Livestock producers defend practices animal-rights groups criticize
By JOHN HOLLAND
The Modesto Bee
Depending on whom you ask, livestock farms house healthy, contented animals or dirty, little secrets.
Producers of beef, eggs and other products are defending their industries against accusations from animal-rights groups, some armed with undercover video cameras.
Tuesday, a group called Mercy for Animals alleged that laying hens at Gemperle Farms of Turlock have been pushed roughly into cages and otherwise abused by workers.
Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States charged that sick and injured cattle were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards in four states.
