Walmart Caught Supporting Horrific Pig Treatment (Again)

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An undercover investigation at Colorado pig farm belonging to a major supplier of pork to Walmart allegedly reveals disturbing treatment of pigs in the company's supply chain, as well as the use of gestation crates, cages that keep pregnant sows from turning around or lying down. Along with eight other U.S. states, Colorado has passed laws to ban these crates - but the laws don't go into effect until 2018.

Actor Joaquin Phoenix introduced the footage, which was shot at a Seaboard Foods, the nation's third-largest pork producer and a supplier to Walmart. Shot by the animal welfare organization Mercy for Animals, the footage shows piglets being castrated and their tails taken off with shears, as well as pregnant animals living in cramped metal cages.

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Phoenix notes that several past investigations into Walmart's meat suppliers have revealed alleged animal cruelty. A 2012 investigation at a supplier for the retail giant revealed workers slamming sick piglets on the ground and injured and bleeding animals. Another exposé at an Oklahoma supplier to Tyson Foods (which supplies to Walmart) uncovered even worse treatment.

Mercy for Animals is calling on Walmart to ban the use of gestation crates in their supply chain. See this page for more information on how to pressure Walmart to do so.

Gestation crates have been a point of contention for animal advocates for years, but they've been in the news a lot lately, especially in New Jersey. Despite bipartisan support, the state's Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would have outlawed gestation crates for pigs last week. The move was seen as a political power play meant to curry favor in Iowa, the nation's largest pork producer.

Walmart did not immediately respond to The Dodo's request for comment.