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State of Virgina Finds No Evidence of Animal Abuse

Last week the Humane Society of the United States released a video that showed what the group described as the use of gestation crates that improperly limit the mobility of sows, mishandling of piglets and general employee abuses of hogs. Following the release of the undercover video, Virginia state veterinarian Dr. Richard Wilkes, visited the Murphy-Brown farm in Waverly, Virginia. Wilkes said he found no evidence of animal abuse during his visit.  Following its own internal investigation, Smithfield Foods says it has fired two employees and their supervisor for violating the company's animal welfare policies.

Dr. Wilkes told MeatingPlace the facility has appropriate animal care and handling guidelines and employee training in place. He said he plans to continue monitoring the facility and participate in the company's investigation of possible employee violations of its animal care and handling policies.