Animals Rights Groups Call for Prosecution of Dairy Workers

Feb. 2, 2010 — -- Animal rights groups are calling for prosecution of the owners and employees of a "factory farm" featured in a recent ABC News report, saying the workers and owners of Willet Dairy in upstate New York broke the law by abusing animals.

The video, shot by an undercover investigator for the advocacy group Mercy for Animals, shows sick animals, cows being dragged, workers kicking and hitting animals, and tails and horns being removed without anesthesia. Portions of the video were broadcast on World News and Nightline, and also published on the Blotter.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT DEHORNING, AND CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT TAIL DOCKING.

The SPCA official investigating the case against Willet Dairy on behalf of the Cayuga County District Attorney's office says an "active investigation" is underway. "Things are in motion," said Joshua Crane, who would not make any further comment.

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann told ABC News that no decision on prosecution would be made until that investigation is complete, but said action would be taken regardless. "Either charges will be filed," said Budelmann, "or policies will change to address certain issues where we work with the farmer on making those changes."

Among the needed changes Budelmann cited were treating sick cows with analgesics, providing anesthesia to cows prior to tail docking and dehorning, and only performing the procedures on young animals. He said he also wanted to see if the animals at Willet Dairy lived in crowded conditions "for hours or for just five minutes" at a time.

In a statement released after the Nightline report, Budelmann said if the SPCA's investigation develops admissible evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that New York laws have been violated, and the SPCA files charges, his office "will prosecute anyone so charged."