The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking “enforcement action” against a Monticello slaughterhouse after employees reportedly abused the cows.
According to the USDA’s report, workers at Johnston’s Locker Plant, Inc., soaked five cows with 145-degree water, “forcefully kicked one of the cows twice in the middle of its face” and poked a cow with a metal pipe.
The company was notified Aug. 3 that The USDA notified the company on Aug. 3 of its decision to “withhold the federal marks of inspection and suspend the assignment of Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) at Johnston’s Locker Plant Inc.” as a result of the alleged abuse.
Johnston’s Locker Plant issued a short statement to the Tallahassee Democrat in response to the USDA letter.
“We were and are compliant with all USDA regulations,” the company said. “This is all the comments we have.”
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, emailed State Attorney Jack Campbell about the matter on Thursday asking that his office and local law enforcement investigate the incidents and “file suitable criminal charges” against the company.
Campbell, who said his office doesn’t handle many cattle cases, referred it to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. From there, either the Sheriff’s Office or the Florida Department of Agriculture will investigate, he said.
Once the investigation is complete, then the State Attorney’s Office will decide on any possible prosecution.
Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on Twitter @elenabarreraaa.
