WARNING: Graphic video - Idaho dairy workers charged with animal cruelty
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Three former dairy workers with Idaho's largest dairy operation have been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty after undercover video shot by an animal rights group showed workers stomping, dragging and beating cows inside a milking barn.
The video was shot using a hidden camera by a member of Mercy for Animals inside Bettencourt Dairies' Dry Creek Dairy in Hansen. It shows workers beating cows with a cane, kicking and stomping fallen cows, and a cow dragged by a chain around her neck.
Dairy owner Luis Bettencourt says he's sickened by the video and has fired the workers involved. He's since hired an additional supervisor and installed cameras in his milking barns.
Nathan Runkle with Mercy for Animals says the group hopes Kraft Foods will quit using milk from Bettencourt Dairies.
Footage of the undercover video is included with this story. Viewer discretion is advised due to the depiction of animal abuse and cruelty that can be see in this video.
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