Walmart’s pork procedures protested

Representatives from one of the nation’s largest animal rights organizations spread their message, advocating the humane treatment of pigs, at a local Walmart this afternoon.

Mercy for Animals’ demonstration was just one of four pit stops in Michigan on their national tour. Their goal is to educate the public on where their pork products come from and how they are treated along the way.

“The hidden cost of Walmart’s cheap pork is blatant animal abuse. Keeping highly intelligent, social animals confined in cages that are so small they can’t even turn around, for nearly their entire lives, is blatant animal cruelty. It’s time for Walmart to follow the lead of Costco, Kroger, and their other competitors by committing to phase out the use of cruel gestation crates,” explained Jeni Haines, the campaign coordinator for Mercy for Animals.

The large inflatable model of a pig being tightly squeezed in a crate turned some heads on U.S. 41, evoking a honk or wave of support. That’s Mercy for Animals desired effect: to make people aware of Walmart’s practices and hopefully make customers think twice before buying their pork products.

“Common sense tells us that animals with four legs should be able to lie down, exercise, and engage in several nature behaviors. Pigs raised by Walmart’s pork suppliers are denied everything that’s natural to them, and their short lives are filled with misery and deprivation. Numerous alternative systems exist, including outdoor hutches, larger individual housing, or group housing and many major pork suppliers have started experimenting with some of these systems,” Haines noted.

Their effort has changed the minds of executives at Walmart stores throughout Canada. They hope to do the same here in the states. If you’d like to lend your support you can sign their petition on WalmartCruelty.com, voice your opinion to Walmart at 1-800-925-6278, or just spread the word.