LAKE WALES, Fla. -- Allegations of deplorable conditions and factory farm animal abuse are surfacing against a Lake Wales egg farm.
The Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) held a news conference in Tampa, detailing information about their undercover investigation. They accuse Cal-Maine Corp. of forcing battery caged hens to live, in what they call, a ‘house of horror’. According to ARM, Cal-Maine Corp. provides eggs to Walmart and Publix.
“Once these chickens are locked into these systems, they never leave. They are in pitch black darkness for life," Arm Investigations Founder/Investigator Richard Couto said.
Couto said want to stop companies from using battery cage systems for animals.
Florida State Senator Wilton Simpson released the following statement:
At Simpson Farms, the health and safety of our animals is our first priority. We are completely and totally against the abuse of any animal. If an employee or contractor did this on our property, I would demand they be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Simpson Farms is independently owned and operated contract producer for Cal-Maine Foods. As a farmer for 40+ years, I maintain the highest standards of care for my animals. I don't just own a farm - my family and I live and work at our farm.
The cage systems at our farm are state of the art, and are continuously maintained at the highest standards. Many farmers throughout the country use these systems. The term 'battery' simply refers to the arrangement of the rows and columns of identical cages. We value the health and safety of our animals at Simpson Farms, and use this housing system, as it results in a healthier environment for the hens.
I am all for measures to ensure the health and safety of all animals. The bill referenced in the press conference regarding videotaping was considered by the Legislature BEFORE I was elected. I was not a member of the Senate at the time and the bill has never been brought since I've been in office.
Walmart issued a statement to our sister station, WPTV:
“We do not tolerate the mistreatment of animals and we’re working with our suppliers to quickly and thoroughly investigate the actions shown in the video and to take the appropriate steps to help ensure this unacceptable behavior cannot continue. We take animal rights seriously and have strict policies in place to hold our suppliers accountable.”
