Umm.. wrote on Feb 2, 2008 2:59 AM:Where's the Beef?

JB wrote on Feb 2, 2008 8:53 AM:Give me a break - this is just another opportunity for the idiot animal rights people/PETA to prevent us from eating meat. And leave it to the morons in charge of the schools to jump on it. Chances are pretty good that this packing plant has been doing this for a good long time and no one has become ill or died from the meat. I DO think it is absolutely unforgiveable to treat animals that way. It makes you wonder about the people who work there, and how they treat other people.

Where's the beef? wrote on Feb 2, 2008 9:04 AM:Are they still serving it in the prisons?

LO wrote on Feb 2, 2008 9:22 AM:If you have not seen the undercover video of this HORRIFIC animal abuse...google it. You will be sickened that human beings could treat a LIVING, INNOCENT animal like this. The video brought me to tears at the way these gentle amimals were tortured. It is enough to make you want to become a vegitarian. At the least boycott this meat plant and any of the companies that purchase beef from them. Also give them a call and tell them how disgusted you are with their treatment of these gentle animals.
If these men were able to do this to innocents, how do you think they treat their pets...children...wives? An abusive person doesn't just draw the line at cattle.
Shame on you Westland Meat/Hallmark Meat Packing Plant!!!

Carnivore wrote on Feb 2, 2008 1:44 PM:I am a meat eater and will be until they day I die. There is nothing like a perfectly cooked steak to make a bad day alright. However, the treatment of these animals is appalling and uncalled for. Just because they will ultimately be someone's dinner doesn't mean they deserve to be tortured in the meantime. This company needs to be put out of business. I will continue to eat meat, but I will be sure to check and make sure I buy nothing from this plant. Not because I'm worried about disease but because I cannot stomach the thought of supporting a company that operates that way.

Mike wrote on Feb 2, 2008 2:27 PM:As terrible as the treatment of those animals is the far bigger problem is the threat to human health. If an animal cannot walk, it is REALLY sick. Many illnesses cows carry people can get sick with as well. The scariest is Mad Cow since food handling and cooking do not prevent its spread to humans. But there is also "shigella" E coli 0157H7, salmonella, and a host others including parasitic diseases. Can anyone explain why the USDA inspectors did not discover this problem? Why did it take take some animal rights activists to bring this danger to an end? How many other meat packing plants are using electric cattle prods and forklifts to get downer cows across the line? Is any of our beef safe?

Itsrealeasy wrote on Feb 2, 2008 2:44 PM:There is no humane way to kill an animal just as there is no humane way to kill a human. Quit eating meat and we will not have these problems. I ate meat all my life and decided to quit 2 years ago. Guess what? My body feels much better, food digests much better and I do not have to pay the overpriced prices for meat. Besides the fact that the meat industry is incredibly oil dependent and lets not talk about the waste by product from all that manure. No I am not a PETA or environmentalist but there are great alternatives to meat.

To Itsrealeasy wrote on Feb 2, 2008 6:09 PM:I'm sorry but I beg to differ about the existence of humane ways to kill. For example, it is much more human to shoot something in the head for an immediate kill than to torture it relentlessly until it slowly bleeds to death.

You all need to read wrote on Feb 2, 2008 8:22 PM:Eric Schlosser's book, "Fast Food Nation." Take a look at how the fast food industry has taken over the business of the hamburger from cradle to grave (calf - hamburger), saving tons of money and maximizing their profits by cutting costs. The cost cutting includes hiring people that live their lives without a conscience, mistreating animals. I eat meat, too, but it is becoming easier to move towards becoming a vegetarian when I read and see stories about the unnecessary mistreatment of the animals.

J. Wile wrote on Feb 18, 2008 12:39 PM:Dear Philip K. Ireland:

I read your article on Chino meatpacking plant and the disregard for the
health and safety of the public and the disgusting abuse and treatment to
the animals. I have a hard time watching the video of the treatment to
these animals and the way that they are injured or to weak to stand or walk
on their own.

They are only thought of as a food supply and I am sure the company knew of
the treatment to these animals and turned a blind eye until it was brought
to their attention and I am sure this is not the first time as someone was
there filming and investigating this concern.

I am from Canada and we have very strict regulations as well as compassion.
I hope the people of the United States boycott this company showing to all
people that these things will not be tolerated and those who were involved
charged. If you look back in history " Those people who torture and abuse
animals often turn out to be cereal killers"

Thanks for letting me vent

J. Wile

Danielle wrote on Feb 19, 2008 7:55 AM:It is truly an atrocity that these animals are mistreated for the sake of profits and human consumption. This is only one of the many slaughterhouses whose inhumane treatment of animals has come to light. There are many more that follow the same practices. For all of you that will continue to eat animal flesh, Why don't you pick up a copy of the book "slaughterhouse" and see what that sickening meat industry is really about. These cruel and inhumane practices need to be STOPPED!!!!