horses in the pens during the time of the investigators’ visit. Temperatures were below freezing that morning and all the water troughs were frozen. There was no access to shelter for most of the horses and no hay or straw in the barren pens. Animals’ Angels will continue to investigate this matter.
10/26/09 Escalon Auction, CA
Animals’ Angels returned to Escalon Auction to check if further improvements in regards to animal welfare have been made at this facility. Unfortunately, as soon as the investigators started to walk around, they were followed by auction employees. Even after the investigators returned to their vehicle the observation continued and one employee wrote down the license plate of the car. This reception was very disappointing. If truly improvements were made, there should be no hostility towards unannounced visitors. In fact, auction management should welcome the opportunity to show that the auction is doing better. Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor this market.
10/24/09 Dairy Feedlots in the Chino Valley
The Animals’ Angels investigators checked on the condition of the dairy cows inside the huge dairy feedlots. They drove by massive manure lagoons. One can only imagine how poisoned nature is in this area. They noticed that a few dairies had closed. Again, they saw dead calves and cows discarded along the road and cows struggling to walk in knee high manure, their bodies emaciated and limping. They found a downer cow, left behind in a pen with no water or shelter. They visited the thousands of baby calves that are kept in solitary confinement in tiny wooden crates. It is heartbreaking to see that these babies never get to play or move around and that their day is only interrupted by a worker that empties and fills the bucket of milk replacer in front of their crates. They couldn’t help but wonder: Where are all the happy cows?
10/24/09 David Misner Feedlot, Chino, CA
Animals’ Angels returned to the Misner horse feedlot located on Grove Avenue in Chino, CA. Again, a large number of horses were on the junked up premises. Apparently the horses had just been fed and a small amount of hay was spread on the ground. Again, we noticed that most of the water troughs were empty or contained only very little water. Misner is still shipping horses to Texas and New Mexico 10/22-10/23/09 Trailing of a pig transport to Farmer John slaughter plant in California
The Animals’ Angels investigators followed a truck loaded with “slaughter” pigs all the way from Yuma, CO to the “Farmer John” slaughter plant in Vernon, CA -1157 miles away. The pigs were loaded on three levels and the loading density was very high. The temperature when the truck left Yuma was 28 degrees, with heavy snow. The trailer offered the pigs no protection from the freezing cold. Despite icy road conditions the solo driver engaged in risky overtakes and drove with speeds exceeding 80mph. The trip, without loading times, took 26 hours and forty minutes. For the entire trip the pigs had no access to water and were exposed to temperature differences of 50 degrees (Temperature upon arrival at the plant 78 degrees) Animals’ Angels will make sure that Farmer John will be held responsible for the appalling conditions for the animals during this transport.
10/19/09 New Holland Sales Stables, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the sale barn located in New Holland, PA. The sales consisted of horses, cattle, calves, goats, sheep and pigs. Of special note, a truck delivered horses and left with 3 – 4 horses still on the trailer. The truck then proceeded to Mel Hoover’s Stables a few miles away and unloaded the horses there. It appears that this auction is accepting horses refused at New Holland auction, violating Pennsylvania Cruelty Law, Title 18, Section 5511, (d). One dead pig was observed in a pen and two dead sheep were observed on the loading dock. None of these animals had a bullet wounds, indicating that they were not put down by the auction, which remains a concern. Other animals appeared to be in satisfactory condition with the exception of several emaciated horses. Animals’ Angels will continue discussions with auction management in regards to conditions at the auction.
9/18/09 Shipshewana Horse Auction, INAnimals’ Angels returned to the Shipshewana auction to attend the weekly horse sale. Several of the horses arriving for the sale were in appalling condition; three were limping badly, one had a badly ripped cheek, two had fresh injuries around the eye and one appeared to be blind. The slaughter horse sale, as usual, took place in the pen area. The same workers from the Wednesday before were working and the handling was unnecessary rough again. All the limping and injured horses were bought by Muirhead Farms, a horse trader from Michigan, who has been linked to Roping J Ranch. Animals’ Angels will continue to put pressure on this auction to improve the conditions and the treatment of the animals while present at their sale. > Watch the video... 9/17/09 Roping J Ranch Slaughter Horse Collecting Station, Fairhaven, MI
Animals’ Angels observed the collecting facility in Fairhaven, MI. The outdoor pen area was full of horses and there was a lot of activity. The Roping J truck was backed up to the loading ramp. Shortly thereafter, the truck left and started heading towards Port Huron. At a gas station, we were able to film the horses inside the single deck trailer. They had little sawdust to stand on and were loaded really tight. After the truck finished fuelling, he continued to drive his drive and crossed into Canada at 2.37pm. 9/16/09 Shipshewana Auction, IN
Animals’ Angels was present at the weekly livestock auction in Shipshewana, IN. The investigators immediately noticed the large number of skeleton-like cows, of which many were limping and panting heavily. The conditions at this auction are poor; none of the pens have any water available for the animals. The handling was extremely brutal and among the worst ever observed at a public auction: the workers used the electric prod excessively on baby calves, sheep and cows. It appeared that especially the young workers took their frustration out on the animals. One worker was documented engaging in a martial art style battle with one unfortunate sheep. While the public was watching he kicked and hit the sheep with full force in the face multiple times. Animals’ Angels will work to obtain an animal cruelty conviction for this atrocity.
9/14-9/15/09 Haley Slaughter Horse Collecting Station and auction, Rushville, IN
Animals’ Angels documented the conditions for slaughter horses at this facility. A double deck trailer was parked next to one of the barns. The majority of the horses were out on the pasture, while some horses were kept inside the barns. The pens inside were very filthy and dark. The horses had no access to food and the water troughs were empty. They were chewing on the wood of the fence posts in frustration or searching the pen floor for something to eat. The following day at Haley’s weekly auction, only 10 horses were offered for sale. We were informed that a few years ago 400-500 horses were sold here every week, but that the business has declined rapidly (since the closure of the Cavel plant)
9/12/09 Mike’s Horse auction, Mira Loma, CA
Animals’ Angels visited the monthly horse auction in Mira Loma. There were approximately 40 horses for sale that night. All the pens had full water troughs, but no feed. A few horses were thin and one horse had a leg injury. One ex-racehorse was sold for $165 to a Hispanic buyer. The handling of the horses was acceptable. David Misner, alleged kill buyer, was present and bought a load of horses.
9/10/09 Oakdale Auction, California
Animals’ Angels documented the conditions at the weekly Oakdale auction. The handling observed was brutal and unprofessional, with excessive use of the electric prod on sensitive parts of the animals. It was a hot day, with temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but only a few pens offered access to water. The condition of the “slaughter” cows was poor, several were extremely emaciated, and several were limping or had fresh injuries. One cow was down in the pen area, panting heavily, in full exposure of the sun and in plain view of auction personnel. The day went by and no one from the auction took any action. At 6.45pm, cow number 1718 died. We named her Charlotte. Animals’ Angels will report this incident to the authorities in charge and make sure that the auction management is held responsible for this atrocity.
9/18/2009 Sugarcreek Auction, Ohio
Investigators continued to monitor the horse auction in Sugarcreek, Ohio. The aggressive handling of the horses behind the auction ring and the crowded pens caused the horses to be extremely agitated, they were kicking in biting each other. After the sale was over, the investigators noticed a white mare with severe face and eye injuries inside Baker’s pen. The injuries appeared to be fresh. Neither the auction management nor the auction veterinarian portrayed any concern for the suffering animal or took any action. Animals’ Angels reported these observations to the local authorities to ensure that the mare would receive treatment 8/28/2009 Winter Horse Auction, La Junta, CO
Investigators visited the monthly horse sale at Winter Livestock Auction. Observing the unloading area, the investigators noted that many horses were thin and several were emaciated. Potential slaughter horses sold first and were listed by the pound. 99 horses were sold in 2 ½ hours. Three kill buyers, among them Charles Carter, were in attendance and bought 61 of them. After the sale, the investigators observed a truck with a Kansas plate and a double deck trailer backing up to the loading ramp. Immediately , the driver started loading horses, forcing them on both the upper and the lower deck of the trailer. The sound of the agitated horses kicking inside was unbearable. 30 minutes later the truck left the premises and started heading southwest towards Morton, TX. Animals‘ Angels will continue to monitor this auction 8/27/2009 Southern Colorado Livestock Auction, Monte Vista, CO
Animals‘ Angels investigators visited the weekly auction at Southern Colorado Livestock Auction. All 19 horses sold that day appeared to be in good condition and were moved by an employee on horseback with no use of any implement. The auction started at 12:15 pm, with goats, sheep, pigs, calves, horses and ended with cows. Animals‘ Angels found the method of moving the goats to be unacceptable, the animals were dragged into the ring by their hind legs, ears or tails. The animals were not provided with food and water, and the sheep pens were extremely overcrowded. Animals‘ Angels will discuss the conditions and handling of the animals with auction management. 8/25/2009 Southwest Livestock Auction, Los Lunas, NM
Animals‘ Angels investigators visited Southwest Livestock Auction, operated by Dennis Chavez. The property is also used as a slaughter horse feedlot and collecting station. During the visit, the auction did not take place but the investigators observed pens spreading out over approximately six acres and containing 600 – 800 horses. Some of the horses were very skinny and emaciated. Several double deck trailers were parked in front of the pen area, but no trucks. In 2008, Animals’ Angels filed a complaint about DC Trucking LLC, which resulted in a compliance review. Animals‘ Angels will continue to monitor the facility. 8/25/2009 Export Pens, Socorro, TX
Animals‘ Angels investigators visited the export pens located in Socorro, TX. Upon their arrival they noticed that a new privacy fence had been installed around two sides of the property. This is most likely as a result from previous Animals‘ Angels investigations and an attempt to keep what goes on inside the facility hidden from the public. Three livestock trucks with horses loaded at the Beltex feedlot in Morton, TX the night before were parked on the street in front of the facility. The first truck began unloading horses at 8:05 am.The horses were not provided food and water all day. Some horses attempted to eat weeds outside the pen in order to satisfy their hunger. Federal regulations require that slaughter horses have to have access to food and water for six consecutive hours prior to transport to a slaughter facility. Animals’ Angels will remind the Texas Department of Agriculture again of this responsibility 8/21-8/22/09 Beltex slaughter horse feedlot, Morton, TX
Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the Beltex feedlot outside of Morton, TX to check if any improvement of the facility is noticeable. Animals’ Angels filed several complaints about the feedlot in 2008 regarding insufficient composting and operating without a permit. At the composting area located in the rear of the property some horse bones were exposed to view, but no horse parts or carcasses were found. It appears that the feedlot is now in compliance with composting standards. Inside the still unsheltered pen area were approximately 700 horses and an unknown number of bison. The investigators saw an employee beating a horse with a stick. The investigators called out and the employee stopped and went through the pens. Additionally, they observed several emaciated horses as well as horses with fresh forehead injuries, most likely obtained during transport on a double deck trailer. Such injuries are common, because the trailer designed for cattle transport do not offer enough head room for horses. Unfortunately, it is still not illegal to transport horses in this inhumane manner. How many more accidents have to happen on US roadways and how many more horses have to be injured or killed during transport before USDA acts and improves the existing regulations? All trailers Animals’ Angels saw arriving at the Morton feedlot were double decks. Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor this facility. 8/20/09 Trailing of slaughter horse truck from Kersey, CO to Morton, TX
Animals’ Angels investigators arrived at the Kersey location at 7:30 am. One of the double deck trailers, observed the day before was backed up to the loading ramp and began loading horses on both decks. Investigators heard the horses kicking and fighting inside the trailer and could hear a man yelling at the horses as it appeared the horses did not want to enter the trailer. Then a second truck with a double deck trailer backed up to the loading ramp and began loading horses on both decks. The second truck left the feedlot at 10:55am and the investigators followed the truck south. At times, the truck drove at speeds in excess of 90 mph, and was swaying across traffic lanes and the shoulder of the road, on some occasions almost going off the road. Horses could be heard kicking the sides of the double deck trailer and this most likely was causing the truck to sway left and right. The driver did not check on the horses entrusted in his care at any point during the trip. The driver arrived at the Beltex feedlot in Morton, TX at 10:35pm (MT) Animals’ Angels will file a complaint with USDA regarding this transport and continue monitoring Mr. Carter’s activities.
