Animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is asking Watonwan County Attorney Stephen Lindee to use “due diligence” and reconsider charges of animal cruelty against Downs Food Group’s Butterfield plant.
The initial complaint came after Lindee was forwarded a USDA inspector’s report from an incident in February 2020, where 9,150 hens were found frozen to death on three trailers outside the Butterfield processing plant.
PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Dan Paden stated in a press release the following:
“PETA hopes the prosecutor will want to do his due diligence before reaching a final decision in this case, so we’ve encouraged him to speak with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the federal witness who uncovered this horror, and the slaughterhouse management and staff who know why thousands of birds froze solid in subzero temperatures. Those responsible for their terrifying deaths must be held accountable. Imagine if these were dogs — would the facility be given a free pass?”
On Wednesday, Lindee stated that charges would not be filed due to insufficient evidence of negligence.
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