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The recent, massive cruelty at Cypress Foods' hen facilities in
Florida and Georgia underscores the abuse inherent in modern factory
farms. After Cypress Foods declared bankruptcy in January, more than
one million hens were left to starve to death, trapped in row upon
row of tiny cages within giant warehouses. While a handful of hens
were rescued by UPC and others, the vast majority of the hens were
killed by being gassed or crushed to death, and more than 30,000 hens
starved to death.
To date, investigators are dragging their feet in bring cruelty
charges, despite the fact that Florida law explicitly requires that
an animal's "owner" (which can include a corporation) must provide
food and water for the animals. Says the Tampa Tribune of the Cypress
hens tragedy, "Florida has strict laws against inflicting cruelty on
animals, either purposely or through neglect. It does not matter
whether animals are pets or used to produce food. Under the law, all
must be protected from such cruel treatment. Clearly, this is a case
of miserable failure and neglect that requires the prosecution of
those deemed responsible."
Please write to Sheriff Bob White and urge that cruelty charges be
filed against Cypress Foods. Remind him that both Florida law and
common decency demand that this cruelty be addressed. Contact:
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Sheriff Bob White
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
8700 Citizen Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Fax: 727-844-7742
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United Poultry Concerns. April 12, 2002
United Poultry Concerns, Inc.
PO Box 150
Machipongo, VA 23405-0150
757-678-7875
FAX: 757-678-5070
www.upc-online.org
(Action Alert - Please Write a Letter for the Cypress Hens Now!)
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