Is this an exceptional act of cruelty? Or is it just standard industry practice?

The atrocities committed in this undercover Mercy For Animals video show the lack of ethics of the workers in these factory farms.  These are exceptional acts of cruelty because there was absolutely no reason for the people shown in the video to torture the animals with pipes and pitchforks.  These acts weren't for self defense, the cows were obviously contained in enclosures where they were unable to move even they wanted.  These acts were unprovoked and were conducted because these people have a twisted, sick sense of humor and thought it was entertaining.  In order to work in this type of establishment, one must have a detachment from morals and from caring for the welfare of animals.  This attracts people who may be prone to abuse.  One of my co-workers is a strong advocate for animal rights and told me about how in a book called "Slaughterhouse", there is an interview done where a couple constantly experiences domestic violence.  This also shows how this industry can spawn violent behaviors.  These are also considered exceptional acts of cruelty because in addition to the confinement and stress that these cows already face on a daily basis, they are being stabbed with pitchforks in the face, flanks, udders, and legs, and beaten over the head with steel posts and fists.

 
Standard industry practices require industries to follow certain requirements and regulations, however, factory farming seems to be an exception. I cannot help but assume that Billy Joe Gregg has terrorized and abused animals on more than one occasion, and it's not likely that he was alone when doing so.  So why wasn't anything done?  He was in clear violation of the Animal Welfare Act.  These animals are thought of as a resource, as something that has no intrinsic value, feelings, or thoughts, and are therefore thought of as mere objects, not beings that can feel, think, and have a will to live.  Since they are only thought of as a commodity, people tend to stop caring how they are treated.  From the employees, to the management, to the corporate level, the gap of detachment from being able to sympathize for animals grows larger and larger.  The agribusiness world described in Mason's "Brave New Farm" is an overcrowded, terrifying place. In 2004, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) did an undercover investigation of a chicken slaughterhouse.  Pilgrim's Pride is the "second-largest chicken company in the U.S." and the investigation "revealed sadistic abuse of birds, involving laborers, supervisors, foreman, and managers. In responding, the President and CEO assured the public that "Pilgrim's Pride strictly adheres to the animal welfare program recommended by the National Chicken Council."" (Mason, 169). Since chickens aren't covered under the Animal Welfare Act, I don't believe that these employees were ever prosecuted in any way.  Thankfully Billy Joe Gregg was arrested on twelve counts of animal cruelty, however, he wasn't the only one committing the abuse, and there are countless others who are doing these horrible things on a daily basis. The law needs to change and needs to actually be enforced. I know if I'm caught going six miles over the speed limit, I'll probably get a ticket. These people do not care because even if they have the longshot chance of being caught, no one is likely to do much about it.

-Mika Earling

Images:
1. http://www.digitaljournal.com/img/3/6/0/2/1/4/i/5/2/9/o/Cows_in_the_barn.jpg
2. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0133ef847ea5970b-600wi
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUhm9mctSwc