8/19/2009 Carter Horse Collecting Station / Feedlot, Kersey, CO
Animals’ Angels visited a feedlot/collecting station outside of Kersey, CO, rented by “kill” buyer Charles Carter. Upon arrival, the investigators observed several pens containing between 100 – 150 horses, four trucks, 2 of which appeared new, and five trailers. Two of the trucks were hooked up to two double deck trailers, indicating an impending shipment. The property is in a rural area and partially obscured by a privacy fence and trees. Several dogs were seen roaming the property. The pens set back off the road approximately 300-400 yards. Of note, the investigators went to Mr. Carter’s previous location but it appeared to have been abandoned by him long ago. The Kersey location is much more secluded and isolated. This property is very well suited if someone wished to hide something |
8/19/2009 Centennial Auction, CO
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the weekly auction in Fort Collins. The sales consisted of horses, dairy cows, sheep, pigs and goats. Handling of animals was acceptable, and no electric prods were used. Temperature was 86 degrees Fahrenheit and the horses and cows were kept in outside pens with access to food and water, but no shelter. Sheep, goats, and pigs were kept in inside pens. These pens were crowded and the animals were not provided with food and water. Known “kill” buyer, Charles Carter was present and purchased more than half of the horses for sale. Immediately after the sale was over he loaded them into his trailer and another trailer that was parked next to his. Both vehicles left the auction together, but took different routes to his property outside of Kersey, CO. It appeared that Mr. Carter was very concerned about being followed.
7/30/2009 Ohio Horse Park
Animals’ Angels and Speak up for horses were invited to give a speech about horse slaughter for students and the interested public at the Ohio Horse Park in Ironton. The park is an academic division of Ohio University Southern and the event was part of the Equine Studies Program. The aim was to create awareness about the cruelty inherent to the horse slaughter industry and what to do when cruelty is observed. Furthermore, existing loopholes in animal protection laws and transport regulations were explained. The speech was followed by a lively discussion. Animals’ Angels would like to thank Ohio University for this opportunity.
July 2009 Europe
The Animals Angels investigators went to Europe to research the distribution of US horse meat arriving from Canada and Mexico. Every month, the Mexican plants that slaughter US horses export thousands of tons of horse meat for the European companies Multimeat N.V. and Visser & Van Walsum B.V. According to documents obtained by Animals Angels, last year both companies shipped more than 13 million pounds of horse meat to Europe. The investigation revealed that the price of horsemeat is as high as 27 Euros/kg (approx. 18 USD/lbs.) and that European consumers apparently are not aware of the origin of the meat. Animals’ Angels will work on creating awareness among these consumers about what they are eating and the suffering involved in this predatory business.
7/10/2009 Sugarcreek Horse Auction, OH
Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the Sugarcreek Auction. There were 130 horses that day. While our investigators were observing the pens from the catwalk above they noticed a draft horse down in one of the isles. One of the employees was holding the horse’s tail up and was poking it with a long stick and kicking the animal. The horse tried to get up but seemed to have trouble getting its leg under it to rise. After a few minutes, the employee stopped kicking the animal and got an electric cattle prod. He started using it excessively on the horse’s sensitive areas. He was stopped by an outraged observer who coaxed and pulled the horse by the halter and got it up slowly. There appeared to be something wrong with the horse’s hind quarters. Animals’ Angels has reported this appalling incident to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. 6/12/09-6/19/09 Sugarcreek Horse Auction, OH
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the weekly horse auction in Sugarcreek. The sale consisted of 165 horses, of which kill buyer Leroy Baker purchased 60. Kill buyer F. Bauer purchased approx. 50 horses. Amish workers moved the animals in an unacceptable manner, by excessive whipping and poking the horses in the face and eyes. Investigators discovered one of the pens contained 27 horses already bound for slaughter with green USDA slaughter tags. Several of the horses inside this pen had severe eye infections. One horse had an injured leg and could not put any weight on it. Animals’ Angels investigators discussed these issues with the veterinarian on site and specifically explained that due to the horse’s injury it could not be transported. However, the veterinarian responded that the animal belonged to Leroy Baker and that he could not do anything. Later during that week investigators found 32 horses with green USDA slaughter tags in an outside pen in the hot sun without water. One of the horses observed alive in the slaughter pen the day before was dead and discarded in the parking lot together with a dead cow. The investigation revealed that despite the $162,000 fine Baker has to pay and despite two more pending cases against him, he still has not changed his ways. Animals’ Angels has no option but to continue gathering evidence against Baker. 6/9/09-6/10/09 Slaughter Horse Collecting Facility, Shippensburg, PA
The investigators observed horses with green USDA slaughter tags, some emaciated, kept in a single story, dark and crowded barn. Public records show that the owner of this facility is shipping a significant number of horses each month to the horse slaughter plant in Richelieu, Quebec. Rotz obtains his horses at Pennsylvania sales such as New Holland or Middleburg. Animals’ Angels will continue to investigate. 6/9/2009 Carlisle Livestock Auction, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the weekly auction in Carlisle, PA. The livestock sales consisted of cows, calves, pigs, sheep and goats. The handling was calm. The auction has a water system installed in the barn area. The investigators noted that all the pig pens had been hosed down with water and the pigs were laying in the remaining water pools and the wet mud. The auction roof has several large dampers that were open and fans were running to cool down the air inside the barn. As a result, the temperature was considerably cooler despite the hot outside temperatures that day. Carlisle Auction demonstrates that with some easy and inexpensive installations huge improvements regarding the welfare of animals inside a sale barn can be made. 6/9/2009 Middleburg Auction, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the Middleburg Livestock and Bird Auction. At the bird sale, the cages did not have solid floors, forcing the birds to stand on wire mesh. The cages did not contain any water for the birds and no fans were running, causing some to suffer under heat stress. At the livestock sale, the animals did not have access to food and water. It was noted that two Amish workers used electric prods on the pigs excessively. Outside the auction, Animals’ Angels investigators found an extremely emaciated horse tied to a fence in direct sun and without water. The investigators immediately brought the horse to the attention of the auction personnel. They suggested that the animal belonged to an auction employee and promised to move the animal out of the sun. However, after waiting some time, no one from the auction took any action. The investigators located a bucket, filled it with water and gave it to the horse. Animals’ Angels will confront auction management and urge them to improve the unacceptable conditions for the animals at their auction.
6/8/2009 Greencastle Auction,PA
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the weekly auction in Greencastle. The sales consisted of cows, calves, sheep, pigs and goats. Goat handling was unacceptable. Goats were moved by repeated hitting with a walking cane, pulling their ears and horns. The calves were loaded on trucks bound for immediate slaughter. One auction worker conducted the despicable act of urinating on a calf. Many cows showed signs of heat stress, heavy panting and foaming at the mouth. The cows located in the outside, “slow”pen were in deplorable shape. All of them were limping and many had severe mastitis, full udders with milk dripping, and bad hooves. One cow had a tight metal chain around its neck. One cow was laying flat on her side, completely weakened. Animals’ Angels will continue to press for better conditions with auction management and continue to monitor the auction.
