Feds See Conscious Sheep’s Throat Slit at Local Slaughterhouse; PETA Seeks Criminal Probe
For Immediate Release:
August 7, 2024
Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382
Following federal reports detailing that workers at Harris Country Meats in Greenville recently shot a sheep in the head before cutting the conscious animal’s throat and shot six animals in the head multiple times each, among other violations, PETA rushed a letter today to Eastern District of Tennessee U.S. Attorney Francis Hamilton urging him to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Inspector General to investigate and file appropriate criminal charges against those responsible.
On June 25, a federal inspector saw a worker ineffectively shoot a sheep in the head, leaving the animal standing as blood ran from their nose. Another worker cut the sheep’s throat, causing the animal to jump and shake their head before slowly dying. Additionally, a cow and two pigs remained standing and crying out after being shot in the head in September and February 2023, respectively.
In January 2023, PETA brought to Hamilton’s attention several violations at the slaughterhouse, including that other pigs had been shot but left conscious and crying out and that four cows had been confined without water.
“These violations show that Harris Country Meats either can’t or won’t comply with a federal law designed to prevent the most egregious, prolonged suffering of animals,” says PETA Vice President of Legal Advocacy Daniel Paden. “PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of these animals and reminds everyone that the only humane meal is a vegan one.”
PETA is asking the U.S. attorney to intervene because the USDA hasn’t initiated a criminal prosecution of any inspected slaughterhouses for acts of abuse since at least 2007.
Every person who goes vegan spares the lives of nearly 200 animals a year. PETA’s free vegan starter kit can help those looking to make the switch.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
