Video: Slaughterhouse Owner Likens Alleged Cruelty to Speeding Tickets

After the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended operations at the Pataskala Meats slaughterhouse in Pataskala, Ohio, for two weeks after observing violations of the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act, PETA contacted the Pataskala Police Department and called for a criminal investigation. USDA reports showed that a pig was screaming and frantically trying to escape after being shot above the eye and that a struggling cow was shot five times before he was finally rendered unconscious. As the incidents appear to violate Ohio’s cruelty statute, we’re asking law-enforcement officers to investigate and, if appropriate, file charges.

The local ABC affiliate picked up the story and contacted Pataskala Meats owner Kirk Hall for comment—and the ensuing interview is priceless.

In an awkward monologue, Hall contradicts himself, uses circular reasoning, and often makes animal advocates’ point for us.

Here are a few of our favorite gems:

• “You’re killing an animal—it’s not humane.” (Thank you.)
• “I mean, they call it egregious and inhumane—and I’m not doin’ it on purpose.” (Anyone who’s being shot repeatedly probably doesn’t care that your feeble aim is not deliberate.)
• “If you want fresh food, you have to kill it.” (Or just go to the produce section.)

Hall also told ABC, “We still use a rifle. It is very accurate. It’s got a red-dot scope on it. You have to take the animal down in one shot. That is the crux of the problem. It is very difficult to do. If you have problems downing the animals, (the USDA inspectors) will write you violations. It is just like speeding tickets.”

So is the rifle with a red-dot scope “very accurate” or “very difficult”? Regardless, the animals being killed with it likely wouldn’t consider their inhumane murder analogous to speeding. Particularly when they’re being shot again and again … and again … and again. The cow and pig who were treated this way at Pataskala Meats felt the agony of being shot in the head multiple times, and they’re just the ones we know about.

What You Can Do

While we recommend that Hall visit his nearest farmer’s market for some truly fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, you can learn how to cook your own un-killed meals with a free vegan starter kit.