6/8/09 New Holland Auction, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the weekly auction in New Holland. No dead animals were observed in pens, alleys or at the loading ramp. The investigators noted that the auction management had moved their dumpster/dead pile to another location. It is probable that this relocation was performed to keep unauthorized persons from discarding their animals. Animals’ Angels had suggested this important improvement during prior discussions held with the owner of the stables. The animals observed at the auction were in satisfactory condition with the exception of several horses. Some were extremely emaciated and should not have been accepted for sale by the vet on site. (Pennsylvania Cruelty Law, Title 18, Section 5511, (d): "Selling or using disabled horse”) Another starving horse, a brown mare, was found in a horse trailer with Florida license plates, parked outside of the auction. Animals’ Angels will contact the vet present at the auction concerning his acceptance of the horses listed above and bring this issue to the attention of auction management and human officers.
4/13/09 California Farm Bureau, Sacramento
Animals’ Angels Executive Director Sonja Meadows met with the California State Veterinarian and other representatives of California government and agricultural industry. The aim was to share the observations made by Animals’ Angels investigators at auctions, feedlots and plants and to find possible ways to improve conditions. The main areas of concern were the handling of non-ambulatory animals and the horse slaughter issue. The meetings were very constructive and may have opened the door for some very effective ideas to change the lives of California farm animals.
4/12/09 Roseville Horse Auction, CA
The Animals’ Angels investigators attended the horse sale in Roseville. Several of the 42 horses were in poor, emaciated condition. The handling of the horses at this auction is calm and most of the pens had access to water. There were no larger buyers present at the sale and all horses went to private individuals, rescues or riding schools.
4/10/09 Escalon Auction, CA
The Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the Escalon auction to check if any improvements with regard to the handling of non-ambulatory dairy cows had been made. To our disappointment, we learned that nothing had changed since our last visit. The workers were still using the electric prods on newborn calves. Chickens, roosters and rabbits were sold in paper boxes without air holes. A downer cow was left suffering close to the manure pile for more then seven hours without ever being provided water, shade or veterinary care. Animals’ Angels will urge the authorities of San Joaquin County to hold the market responsible for this second violation of Downer Protection Legislation observed by our investigators in the last nine month.
4/5/09 Dairy Producers in the Chino Valley, CA
Animals’ Angels investigators continued through the valley and found thousands of little calves confined in tiny wooden boxes. The calves have no contact with their mothers, or to other calves, and spend all day in their confinement. The mortality rate is high and the investigators saw numerous dead calves discarded at the different dairies that day. At some operations, the mud was so deep that it was above the cows’ knees and the animals struggled to walk. Cows were observed giving birth without assistance. Many cows were limping badly and the condition of their feet was deplorable. The size of these operations combined with not enough and often untrained employees is a feeding ground for several severe animal welfare concerns 4/5/09 Egg Producers in the Chino Valley, CA
The Animals’ Angels investigators spent the day observing the conditions for the animals at large agricultural operations in the Chino Valley area. They found deplorable conditions for egg laying hens at one of the producers; several hens were crammed into each of the wired cages and were completely unable to move around. Some had their feet stuck in between the wire and were unable to free themselves. Proposition 2 will improve this kind of environment for egg laying hens by 2015.
4/4/09 Euclid Horse Auction and Chino Valley horse feedlot, CA
The Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the monthly horse auction in Euclid. Approximately sixty horses were offered for sale that day. The investigators noticed that buyer “DM” bought enough of the cheaper horses to fill a stock trailer. Several auction visitors were overheard making comments like “ poor horse is going to the meat-man” or “ Oh no, HE is buying this poor horse, it will be on it’s way to Mexico soon” After the sale, the investigators followed “DM” to his collecting station where he holds more than 100 horses of all breeds, ages and condition. The premises are covered in trash and no shelter is provided for most of the horses. Animals’ Angels will urge California authorities, again, to investigate where these horses go when they leave DM’s feedlot.
March 2009 New York City Carriage Horses
Animals’ Angels received from an unknown source video and picture documentation of several different carriage horse barns in New York City. The pictures reveal what carriage horses in New York are facing each day: After a long working shift the horses at Westside Livery return to a dark and narrow stable. They are then tied up and unable to turn around in the tiny pens. Several of the horses are emaciated, many have marks on their bodies, others have extremely poor feet.
In the morning, the horses are brought out over steep ramps and forced to fight their way to Central Park through heavy traffic. The documentation obtained will be used to support the initative to ban carriage horses in New York.
3/30/2009 Webster Livestock Auction, Florida
The Animals’ Angels investigators observed the weekly auction in Webster. The large auction barn has a water system installed in the pen area. The handling was calm and the workers mainly used plastic sticks with flags to move the cattle. Bulls and cows with calves were kept in pens by themselves. The animals were moved quietly and quickly through the auction ring. This auction demonstrates that hitting, beating and yelling is completely unnecessary in order to move as many animals as quickly as possible.
3/30/2009 Ocala Livestock Auction, Florida
The Animals’ Angels investigators attended the weekly livestock auction in Ocala. Inside the dark and run down barn they witnessed cattle being moved. The handling is rough and impatient. The handlers used the electric prod extensively on the frightened animals, even when the animals had no place to go. Outside the barn, the auction keeps several dogs in bare cages with concrete flooring. Some of the dogs appeared very frightened of humans and tried to hide in a corner as soon as we approached the cages. Others seemed to be lethargic.
3/21/2009 Farmerstown Dog Auction, Ohio
The Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the Farmerstown dog auction. Upon arrival, they immediately noticed a white trailer full of dog crates piled on top of each other. The truck and the trailer violate several federal regulations. The investigators found out that the truck pulling the trailer belonged to the kennel „Pick of the Litter“ from Minnesota. Kathy Bauck, the owner of this kennel, was found guilty on March 23, 2009 of one count of animal cruelty and three counts of animal torture. Bauck sold a significant number of dogs at the Farmerstown auction. Animals’ Angels will present the evidence to authorities in charge.
3/18/2009 Nickerson Slaughter Horse Collecting Station
The Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the slaughter horse collecting station in Bainbridge, NY. Just like their last visit, the small pen is covered in thick mud. Several horses had difficulties walking. Some appeared emaciated. The investigators watched the loading of the horses and followed the truck with it’s solo driver through the night to the horse slaughter plant in Richelieu, Quebec.
3/14/2009 Mount Hope, OH
The Animals’ Angels investigators were present at the monthly horse sale in Mount Hope, OH. Approximately 400 horses were offered for sale. The conditions for the horses at this sale were satisfactory. All horses had access to water, were haltered and led through the auction ring individually. The handling was calm and without any hitting. Several kill buyers were present at the auction and left in the afternoon with full loads.
3/10/2009 Rotz Livestock, Shippensburg, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators had observed Mr. Rotz buying horses at New Holland Auction and decided to visit his collecting station in Shippensburg. Investigators’ found a large tractor trailer and 2 stock trailers full of horses parked on the premises. The barn appeared very dark inside and too small to accommodate all the horses. A dead horse was left next to the barn. The horse still had a green USDA slaughter tag attached to it.
3/9/09 Greencastle Auction, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators were present at the weekly auction in Greencastle. Approximately 50 old dairy cows were being sold. Many were in appalling condition and should not have been brought to the market, but euthanized on the farm. Investigators observed a cow limping through the alley, her left hind leg apparently broken, her udder swollen and distended. She could barely walk and would stop after every step she took. She was sold to one of the slaughter plant buyers. One can only imagine the suffering this cow will have endured by the time she arrives at the plant. Investigators also observed 3 cows that appeared to be “down”. They were in an overcrowded pen and other cows were trampling over them. When handlers went into the pen they “startled” the cows and two of the cows eventually got up and slowly moved through the pen. Both of them were limping and were extremely emaciated. The third cow, we named Rebekah, was not able to rise on her own. The handlers knew the investigators were watching them and it appeared that they were debating if they could dare to use an electric prod. One of the handlers then pulled Rebekah by her tail while pushing her hip so she would get on her feet. She struggled, but got up and walked into the auction ring.
3/9/09 New Holland Auction, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators returned to New Holland, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival they saw a dead goat left at one of the loading ramps. Several more dead goats, sheep and a dead piglet were found inside the pen area and at the dumpster. The dead piglet was in a stall with approximately 12 older pigs. The older pigs were starting to eat the dead piglet. None of the dead animals showed signs of euthanasia. Many of the sheep pens were extremely overcrowded. Two cows were observed with fresh horn injuries.
3/1/2009 Morton Feedlot, TexasAnimals’ Angels investigators returned to the slaughter horse feedlot in Morton, TX. Again, several dead horses and decaying horse carcasses were found on the premises. Some of the carcasses were not covered with composting material. The question remains why do so many horses die at the feedlot? Animals’ Angels will continue to investigate this matter. A complaint with the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality has been filed. > Watch the video...> Read the newspaper article... 02/04 – 02/05 2009 Sara Lee Plant, Storm Lake, Iowa
Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the Sara Lee plant in Storm Lake, Iowa. During a previous visit, Animals’ Angels documented turkeys being exposed to the cold for hours and recommended several changes to be made. During our return visit investigators were pleased to find that their recommendations were followed. All the trucks that arrived at the plant had the cages covered with insulated panels to protect the turkeys from the snow, ice and freezing weather in Iowa. In addition, the trailers pulled into an enclosed building while waiting to be off loaded.
02/03/2009 Iowa
Animals’ Angels investigators filmed several intensive turkey production barns in Iowa. Investigators observed large piles of dead turkeys in front of several of these barns. Why do so many turkeys die in this environment? 02/02/2009 Kalona, Iowa
Animals’ Angels investigators were present at the monthly horse auction in Kalona, Iowa. Approximately 350 “loose” horses were offered to U.S. and Canadian slaughter buyers. The handling of the horses was HORRIBLE, the auction employees were observed hitting the horses across their faces with wooden sticks. The pens were extremely overcrowded; horses were put in pens with low ceilings and they continually hit their heads resulting in bleeding open wounds. The horses were rushed through the alleys and moved through a heavy, hydraulic gate that closed on the horses, struck the horses on their heads and crushed their bodies. All of these circumstances caused the horses to become extremely agitated and panicked; they were kicking and biting each other. Many of the slaughter horses sold were loaded onto Canadian trailers the same night. Animals’ Angels will report these deplorable conditions to local authorities and continue inspecting this auction. > WATCH THE VIDEO... 1/17/2009 Dog Auction, Farmerstown, Ohio
Animals’ Angels investigators were present at a puppy mill sale in Farmerstown. Approximately 380 dogs from kennels in PA, KY and OH, brought in the night before on large trucks, were piled up in tiny cages. Many of these dogs appeared to be very scared and their spirit broken. Animals’ Angels will provide lawmakers with information obtained to support a ban on such sales.
