PETA requests investigation into Smithfield Foods after 91 pigs freeze to death

(Carsten Koall/Getty Images)

(CRETE, Neb.) The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) group is requesting an investigation after 91 pigs died from exposure to extremely cold temperatures at the Smithfield Foods plant in Crete, KETV Omaha reported.

Over 40 trucks sat in temperatures as low as minus 27 degrees for more than an hour waiting for pigs to be unloaded into a heated barn in February, said PETA in a press release on Thursday.

“If anyone left dogs to freeze to death, they would face multiple felony charges of cruelty to animals, and pigs suffer the same way and are also protected by law,” said PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling for a criminal investigation into the horrific fates of the pigs at Smithfield, as pigs have the same capacity for suffering as the animals we share our homes with.”

PETA said they sent a letter with a copy of the USDA report to the Saline County Sheriff's office on Thursday, but neither Smithfield Foods or the sheriff's office have responded to questions.

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