CHEYENNE, Wyo.—Wyoming authorities are investigating allegations by the Humane Society of the United States that workers at a pig-breeding farm abused animals, an official said Tuesday.
The Humane Society released what it said is an undercover video, shot in April, that shows workers abusing pigs at Wyoming Premium Farms in Wheatland. The society also claimed animals at the farm were kept in what it called inhumane conditions.
Jimmy Dean Siler, chief criminal investigator with the Wyoming Livestock Board, said his agency, along with the Platte County sheriff’s office and the Platte County attorney’s office, was investigating a complaint from the Humane Society. The board investigates animal welfare issues and is responsible for protecting the state’s livestock industry from theft and disease.
Doug DeRouchey, general manager of Wyoming Premium Farms, issued a statement Tuesday saying that the farm’s owners and managers were investigating and would take any necessary corrective action.
“The owners and managers of the farm are investigating the incidents shown in the video and wish to assure everyone we will take action to correct all problems and to deal appropriately with any employees that were involved,” the statement said.
DeRouchey said he conducted an unannounced herd visit at the farm Tuesday with the company’s consulting veterinarian. “Our veterinarian also suggested we retain an independent third party to review everything we do on our farm to give us comments and recommendations. We are doing that,” he said.
No citations have been issued against Wyoming Premium Farms, which is located about 65 miles north of Cheyenne.
The county attorney’s office said Tuesday it would release no information on the investigation.