1/16-1/19/2009 Sugarcreek Horse Auction, Ohio
Animals’ Angels investigators were at Sugar Creek Livestock Auction and found more atrocities. Investigators found a horse, dead in the pen. One severely injured horse - his ear had been cut off and no veterinary care had been administered. The pens were overcrowded and the agitated horses were kicking and biting each other. The investigators were able to confirm that Leroy Baker is shipping horses to Canada now. We will continue to monitor Mr. Baker’s auction and trucks.
Rowan Feedlot, New Albany, MS
The Animals’ Angels investigators observed the Rowan feedlots in New Albany. In the larger feedlot, there were approximately 100 horses: inside the smaller feedlot, the investigators found six extremely emaciated horses in with a body condition score of 1. There was no hay available to these starving animals and the investigators immediately contacted the police to make an animal cruelty complaint. Shortly thereafter, the police arrived, questioned Mr. Rowan and documented the condition of the horses. Animals’ Angels will monitor the further action that is being taken by the local authorities in regards to this matter.
Mize Horse Auction, MS
Animals’ Angels investigators were present at the auction in Mize, MS. There were approx. 150 head of horses at this auction. The pens were clean and the horses had adequate room to move around. Some horses had access to water in the pens and some horses were watered with buckets. The handling of the horses was good. The majority of the horses were in good condition with just a few being underweight. However, two horses were in extremely emaciated condition. The sale was attended by two local kill buyers, who bought several of the horses offered that day.
Trailing of three trucks from the US border to the horse slaughter plant in Jerez, Mexico
The Animals’ Angels inspectors followed three trucks loaded with horses from the US border to the horse slaughter plant in Jerez, 650 miles away. Two of the trucks have double deck trailers, but the horses are only loaded onto one deck. The third truck has loaded 36 horses onto an open trailer, offering the animals no protection from the elements. The journey to death takes the three trucks more than 20 hours to arrive at the plant. One can only imagine the toll this transport takes on the animals that have already spent the last week on several different trailers, being transported from states like Ohio or Indiana to the export pens in Texas. Rastro Municipal Horse Slaughter Plant, Juarez, Mexico
The Animals’ Angels investigators follow a truck loaded with horses from the U.S. to the slaughter plant in Juarez. Unlike the slaughter plants located in Jerez and Fresnillo, this plant is not approved by the European Union and horses are brutally killed by using a Puntilla knife. The horses are stabbed in the neck, which only paralyzes the animal. The investigators observe the horses being unloaded into the outside pens of the slaughter plant. Many of the horses inside the pens are extremely emaciated. Animals’ Angels will try to achieve that no more American horses are brought to this horrible plant.
Horse Slaughter Plant, Jerez, Mexico
The Animals’ Angels investigators observe the horse slaughter plant in Jerez. Inside the large pen area, they find approx. 70 -100 horses of US origin. All of them have the green USDA slaughter tag attached. Some of the horses look emaciated, but the investigators do not find downed or injured horses during this visit. There is a lot of activity in the slaughter area, a lot of workers in white coats and boots. Cattle can be seen being herded into another slaughter area to the left of building. It appears that horses are being slaughtered every day of the week now and that trucks with horses from the US arrive on a regular basis.
11/3/08 Canadian Premium Meats, Lacombe, Alberta
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the horse slaughter plant, Canadian Premium Meats. It appears that this small multi-species facility kills horses on Fridays and has a capacity of approximately 100 - 120 horses per day. The investigators discussed the possibility of observing the kill floor with one of the company directors, and were told that this would not be possible. There are no holding pens around the facility indicating that animals must be ‘processed’ quickly upon arrival. While CPMeats is not a large slaughter facility, Animals’ Angels is concerned about the speed of slaughter on the kill floor given the limited holding capacity of the facility, and where animals are held as they await slaughter. Further contact with the management of this facility will be pursued in the future.
11/2/08 Innisfail Auction, Alberta Animals’ Angels investigators were present at the Innisfail horse auction. On this day there were approximately 180 horses for sale and of these approximately 65 were purchased for slaughter by two kill buyers in the region. Food and water was not available in the holding pens, which generally held 2 – 6 horses. The handling of the horses at the auction was satisfactory, as were the conditions of the sale ring. One slaughter bound horse appeared to be suffering from severe laminitis in both front feet, greatly limiting mobility and compromising its ability to withstand transport. In particular, the investigators observed the loading of 36 horses onto a single-deck trailer (DOT 512101) at 6.45pm, and the next day observed this same load arrive at Bouvry Export Calgary at 12.34pm in the same order in which they were loaded. This indicated that these horses had not received food or water during at least a 24 hour period.
11/1/08 Bouvry Horse Slaughter Plant, Fort Macleod, Alberta
Animals’ Angels investigators visited Bouvry Export Calgary in Fort Macleod, Alberta. The massive feedlot adjacent to the slaughter facility was holding approximately 1000 horses , including many mares with foal or in foal. Notably the investigators visited the plant in the early morning hours on the weekend and found that full loads of horses were arriving on both double deck and single deck trailers. Concerned about the condition of the horses, the investigators asked a staff member to observe the unloading, but were declined. In particular, one double-decker (DOT 512101) appeared to be having a problem in the unloading area. After 1 hour 45 minutes the vehicle left the loading dock, backed deep into the adjacent fenced in pen area (where hundreds of horses are held) with an open rear door, parked beside a large hay stack hidden from view, remained there for 30 minutes and left the pen area with a closed rear door.
10/28/08-10/29/08 Trailing of a shipment of calves from British Columbia to Alberta
Animals’ Angels investigators trailed a shipment of ‘veal’ calves from the Chapman auction in Abbotsford, British Columbia to a feedlot in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Transportation of the calves took approximately 11 hours. The route traverses the Rocky Mountain range between BC and Alberta and this particular shipment was fortunate as the weather remained moderate throughout, only dropping below zero at the points of highest altitude. The investigators visited the feedlot following the arrival. The calves had been placed in individual stalls and provided bedding, grain, and milk replacer. Unfortunately, the investigators, whose visit took place eight hours after the arrival of the load, found a calf that had arrived in poor condition and was left dying outside the stall area. Investigators also found another calf that had died in a group pen, the cause of which is unknown. The transport of young calves and culled ‘dairy’ cows the long distances from BC to Alberta or further east represents a treacherous journey for these easily compromised animals and will continue to be monitored by Animals’ Angels.
10/14/08-10/15/08 Ontario Livestock Exchange
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the Ontario Livestock Exchange (OLEX) auction. This large auction primarily sells cattle, however horses are sold every Tuesday. On this visit approximately 60 horses, including many standardbreds and some thoroughbreds passed through the ring. The vast majority of horses were sold by the pound for .23 - .27 cents. Investigators were able to obtain the lip tattoo on one thoroughbred gelding who was sold for .25 cents/lb and whose physical condition indicated that he had recently come off the track. Most of the horses did not have access to food or water, although the ‘slaughter pens’ did have water available. The investigators noted that an injuring horse (‘three-legged’ due to ankle injury) was not segregated from the other horses in the slaughter pen. During the morning the investigators also noticed a Holstein calf with an incredibly swollen and disfigured leg. When the calf was still there the next day and now down, the investigators discussed the situation with the auction inspector and contacted the regional veterinarian. Responding to these concerns the staff euthanized the calf in the early afternoon.
10/13/08 Norval Meats, Ontario
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the Norval Meats plant in Proton Station, Ontario. The small facility appeared to be empty, no vehicles, emptied garbage bins, and locked up. After phoning the plant the investigators learned that the plant was still slaughtering horses, although no slaughter was taking place this week. It appears that Norval Meats has a very limited slaughter capacity and does not represent a substantial destination for the ‘slaughter’ horse market.
10/11/08 Galetta auction, Ontario
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the Galetta auction near Dunrobin, Ontario. The conditions and handling of the horses was generally satisfactory. Hay and water was available to the majority of horses, and none of the pens were overcrowded. The auction holds horse sales twice a year, in the fall and in the spring selling approximately 70 horses during this sale. Prior to the sale the investigators noticed one horse that was blanketed, apparently to cover up her severely emaciated condition. After partially removing the blanket the deplorable state of this mare incited the investigators to look further into how she arrived at the auction, and to contact the SPCA regarding her condition. The auction would not allow the mare to be sold in the ring, but to ‘Penny’s’ great fortune she was purchased directly by someone who plans to nurse her to health, and provide a permanent and loving home. Animals’ Angels is continuing to follow-up on the origins of Penny to ensure that other horses do not face the same neglect in the horse trade in the region 9/17/08-9/22/08 Richelieu Horse Slaughter Plant, Quebec
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the Richelieu horse slaughter facility in Massueville, Quebec. During their six days and nights at the plant the investigators documented shipments of horses arriving from both Canadian and US based companies including several over the weekend and in the early morning before the day shift began. Investigators observed very thin horses in the holding area of the plant, and many horses arriving at the plant with Green USDA tags indicating their point of origin. As Meat Hygiene inspectors are only required to be at the plant on ‘kill days’, violations of humane regulations will not be enforced for loads arriving outside of regular slaughter hours (weekends or nights). Documentation of the arrival of all shipments, the most common routes of transporters, the hours of operation at the plant, and the processing of horses upon arrival will provide essential information as the Animals’ Angels continues to monitor the Richelieu facility.
