SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Upon viewing recently released video footage showing swine abused at a Pennsylvania pig-breeding facility, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today strongly condemned the cruelty depicted and repeated its call for stricter adherence to established humane handling guidelines for food production animals.

The video, released today by the animal rights group Mercy for Animals, contains particularly disturbing scenes of piglets being tossed about and mishandled.

"The tossing of these animals and the grabbing of the animals by their ears, along with other egregious practices depicted in the video, are unacceptable," said Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA. "Those charged with the responsibility of handling animals have a duty to do so with respect for the animal's health, welfare and safety."

The pork industry, Dr. DeHaven said, has guidelines in place for the humane care and handling of swine.

"By these standards or any others, however, it is clear that the actions depicted in this video are unacceptable," he added.

The AVMA, Dr. DeHaven said, is encouraged by reports that the owners of the farm in question have taken corrective action.

"But we also hope that the appropriate regulatory authorities will investigate to ensure future compliance," he said.

The AVMA and its more than 78,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association

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