Pigs Savaged in PETA Farm Video

Undercover investigators for the anti-cruelty organization PETA have filmed shocking cruelty to pigs at an Iowa farm, AP reports. Pigs are seen being beaten with metal rods while a supervisor brags of jamming rods in sows' anuses. Unhealthy piglets are slammed against the floor and left to die writhing in a heap. The animal rights group is seeking the prosecution of 18 workers.

"Hurt 'em! There's nobody works for PETA out here," an employee boasts as he beats a sow. "Hurt! Hurt! Hurt! Take out your frustrations on 'em!" An owner of the farm, which supplies the maker of Spam, condemned the cruelty in the video. An animal welfare expert agreed that the "sick" workers behind the abuse should be prosecuted—but rejected PETA's assertion that such behavior was the norm on factory farms.
(More PETA stories.)