8/6/08 Frontier Meats Slaughter Horse Feedlot, Morton, TX
Animals’ Angels investigators observed the Frontier Meat feedlot in Texas. The facility is owned and operated by the BELTEX Corporation. Their former horse slaughter plant in Ft. Worth is still open and slaughters now bison and wild boar. Beltex also owns Empacadora de Carnes de Fresnillo, a Mexican slaughter plant that continues to slaughter America’s horses.During their visit, the investigators uncovered a large number of horse carcasses on the premises and horse parts scattered across several acres. Further research showed that Frontier Meat / Beltex is operating this concentrated animal feeding operation without the required general permit. Animals’ Angels reported their findings to TCEQ. As a result, Frontier Meats received a "Notice of Violation" and was given until September 29, 2008 to correct the situation. Animals' Angels will continue to monitor the feedlot. > Watch the video... 8/2/08 Round Mountain horse auction, TX
The Animals' Angels investigators are present at the monthly horse sale. There are approx. 100 horses in the pen area. Only a few of the outside pens provide water for the animals and the water is covered with green algae. There is no shelter available for the animals in the outside pens. The handling of the horses is reasonable. The investigators note that three "kill buyers" are present at the sale, bidding on horses that are offered between $25-$225.
8/3/08 – 8/12/08 David Misner Feedlot, Chino, CA.
After observing the arrival of about 30 horses from the Euclid Auction the previous night, the investigators returned to the Misner lot the next morning, finding between 180-200 horses held on the premises. The site is comprised of large pens, spanning several acres with no shelter. At 6.10pm, Misner’s trailer left the premises for an additional pick-up at Mike’s Horse Auction. Misner departed with another full load of horses. 16-18 horses were packed into Misner’s small livestock trailer. During the course of the next week, the investigators found Misner arriving at his lot with two more loads of horses. Observations made by Animals’Angels investigators at the feedlot and the surrounding auctions are indicative that David Misner might be buying and selling horses for slaughter. Further investigation is currently being planned 8/8/08 Escalon Auction, CA
The Animals’ Angels investigators inspected the Escalon Auction. The auction building is modern and equipped with well-designed alleys. However, the auctions treatment of downed animals is anything but satisfactory: During their visit, the investigators observed a downed Holstein cow being unloaded at 11.20am. Unable to rise, she was left in one of the alleys for 7+ hours without food, water or veterinary care. During this time, several cows were moved over her body, she was electric prodded and pushed with an iron gate. The Animals’ Angels inspectors informed the market manager and the police about the unbearable situation. To their surprise, no action was taken to ease the suffering of the cow. Furthermore, the investigators were threatened by the market owner and informed by the police that they are “not welcome”. California law requires that a non-ambulatory animal is humanely euthanized immediately. Animals’ Angels will make sure that the auction is being held responsible for this violation.
8/4/08 Hart’s Ranch, Corona, CA.
Animals’ Angels investigators visited Slim Hart’s Ranch in Corona, CA where they observed approximately 120 horses held in penned in areas around the property. Food and water was available, though no shelter was observed. Several large single deck trailers were on-site.
8/3/08 - 8/7/08 Dairy Farms in the Chino Valley, CA
Animals' Angels investigators observed and documented the massive dairy farms of the Chino Valley, close to Los Angeles, CA.
The valley is a dusty, arid, hot place and is home to hundreds of intensive dairy farms housing hundreds of thousands of cattle, almost exclusively Holstein dairy cows. The investigators noticed that dairy calves, known to be the "byproduct" of the dairy industry, were often discarded like garbage at the curbside of a facility. Conditions such as mastitis, foot rot, and severe emaciation were commonplace. Investigators documented the removal by wheelbarrow of several calves, not yet standing, from their mothers, and the heartbreaking effort of cows to chase down the wheelbarrow and save their newborn.
8/2/08 Mikes Horse Auction, Mira Loma, CA.
Animals’ Angels investigators attended the night sale held at “Mikes Horse Auction” where they found approximately 70-80 horses for sale. Investigators observed a number of horses in poor condition, in particular one severely emaciated pregnant mare with a body score of one, and a skin disease covering one third of her body. Several other extremely thin horses were observed, as well as one with an eye infection causing swelling and discharge in both eyes. The investigators returned to the auction the next day at 11.45am, finding most of the ill horses still being held. After questioning the auction staff about the condition of the pregnant mare some hay was provided to her which she immediately began eating. The Animals’ Angels investigators were very disturbed by the state of horses held for sale at this auction and further investigations are being planned.
8/2/08 Euclid Horse Auction, Ontario, CA
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the Euclid Auction finding approximately 180 horses for sale. The majority of the animals were held in exterior pens with access to water, however inspectors noted that all water containers were covered with a thick film of algae. Only a few animals held in pens directly adjacent to the auction building had access to shelter from the heat. David Misner, a suspected “slaughter horse” buyer was in attendance and purchasing unsold horses under the acronym DM. While the horse auction was attended by the public, by 5.00pm many people had left and approximately the last 34 horses were purchased by DM. Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor this auction. USDA Headquarter, Riverdale, MD: Animals' Angels meets with Dr. Timothy Cordes
Animals' Angels Executive Director Sonja Meadows was invited to a meeting with Dr. Timothy Cordes, Head of the USDA slaughter horse program. During the meeting, Animals' Angels reports/findings were discussed and we were informed that USDA has started to investigate several cases based on our complaints. In addition, ideas were exchanged regarding the planned changes to the Transport of Equines to Slaughter Regulations. Concerns regarding the existing loopholes were addressed. It was agreed upon to continue an open and constructive dialogue in order to improve conditions for slaughter bound horses.
06/28/08 Middleburg Horse Auction, PA
Inspectors for the Animals’ Angels visited the Middleburg Auction, finding approximately 200 – 250 horses being held for sale. There was no water available for any of the horses. This was particularly disturbing as many of the horses were cart horses and were test driven in the gravel parking area prior to the auction, and put away extremely hot and thirsty. Some injuries were noted including leg lesions, and raw mouth sores on draft horses. Auctioneering and handling practices were reasonable. Several slaughter buyers attended the auction. The investigators were unhappy with the overheated condition of many of the horses left standing throughout the day, and will continue to visit the Middleburg Auction 06/27/08 D.R. Chambers & Sons Horse Auction, Unadilla, NY
The Animals Angels inspectors visited the Unadilla livestock auction where they observed generally satisfactory conditions, handling, and auction practices. The 80-100 horses held at the auction were tied separately and had access to food, although no water. Pens were not overcrowded, and handling was overall calm. Inspectors also noted that prices for many of the auctioned horses were extremely low (as low as $10), a fact that attracts slaughter buyers to this auction. Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor the conditions at Unadilla Auction.
06/26/08 Old MacDonald’s Farm, Sacket’s Harbour, NY
Animals’ Angels inspectors visited Old MacDonald’s Farm, a dairy farm housing about 1000 dairy cows, calves, and weanlings. The inspectors were guided through four barns, each housing animals at different stages. It was explained to us that cows at the barn live to 6 years old at which time they are sold for slaughter. The life of a dairy cow at this farm involves removal from the cow within the first hour of birth followed by 3 days of being fed its mothers milk via bottle. Male calves are sold at 1 week of age. Calves are slowly weaned onto grain and by the age of two are bred for the first time to begin the milking cycle. Inspectors were told that the milking herd at the barn were housed on anti-bacterial sand free-stalls on the basis of reducing mastitis and foot rot. The inspectors noted the immense udders, and strained mobility of the cows at this barn are characteristic of those witnessed at auctions and other destination points throughout the livestock system.
06/24/08 Slaughter Horse Collecting Facility of D. Nickerson, Coventryville, NY
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the Nickerson “Feedlot” where they observed approximately 30 horses held in a small outdoor pen, with no shelter, poor quality hay, and deep mud. Many horses at the feedlot were extremely emaciated, and several had leg injuries. Investigators noted that the deep mud in the pen was full of large, sharp boulders and the loading ramp was also very muddy and slippery. Investigators observed that horses were loaded at 6:30 pm, and remained in the trailer until departure at midnight adding 5.5 hours to their overnight journey to slaughter in Quebec, Canada. The Animals’ Angels investigators contacted the County police and the local SPCA regarding the conditions at the feedlot and were surprised to learn that both agencies are indeed aware of the situation but are not willing to take any action. Animals’ Angels will follow up with superior authorities regarding the lack of enthusiasm among local agencies to enforce standards 06/23/08 Greencastle Auction, PA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors investigated the Greencastle auction. None of the holding pens, interior or exterior, provided any food or water. The inspectors noted that there were several dairy cows lying in an alley outside the facility. Cows in interior pens were overcrowded, and poor handling of the animals was witnessed repeatedly including excessive use of the electric prod, and cramming cattle into chutes by auction workers. Animals’ Angels is disappointed that conditions and practices at Greencastle remain poor and will continue to monitor the facilities and handling practices 06/23/08 New Holland Sales Stables, PA
Animals’ Angels investigators visited the New Holland Auction and found a number of animals in poor condition. One dairy cow had a substantial eye infection (very swollen and leaking), another cow was panting, with an extremely swollen udder, bulging eyes, and down for the duration of the investigation. All of the pigs held at the barn were housed in no feed/water pens for the duration of the day (83 degrees). A pig was observed panting and unable to stand. The investigators brought this to the attention of an auction worker who did not respond. The investigators then notified the local law enforcement officer. Following this, the auction provided the pig with water and it was able to get up again.
6/6/08-6/8/08 Export Pens, Eagle Pass, TX
The Animals' Angels investigators are present at the export pens in Eagle Pass. In 2007, more than 6000 horses were exported from this facility to Mexico for slaughter. The investigators observe two Mexican trucks loaded with horses leaving the facility. The animals are loaded too densely, have no protection from the elements and not enough head room. One can only imagine what these horses endure on the long way to their final destination.
