(COLDWATER) - Animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling for a criminal investigation involving an employee at the Clemens Food Group facility in Coldwater following allegations of animal cruelty.
PETA submitted a formal complaint to Branch County Interim Prosecutor Nora Geiger requesting a review of the case and possible criminal charges against a worker accused of repeatedly striking pigs with a paddle.
The request follows a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report involving the Newton Road slaughterhouse. According to the report, a federal inspector observed a worker allegedly "hitting hogs excessively" by raising his arm to shoulder height and striking the animals with significant force.
The report also stated that other pigs in the area allegedly showed marks consistent with the herding paddle. The inspector immediately notified plant management.
PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden said the organization pursued local action rather than federal prosecution, noting federal agencies have not prosecuted an inspected slaughterhouse for animal abuse since 2007.
PETA also raised allegations involving the Coldwater facility in September 2023.