WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Demonstrators Call for Charges Against Slaughterhouse
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Montpelier, Vermont - November 14, 2009
Rainy weather did not deter demonstrators in front of the state house Saturday morning. Several dozen Vermonters gathered to express their outrage over alleged animal abuse at a Vermont slaughterhouse.
The USDA and the state shut down Bushway Packing in Grand Isle last month after the Humane Society of the United States released undercover video taken inside the plant that showed calves being dragged, kicked, and shocked with electric prods. "It's pretty horrible I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan. I eat meat but I don't see a reason for doing that. It seems so needless," said Kevin Hurley, of Burlington.
The group, Justice for the Calves Coalition, gathered signatures for a petition. They're demanding slaughterhouse officials be charged with aggravated animal cruelty -- a charge that carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a five thousand dollar fine.
No charges have yet been filed. "And we want the Vermonters to act. We want our voice to be heard as citizens of Vermont to say this is not acceptable in our state. This is aggravated animal cruelty," said Deborah Loring, one of the groups organizers.
Coalition members say they're using their voice on behalf of those who cannot be heard. "Yeah it's a good feeling to be part of such a good cause because animals don't have voices so we have to be voices for them," said Penny McKinnon of Littleton, New Hampshire.
Activists are not only upset with the way the animals were treated, but also how it reflects on the state. "You know Vermont has a wonderful reputation for excellence in business and very high standards and this shocked us all. This really hurts Vermonters and it hurts Vermont business. And no, we didn't think this would go on in our backyard," Loring said.
Organizers are hoping to present their petition to state officials for further prosecution of the Bushway Slaughterhouse.
Molly Smith - WCAX News
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