6/2/08 NEW HOLLAND AUCTION, PA
The Animals' Angels inspectors visit the weekly sale at New Holland Sales Stables. While the auction improved in regards to the handling of injured or downed animals, the investigators are deeply concerned about a new development: It appears that the number of horses going through the auction has increased and many of them are in emaciated condition. The veterinarian should not have accepted them for the sale in this condition.
5/5/08-5/13/08 “Slaughter” horse feedlot; Shelby, MT The Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the largest collecting station for slaughter horses in the United States. The feedlot is operated by Bouvry Exports, a company which also owns several feedlots and a horse slaughter plant in Alberta, Canada. More than 1600 mares, stallions, geldings and foals are inside the extensive pen area. Here, they are fattened until they reach the desired slaughter weight. Many of the horses are young and in good condition. However, there were also horses with large bleeding injuries, horses that were limping or crippled. The deadpit is filled with decaying horses and the surrounding mountains are covered with horse remains that have been dragged out of the pit by scavengers. The investigators are shocked by the large number of foals and pregnant mares. Upon inquiry, they are informed that “nothing leaves the lot other than for slaughter” because the facility is considered a quarantine lot. The foals are kept until they are six month old and then are shipped to the Canadian plant. > Watch the video... 5/10/08 “Slaughter” Horse Collecting Station, Moses Lake, WA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors find approximately 80 horses at this facility. The majority of them are in appalling condition, many with what appeared to be strangles. One horse has a deep laceration on her neck that clearly needs attention, but is left untreated. Several are emaciated. The horses have no protection from the elements and the water troughs inside the pens are extremely filthy. Among the mares and the geldings, the Animals’ Angels investigators notice two Mustangs, one of them is a stallion. As a result, there is constant fighting and distress in the pens. We are informed that the horses are kept here sometimes weeks before they are shipped to Canada for slaughter.
5/9/08-5/10/08 Florence Packing “Slaughter” Horse Collecting Station, Stanwood, WA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors arrive at the “slaughter” horse feedlot in Stanwood, WA. On the surrounding pastures many beautiful, young horses are grazing. The investigators immediately notice the excellent condition of the animals. The quality of the horses makes it hard to believe that these are “slaughter” horses. But - all of them have the green USDA slaughter tag attached to their hip, indicating that they will be transported to the Canadian plant soon.
5/8/08 Toppenish Livestock Auction, WA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors are present at the small livestock auction in Toppenish. Horses sold at this auction are very cheap, most of them less then $50. Many of them are sold to the local slaughter buyers. During their visit, the investigators also observe several cows with extremely full udders, mastitis and severe lameness. The animals breathe heavily and are in obvious distress. These cows should not have been brought to the auction in this condition.
5/8/07 Washington Beef Processing Plant, Toppenish, WA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors request a meeting with the management of the large cattle slaughter plant in Toppenish. 1500 cattle are slaughtered at this facility each day. During the meeting we are informed that the plant was designed by Dr. Temple Grandin and that strict audits in regards to animal handling and welfare are conducted on a regular basis. There are water troughs in all pens and the use of electric prods is forbidden. Video cameras at all loading ramps monitor the unloading of the trucks and the way the animals are handled by the drivers.
5/7/08 “Slaughter” horse feedlot; Toppenish,WA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe a small feedlot for slaughter horses close to the town of Toppenish. From here, horses are transported to the Florence Packing facility in Stanwood, WA and then shipped to Canada for slaughter.
4/7/08 New Holland auction, Pennsylvania
The Animals’ Angels Inspectors visit New Holland Sales Stables. Inside the sheep barn, several pens are very overcrowded. In one of these pens, the investigators find a downed sheep in horrific condition. The weakened sheep is barely moving and is trampled constantly on head, body and legs by the other animals in the pen. Again, nobody from the auction is in sight to address the issue. Only after Animals’ Angels brings the situation to the attention of the market owner, the employees take action. The sheep is removed from the pen and humanely euthanized.
It remains a huge concern that again our intervention was necessary for the auction to act.
4/4/08 Sugarcreek auction, Ohio
The Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the Sugarcreek horse auction. Again, the handling of the horses by the auction employees is brutal and not acceptable. The way the horses are moved through pens and alleys puts auction visitors, employees and the horses at risk. There is an immanent danger of severe injuries or worse.
Animals’ Angels will continue to observe the situation at this market.
3/17/08 Jerez horse slaughter plant, Zacatecas, Mexico
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the horse slaughter plant in Jerez, Mexico. The holding pens of the facility are crowded, mainly with horses of US origin. Several of these horses are emaciated and their rib cages are protruding through their skin. The investigators see some horses that should definitely not have been loaded in the US: One horse has a broken front leg and is unable to put any weight on it. One mare (green USDA slaughter tag still attached) has a very young foal by her side. Apparently the foal was either born in transit or upon arrival at the slaughter facility. Close to the plant entrance the investigators find a dead horse. For unknown reasons the lower parts of the legs and the head has been cut off.
Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor this plant.
3/4/2008 Americans against Horse Slaughter Convention, Washington, DC Animals' Angels Executive Director Sonja Meadows was invited as a speaker at the Americans against Horse Slaughter Convention, an event organized to garner support for the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. During her presentation, Sonja Meadows revealed the findings of Animals' Angels latest investigation into horse transport and showed a video, which revealed the cruelty of horses transported for 34 hours on a double deck trailer without food, water and a chance to rest. > Watch the video...> Read the newspaper article about the event... 2/21-2/24/2008 Horse Expo in Harrisburg, PA
Animals' Angels USA spent four days at the Horse Expo in Harrisburg, PA to provide the expo visitors and participants with facts and information regarding the slaughter of American horses in Canada and Mexico. Animals’ Angels showed the evidence about the mistreatment of the horses, gathered from Animals' Angels recent investigation in Texas and Mexico.
2/11/2008 Middleburg Auction, PA
The Animals' Angels inspectors visit the weekly auction in Middleburg, PA. Our main concern remains the terrible handling of the pigs by the Amish auction employees. Again, we observed exessive use of the electric prod on the face of the horrified animals. Animals' Angels will report these findings and urge for improvement.
1/28/08-2/1/08 New Mexico Export Facility, Santa Teresa
The Animals’ Angels inspectors check for improvements at the Santa Teresa export facility. To our disappointment, the conditions for slaughter horses remain poor at this facility. Unlike for the riding horses exported, there is still no hay or shelter available for these animals. The horses observed were again in deplorable condition.
1/28/08-2/1/08 Texas Department of Agriculture Export Facility, Socorro, TX
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe conditions for the animals at the Socorro Export Facility. The Texas Department of Agriculture is in charge of the facility. The majority of American horses exported to Mexico for slaughter are brought here prior to exportation. Similar to our last visit in September 2007, we observed that the horses have no access to food and insufficient access to water (On two occasions the water trough in one pen was empty) prior to transport to the slaughter facility. Other observations:
+ Stallions were not separated from mares in the pens and on the truck
+ loading of severely limping horses
+ loading of horses on unacceptable conveyances, where horses are unable to stand normally
+overcrowding of horses on conveyances
+rough handling
The investigation revealed that the facility has not improved since our last visit. Animals’ Angels will present all evidence to USDA and local authorities and urge them to investigate the matter. 1/27/08 Frontier Meats Plant and Collecting Station, Morton, TX
The Animals’ Angels inspectors return to the Frontier Meats premises at 10am. An estimate of 1000 horses are in the pen area. All horses have the green USDA slaughter tag attached and await export to Mexico. All pens have water and hay. However, the condition of some of the horses is appalling. We count at least two dead and several others weakened to the point that they are unable to rise. No veterinarian is present 1/25/08-1/27/08 Transport of 43 slaughter horses from Sugarcreek Auction, OH to Frontier Meats in Morton, TX
1/25/08 Sugarcreek Auction,OH 5.30pm
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the loading of one of Leroy Baker’s trucks. 43 horses, destined for slaughter in Mexico, are loaded onto two decks. Federal regulations outlaw trucks with two levels for transporting horses, since the animals are forced to hold their heads low during the entire transport. But – the protection of the regulation applies only to transport directly to a slaughter facility. All other transport, like in this case to a collecting station, is excluded from the protection.
The inspectors follow the truck and its solo driver all the way to Morton, TX. The 1460 mile trip took 34 hours and 15 minutes. The inspectors document the entire journey. Not once were the horses given any water. The driver more than tripled the 11 hours a truck driver is legally allowed to drive, putting public safety at risk.
In addition, federal law limits the maximum transport time for an animal to 28 hours. After that, it has to be unloaded and given at least five consecutive hours to rest, with access to food and water.
Upon arrival at the Morton collecting facility (Sunday morning 3.35am), the truck immediately backs up to the loading ramp. One horse is down in the trailer.
The Animals’ Angels inspectors call the Morton police station. Officer Rodriguez, who arrived 10 minutes later, informs the inspectors that there is nothing he can do since the truck is on private property and he is not DOT certified. Furthermore, the inspectors are told to leave the premises.
Animals’ Angels will file complaints for the violation of the 28 hour law and Federal Motor Carrier regulations.
1/25/08 Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, Ohio
The Animals’ Angels inspectors return to the Sugarcreek Horse Auction. Just as during our last visit, 90% of the horses present are sold to kill buyers and the handling is unbearably rough. The horses rush through the alleys and pens in panic. Our inspectors observe one horse stumbling and falling down, the other horses trample over it in terror. Luckily, the horse manages to get up again. However, it is limping now. The horse is moved with many others into the “kill pen” where it awaits loading onto the buyer’s trailer. One can only imagine what the effects of a long distance transport in that condition will be.
1/12/08 Mount Hope Auction, Ohio
The Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the monthly horse sale at Mount Hope. More than 400 horses are for sale, almost all of them are Amish “buggy” or “working” horses. Several are very thin, some limping or half blind. During the sale which starts at 8am and is still ongoing at 5 pm the horses are never given any water or food. We observe many of them desperately chewing on the wooden pen fences. The buyers for the slaughter plants are present as well. Two large trucks, loaded with the horses nobody else wanted to buy, leave the auction that night – heading to Canada and Mexico.
