SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE SCHAFER ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES FILED AGAINST EMPLOYEES AT HALLMARK/WESTLAND MEAT PACKING COMPANY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the following statement:

Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer Regarding Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Against Employees at Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company

"Today, the San Bernardino District Attorney filed felony animal cruelty charges against two employees who were terminated by Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company.

It is regrettable that these animals were mistreated and I am encouraged and supportive of these actions by the San Bernardino District Attorney in response to this mistreatment.

Since Jan. 30, when USDA learned of allegations made regarding inhumane handling of non-ambulatory disabled …