Animal Rights Group Wants Sioux Co. Attorney To File Charges Against Pork Plant

Orange City, Iowa — An animal rights group wants the Sioux County Attorney’s office to file charges against a Sioux Center pork plant, who they say treated pigs in an inhumane way.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA says they have obtained U.S. Department of Agriculture reports revealing recent violations of law at Sioux-Preme Packing Co. (a division of Perdue) outside Sioux Center. In response, the group has sent a letter calling on Sioux County Attorney Thomas Kunstle to review the matter and, as appropriate, file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and the workers responsible.

According to information from PETA, on April 8, an inspector found that a pig that was inadequately stunned was hoisted upside down and was attempting to right itself. PETA alleges the pig could have been plunged alive and conscious into scalding-hot water had the federal inspector not intervened and asked an employee to stun the animal. The worker then shot the pig with a captive bolt gun in an incorrect area of the head, and the wounded animal remained conscious until a second shot was administered, according to PETA’s information.

PETA says the slaughterhouse was also cited for an incident on November 5, 2020, in which two workers shot a downed pig four times before the animal was rendered unconscious, and the report notes that the pig remained “excited” and attempted to flee after being shot.

PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch says, “These disturbing reports show that pigs experienced prolonged, agonizing deaths at Sioux-Preme Packing. PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of the pigs who suffered at this facility.” She goes on to urge “…all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan and help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.”

Perdue officials say the issues in both complaints have been addressed. Kunstle says his office received the complaint and will look into the matter.

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