1/11/08 Sugarcreek Horse Auction, Ohio
The Animals’ Angels inspectors return to the Sugarcreek horse auction. The majority of the approximately 150 horses brought to the market are sold for slaughter. Two large livestock trucks from Quebec are parked in front of the barn waiting to haul these horses for slaughter in Canada. The handling inside the pen area is extremely rough and impatient, causing the horses to panic. Several fall or crush into the wooden gates as they are trying to escape the workers’ beating. The terrified animals are kicking and biting each other – one brown, smaller mare gets kicked too hard and dies in one of the pens behind the auction ring.
11/13/07 Greencastle auction, PA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors are present at the Greencastle auction. To our disappointment, not much has changed since our last visit. The employees still use the electric prod for moving calves and the old dairy cows still have no access to food or water. Several of these cows are in terrible condition and should have never been accepted for sale. At least two cows are non ambulatory. They are moved to the dead pile located at the outside pen and are forced to wait among the dead ones until the rendering company arrives to shoot them and pick them up. The Animals’ Angels inspectors inform the humane officer in charge about the unacceptable situation. We learn that she is not available to come to the market. 40 Minutes later someone from the auction arrives at the dead pile with a rifle, kicks the cows’ face with his foot and then shoots her. However, the gun is aimed incorrect and therefore she struggles 18 minutes before she is dead. Due to the fact that she is piled on top of the other cow still alive, this one slowly suffocates.
Animals’ Angels will pursue that the auction is held responsible for these cows unbearable suffering.
11/12/07 New Holland, PA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors are observing New Holland livestock auction. Inside the sheep stable, several of the pens are very overcrowded. Some of the animals do not have any room to lie down. The majority of the pens in this stable and the pig stable still do not provide any water for the animals.
We do not encounter any dying or injured animals on the auction premises.
Animals’ Angels will continue to work on further improvements.
10/17/07 Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
On October 17, 2007 Animals’ Angels visited a number of Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. to present recent investigative findings in support of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Meetings were held at the offices of Senators Harry Reid (NV), Susan Collins (ME), Mary Landrieu (LA), Olympia Snowe (ME), and John Ensign (NV). The team also met with aides from Representatives Steve Hoyer (MD), Ed Whitfield (KY) and Jan Schakowsky (IL). The main topic of discussion was Animals’ Angels recent Mexican Border investigation into the export facilities in Santa Teresa, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. At each meeting, the Animals’ Angels representatives explained the seriousness of the deplorable conditions endured by horses during transport and at both facilities. Aides were also informed that a similar egregious situation exists at the Canadian border, and Canadian border investigations were also presented.
Our meeting with Ms. Elizabeth Craddock in the offices of Senator Mary Landrieu’s - the original bill sponsor – left us with the knowledge that the slaughter bill was moving forward with considerable support. At this meeting and others, we were able to clarify misconceptions surrounding the export of American horses for slaughter to Mexico and Canada. In summary, the trip to Capitol Hill granted our agency the opportunity to put solid investigative information and facts on the realities of horse slaughter literally into the hands of Congressional members who can make the critical difference in moving forward this most important piece of legislation.
9/30/07 Coutts/Sweetgrass border
The Animals’ Angels inspectors conduct a trailing of a “Ron Brenda” single-deck trailer loaded with 36 young horses at the Shelby, Montana feedlot to its destination of the small Bouvry-owned horse feedlot for foals and pregnant mares just outside of Fort Macleod, Alberta. The trailer is without bedding and conditions inside are slippery for the horses. We observe their crossing of the Coutts/Sweetgrass border and are surprised to see that no inspection is conducted on the horses. The trailer is held up for an hour and a half, then finally turned back. We are told by the customs broker that paperwork is missing for one horse. The trailer turned back, dropped off the horse with the missing paperwork then returned through the border crossing again. Again, no inspection (aside from ours) was conducted on the horses, because they were not labeled as slaughter horses.
El Paso Border Crossing, Texas 9/6/07
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the Socorro export pens between El Paso, Texas and Mexico where the majority of American horses are now being exported through. Too densely packed into small pens several hundred “slaughter” horses await loading onto Mexican double-decker trucks. Handling is violent with direct, hard hits with whips and thick wooden sticks. The horses are hit on all parts of their bodies, including their heads. The majority of the horses are emaciated, several lay dead, their bodies trampled by the crowded and panicked other horses. Even in their severely health compromised condition they will be transported 800-1,000 miles to slaughter. We are certain many won’t survive the trip. During our observation, there is no USDA veterinarian present to inspect the horses and endorse the mandatory health certificate form required for export to Mexico.
Santa Teresa Export Pens, New Mexico 9/4/07
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the Santa Teresa border crossing between New Mexico and Mexico and meet with the USDA port veterinarian. Inside the export pens are 50 “slaughter” horses, all in shockingly poor condition. We see severe emaciation, final stage strangles, extremely large open and infected wounds, severe laming, and one young, grey horse with a burned off ear. To the inspectors’ surprise the USDA veterinarian determines these horses all fit for transport. His comment regarding our concern over the horses’ welfare is “They’re fine. I’ve seen worse”. In addition, we are informed that if the USDA veterinarian deems the horses unfit for transport that they are not euthanized, but rather left untreated in the export pens on the US side of the border with no shelter from the sun until they die. The inspectors’ also learned that these pens are owned by a private Mexican organization - the Chihuahua Cattlemen’s Association. Animals’ Angels feels that the procedures at this border crossing and how these severely health-compromised horses are treated are unacceptable. We will continue to monitor the situation and will inform the appropriate authorities about the alarming current situation.
“Dairy Row” at Las Cruces, New Mexico 9/2/07
The Animals’ Angels discover miles of connected feedlots for dairy cows near Las Cruces, New Mexico. In seven separate facilities, there are approximately 10,000 cows. Many of the cows are laming badly, are in heat distress (ambient temperature over 100° F) or have enormous udders that make walking difficult for the weakened animals. Shelter from the desert sun is not provided at all feedlots. It is clearly impossible to ensure the welfare of all animals given these massive numbers. In such an intensive facility the lifespan of the average dairy cow is now three years – down from five just a few years ago. The meat from their calcium depleted and broken down bodies is then used as ground beef.
LOS LUNAS, NEW MEXICO 8/31/07
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the slaughter-horse collecting station of Dennis Chavez in Los Lunas, New Mexico. More than 500 horses are gathered here before being transported to Mexico for slaughter. The animals are in very poor condition – several appear as though they will not survive the long journey (approximately 1,000 miles). Shockingly, a disarticulated leg of a foal is discovered on the premises. Prior investigations by Animals’ Angels of the slaughterhouses in Mexico the horses are taken to revealed a total lack of animal welfare regulations. Each week more than 500 American horses are exported across the New Mexico border for slaughter in Mexico.
Animals’ Angels will continue investigating the export of American horses into Mexico and Canada to demonstrate the urgent need for passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.
8/29/07 CENTENNIAL LIVESTOCK AUCTION, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
The Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the Centennial Livestock Auction in Fort Collins, Colorado. Despite the size of the auction, handling is very good – no electric prods are used. The majority of animals have access to feed, water and bedding. Approximately 60 horses – all slaughter-only – were present. Several were in very poor, emaciated condition and should not have been transported to the auction. Ninety-nine percent of the horses are bought by Charles Carter, one of the largest kill buyers of horses in Colorado. The Animals’ Angels inspectors are shocked to observe that a number of the so-called horse rescue operations are in fact intimately involved with Mr. Carter. The average “meat” horse sells low but if interest is shown by legitimate rescuers, the prices are driven high by the auctioneer.
Longmont, COLORADO 8/26/07
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the loading of approximately 40 horses at the main collecting feedlot for “slaughter” horses in Colorado. The feedlot contains over 100 horses, several in poor condition. The loading is rough with direct hits to the heads of the horses. The inspectors trail the horses the 850 miles to Cavel Slaughterhouse in DeKalb, Illinois. Driving time is 19 hours and by the time the horses are unloaded at the slaughterhouse, the sole-driver is awake over 25 hours violating the Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines for commercial truck drivers. The horses were provided with no water, feed or break during the entire journey. Animals’ Angels will report this violation to the authorities as it poses not only a risk to the welfare of the animals involved but also the general American public on our busy roadways.
Carlisle Auction, Pennsylvania 8/14/07
Animals’ Angels Inspectors visited the Carlisle, PA animal auction. Auction business was slow this evening, with a smaller than usual number of animals in evidence. Horses were seen here for the first time, with five undernourished horses and ponies sold. We noted 12 dairy cows in poor condition. Despite the fact that there is a water system in place, none of the calves, pigs or sheep had available water. One younger worker was seen whacking cows with excessive force over the backbone to move them along. They were already moving, just not fast enough for him. Unnecessarily brutal handling of four young pigs by Amish buyers was observed, with the pigs being dragged across the parking lot by the hind legs and up into a truck. In this instance, even the auction workers appeared disgusted with this show of apparent distain for the animals involved. One can only imagine what sort of existence awaits them now.
Greencastle Auction, Pennsylvania 8/13-14/2007
Animals’ Angels Inspectors were significantly disappointed again with conditions at Greencastle Auction. Three workers were observed prodding calves constantly throughout the night. As usual, a number of cows in the outside pens endured terrible conditions such as leg injuries, severe mastitis, and overall dehydration. This auction house still refuses to provide any water whatsoever to these animals. In the evening, the inspectors observed Meg, a downed cow. Management did not address this issue. The following morning Meg was still alive and left to die in the sun with the dead pile. We administered water to ease her suffering and reported the incident to the humane officer in charge. However, it took over twelve hours before this downed cow was euthanized. This timeframe is unjustifiable. Since this market has been unable to implement the simplest of protocols for downed animals, Animals’ Angels has decided to put Greencastle under the microscope. No further excuses will be tolerated.
