Protect Your Animals from Cruelty

Farm security is an issue for all sizes of farms. As highlighted in a previous article, they can provide valuable information in the case of theft or break in. Increasingly they are needed to insure what employees are and aren't doing when you are gone.

As the legitimate reports of cruelty don't seem to be enough, some activist groups have implemented "undercover videos" that show a glimpse of cruelty, represented as standard throughout the industry. An exceptionally graphic video taken by "Mercy for Animals" on a dairy farm in Ohio showed dairy workers stabbing cattle with pitchforks, beating them with crowbars and body slamming baby calves - not acceptable care on any farm.

Farmers around the country have responded with outrage and led the way in condemning the images. For those who care for the animals on a daily basis the documentation is hard to watch and represented with "go vegan" indicates all animals are treated this way on farms. This is just not true but how do you prove it? With the same means being used - video.

Video cameras that tape actions are a key point in animal welfare today. Especially those who rely on hired help, these activists get hired where experienced farm folks don't. There is speculation on many videos it was staged with the activists carrying out and filming the abuse, but farmers are left reacting. With a video camera you know what was done, where and by whom.

The obvious problem for farms is it isn't like a storefront. The area can be spread out but there are still key areas that can be covered. Among these possibilities:

Video tape final interviews when hiring new people on your farm. Animal welfare questions are within the realm of questioning for a job qualification.

Dairy milking parlors - milking procedure is important and dairy milkers play a key part of the health of the cows as well as the product you're selling - milk.

Hog handling facilities. Both breeding and market facilities can benefit from knowing how the pigs are handled.

Poultry - both meat and egg farms that are proactive in maintaining bird care have documented proof if it's part of day to day operations.

Small diversified farms can benefit from this too, allowing owners to see what's going on when they aren't looking. Loading areas are a source of many 'cruelty' charges and a video from behind looking into the trailer clearly documents the animals being loaded.

Feeding areas can be another place cameras can come into play. Calf raising areas are still another.

It is unfortunate that cruelty happens. Most farms will not stand for abuse of animals. Cameras can help you catch those bad actors on your farm and remove them for the safety and health of your animals.

If an issue does happen you have recorded proof not just suspicion. And if a video ever surfaces from your farm that is "undercover" depicting heinous acts of cruelty you have proof of what was happening in your parlor or vet racks at that time. It shouldn't ever be needed.

If it is you'll be glad you spent the money. There is no excuse and it can protect your farm, your animals and document the criminal's activities - whoever they may be.