BOCA RATON, FLA, December 20 , 2017 – The Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) is releasing today, its undercover investigation of animal abuse at the Davie dairy farm, located in Okeechobee, Florida.
During ARM’s two month undercover operation, investigators captured disturbing surveillance footage of dairy cows being forced to live in unsanitary conditions and repeatedly beaten and tormented on a daily basis. Cows are whipped with fiberglass poles, meant to be used as a guiding tool. During the cow herding process, they are electrically prodded directly in the udders and reproductive areas. Calves and cows are kicked and dragged in order to expedite production.
Handling and transportation of newborn and juvenile calves, revealed a clear disregard of care towards the animals. They are thrown violently into double decker transport units. Employees throw the calves into the air, causing the newborns to flip and land on their backs and heads. Cows are packed tightly into transport trailers. Employees are filmed shoving calves into any available space and smacking them in the face as they attempt to close the doors. Aside from the traumatic loading experience, overcrowding leads to the calves being stomped on and crushed by one another. Dairy owner, Theodore Berman, was always on site during the loading process.
Calves are housed in cramped, primitive structures with little to no protection from the elements. Investigators used thermal index devices to detect temperatures of 115 degrees and above on multiple occasions. Many calves perished from heat conditions. Employees were always instructed by supervisors to provide no medical attention to dying cows even after bringing it to their attention.
Milk at Davie dairy is collected by distribution trucks from Southeast Milk. Southeast Milk is a highly profitable co-op owned company that is made up of over 320 dairy farms, including Davie Dairy Farm. Dairy products are processed and distributed to large supermarket conglomerates, such as Publix and Winn Dixie who are buyers of Davie Dairy products.
ARM is requesting immediate action to be brought upon individuals who were documented during the investigation, to be held accountable for their crimes. Charges are also being sought against the dairy farm workers and their supervisors for tormenting any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner.
Exclusive video of this investigation can be viewed by clicking on the link HERE: https://vimeo.com/248056930
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