New Holland Auction, Pennsylvania 8/13/07
Animals’ Angels Inspectors were at the scene of the New Holland Sales Stables to determine if previously agreed-upon improvements in animal care have been continued in our absence. The situation appears to have improved slightly with regard to numbers of dead animals found, as well as conditions of overcrowding. However, there still appears a great inconsistency in how specific animal groups are cared for. Specifically, the pigs remain the animals without water and suffer considerably from overheating and lack of cooling fans. We noticed an auction sale incident whereby a rescue group was shut out of bidding on a Thoroughbred via the auctioneer’s closing of the bid in favour of a killer buyer. As a result, the rescuers then appealed directly to the killer buyer thereafter for a private sale. This setup apparently allowed the killer buyer to immediately make an instant profit on this particular horse. Animals’ Angels notes that such endeavors may indeed prove detrimental to the overall goal of saving the horses by adding income to the killer buyer profit margin.
7/26/07 Waynesburg auction, PA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the Waynesburg auction. Many of the horses brought to this market show signs of neglect like overgrown hooves, starvation or respiratory diseases. They are sold cheap here, a fact that attracts the “killer buyers” to this small market. The handling is rough; several of the horses are unbroken and not used to human contact. The workers appear afraid of these animals and are unable to deal with them properly.
Animals’ Angels will work on improving the handling at this auction.
7/25/07 Belleville auction, PA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors are present at the Belleville auction. It is a very hot day and temperatures inside the old wooden barn are as high as 104°F. Especially the dairy cows have trouble dealing with the heat; the Animals’ Angels inspectors observe several downed animals with huge udders, panting heavily. The inspectors attend the poultry auction. Hundreds of birds piled on top of each other in tiny paper boxes or plastic cages are auctioned. Some birds desperately try to stick their heads out of the box in order to get some air. People are throwing boxes, falling over boxes and sitting on boxes full of animals.
Outside in the parking lot, there are approx. 50 Amish buggies with horses. Since early morning, the horses are “parked” in front of the auction – without food, water or even shelter against the sun. Many of them are nothing but bones.
The Animals’ Angels inspectors are highly concerned about the conditions for the animals at this market and will continue to monitor it.
7/24/07 Carlisle auction, PA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the Carlisle auction. The owners have done a lot to improve the environment for the animals at the market: Several large fans are providing fresh air. The stable has a water system and the water buckets in many pens are filled. There is fresh, clean bedding in each pen and the workers handle the animals calm and without any hitting.
Therefore, the inspectors are very surprised as they experience how the market deals with the old “dairy” cows arriving at the market. Several of them are in terrible condition, emaciated and limping. One cow is down and unable to rise. The workers hit the cows’ hips excessively with heavy wooden sticks in order to make them move. It is heartbreaking to see how these weakened animals struggle their way through the auction ring. The downed cow remains in the pen for several hours, without water or veterinary care. We named her Aisha. The Animals’ Angels inspectors discuss the situation with the market owner. They learn that the animal will not be humanely euthanized on the spot. Either “a buyer takes her as is” or “she is left there for the night to see if she recovers, maybe she is just tired”.
Animals’ Angels will urge the market to change this unacceptable policy.
7/24/07 Middleburg auction, PA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the Middleburg livestock auction. Nothing has changed since our last visit: The handling of the animals is unbelievable rough. The worker inside the pig stable uses his electric prod non-stop on face and anus of the frightened animals. At the small animal sale, the employees grab the chicken on wings and throats in order to move them from one cage to the other. They have no patience and several birds appeared to have broken wings afterwards.
Animals’ Angels expressed concerns to the market owner and will continue to monitor this market.
6/18/07 New Holland, Pennsylvania
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the New Holland Sales Stable on this Monday morning. It is a very hot and humid day, with temperatures as high as 94 degrees. The inspectors encounter many dead pigs, cattle and goats on the premises.
Especially the pigs, who still have no access to water at the auction, are struggling. The inspectors observe several downed pigs in pens and alleys. To our concern, the downed pigs are not given any water or veterinary care. Instead, Jim, one of the workers at the pig stable, uses excessive electric prodding and kicking in order to make them move.
Only as the situation is brought to the market owner’s attention, he and the veterinarian walked over to the pig stable to take care of the suffering animals. This is not acceptable. It appears that Mr. Kolb’s attempts to improve his market have decreased again.
The Animals’ Angels inspectors will continue to work with the market on bettering the conditions for the animals.
6/2/07 Port Huron, Michigan
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the loading of 30 horses onto a truck at the Shipshewana auction. Their destination is the horse slaughter plant in Masseuville, Quebec, which is 810 miles away. The terrified animals struggle and fall as they are rushed into the double deck trailer. Despite the requirements set forth in the commercial transport of horses to slaughter regulations, the animals are loaded without being given six hours of rest and access to food and water.
The Animals’ Angels inspectors follow the truck on its way to Canada. Without any checking on the animals, the truck is able to cross the border. Upon arrival at the slaughter plant, the long journey has taken its horrible toll: One of the horses is dead and six are severely limping.
The Animal’ Angels inspectors documented the whole trip and will discuss the findings with the authorities in charge.
6/1/07 Shipshewana Horse Auction, Indiana
Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the Shipshewana Horse Auction in Indiana. While observing the loading dock, they count several emaciated horses, one horse with a severe eye injury and many horses with hooves so long that the animals are barely able to walk. At least six horses are limping. Despite the fact that 75% of the pens in the stable are empty, all the “meat” horses are put into one big pen, which causes a lot of fighting and kicking between the scared animals. The handling of the animals by the workers was very rough.
The inspectors watch a small trailer unload. One of the horses inside the trailer looks like a skeleton. The auction refuses to accept the horse in that condition, therefore the owner leaves the animal on the trailer in the parking lot. Every bone is visible. The inspectors attempt to inform the humane officer in charge and the auction veterinarian about the situation, but none of them could be reached.
The Animals’ Angels inspectors documented the horrible conditions at the market and will continue to monitor it.
5/9/07 Waynesboro, USA
The Animals’ Angels sanctuary in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania is getting better and better. New fences have been built and the animals are enjoying Spring in the green pastures along the creek. In addition, there are new guests: Dolly and her foal Lucy. Dolly was rescued from the Greencastle auction. She was almost starved when she arrived and had severe loss of hair. Her foal had been taken away from her and was sold separately. Despite intensive veterinarian care, it appeared she was not going to make it.
Animals’ Angels volunteers investigated and managed to find the foal and convinced the new owner to give her to the sanctuary. The two were reunited last week; it was amazing to observe how the mare immediately found her will to live. The two of them now slowly recover from their traumatic experience.
5/8/07 Middleburg, USA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors observe the livestock auction in Middleburg, Pennsylvania. The small animal sale starts at noon. Chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits and doves are piled on top of each other in wired cages and paper boxes. Some of the boxes do not even have holes to let air into the tiny confinement. The majority of the chicken are sold to commercial buyers, which grab the animals by wings, legs or heads to fit them into their own even smaller plastic chicken cages. The inspectors observe one buyer loading 20 of these cages, on his pick up truck. Afterwards, he leaves to observe the pig auction and to have lunch. The chickens are on his truck in full exposure of the sun during the whole time.
The handling at the pig auction is also very poor. The two workers at the auction entrance constantly use the electric prod on the animals’ face.
The Animals’ Angels inspectors will confront the market owner with the observations and discuss possible improvements of the market.
5/8/07 Carlisle, USA
The Animals’ Angels inspectors arrive at the Carlisle auction. The environment could not be more different than what they observed in Middleburg.
Very clean pens with a lot of fresh bedding and a water system throughout the stable. No electric prods. The handling of the animals was very calm, efficient and most of the time without even touching the animal.
The Animals’ Angels inspectors will visit this market again to make sure the conditions remain that way during the hot and busier summer months.
5/7/07 New Holland, Pennsylvania
The Animals’ Angels inspectors visit the New Holland Sales Stable on this Monday morning. On this occasion, the inspectors observe no dying animals inside the pens. It appears that the employees are patrolling the stables and the loading docks more often now. However, several of the cows and a few horses appear to be very emaciated and generally in poor condition. 3/26/07 Greencastle, PA
Animals' Angels inspectors visit the auction located in Greencastle, PA. The auction is very busy due to Easter. Hundreds of goats and sheep are there for sale. The inspectors notice that several workers use moving paddles instead of electric prods and that the overall handling has improved. The Animals' Angels inspectors discuss the observed improvements with the humane officer in charge and will continue to monitor the market. 3/9/07 Shipshewana Horse Auction, Indiana
The Animals’ Angels inspectors visited the Shipshewana Horse Auction in Indiana, one of the “slaughter” horse auctions in the northern United States. Approximately 100 horses were sold for slaughter that day, many of them emaciated and injured. The inspectors witnessed one brown stallion being moved through the pens. He was in terrible condition, two legs appeared to be broken and he was severely limping. Only by hitting him excessively the workers managed to get him through the sale. Afterwards, he was loaded onto an overcrowded double-deck trailer and transported all the way to a Canadian slaughterhouse. The Animals’ Angels inspectors documented the situation at the market and will continue to monitor it.
2/28/07 US Congress, Washington, DC
On February 28th, Animals' Angels USA informed the Senators and Congressmen about the results of the recent horse slaughter investigation in the United States and Mexico and handed out a investigative report detailing all of the evidence uncovered during the investigation. The export of American horses to Mexico, a country with extremely unsufficient animal protection laws is a great concern. in addition, the Mexican plants which are approved to slaughter for the European Union are 800 miles away from the US border.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| | Donate Online! | | | | | | Animals' Angels USA is a registered 501(c)3, all donations are tax deductible. |
| | |
|
|
|
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}