WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Humane Society Claims Inspector Condoned Slaughterhouse

Humane Society Claims Inspector Condoned Slaughterhouse

Grand Isle, Vermont - November 2, 2009

New video released Monday by the Humane Society of the United States seems to show a USDA inspector witnessing animal abuse at the Grand Isle Bushways slaughterhouse.

This follows the release of video last week, shot by an undercover investigator from the Humane Society.

The Bushways slaughterhouse was shut down last week after undercover video was released. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking into the allegations of inhumane animal handling,  and now is looking into the conduct of one of its own employees.

In the latest undercover video segment shot by the Humane Society of the United States, at the Bushway's slaughterhouse in Grand Isle, a USDA inspector appears to be witnessing a baby cow being skinned alive, and telling the plant worker not to let another inspector see him doing that.

The Human Society provided captions for the video.

"Because if Doc sees you peeling pieces off of him before he's bled out, it's done. You guys will be shut down."

Federal law prohibits slaughterhouses from skinning calves while they are still alive, or killing them while they are conscious.

The inspector appears to be witnessing violations of both those laws.

"It does appear this particular inspector had a cozy relationship with the plant owner and workers and was not taking his duty seriously," said Mark Markarian of the Humane Society.

The Humane Society is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do an overhaul of its inspection system, including improving inspector training, and creating an ombudsman position to take complaints and tips from whistle blowers.

"You know there are some very dedicated and committed USDA inspectors who are trying to do the best job they can do to enforce federal humane handling and humane slaughter," said Markarian.

The Bushways plant is currently closed down while the USDA, along with state and local officials investigate the alleged animal abuses captured on video. It could eventually lead to criminal charges.

And the Humane Society says the USDA is investigating the conduct of the inspector. We tried reaching the USDA for comment on the video of its inspector, and to try to confirm they are investigating him, but we had to leave messages and have not received a call back.

Bianca Slota - WCAX News