More downer cows making it into our food system?
In just a few minutes, the Humane Society of the United States will announce new finding of its next investigation into downer cows that are being mistreated at auctions in Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas.
As you'll recall us telling you, HSUS undercover investigators documented earlier this year cows that were too sick or injured to stand or walk -- called "downers" by the industry (see the orginial downers video) -- being kicked, beaten, dragged with chains, shocked with electric prods, sprayed in the face with hoses, and rammed by forklifts in efforts to get them to their feet to pass USDA inspection.
The video led the recall of 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef from California-based Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. That's the largest meat recall in U.S. history -- far surpassing 1999's 35 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat.
The photo shows Westland/ Hallmark CEO Steven Mendell watching a video of "downer" cattle at his slaughterhouse while he testified last month before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Capitol Hill.
HSUS promises new video documenting downer cows being transported to livestock auctions, which are a critical link between dairy farms and slaughter plants.
As soon as they release the video and info, we'll update this post.
(Getty Images)
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