Egg company claims sensational video was staged

TURLOCK
May 13, 2008 7:35am

An animal rights group says it may sue a Central Valley egg company for libel.

At issue are claims by Gemperle Farms of Turlock that a recently released video showing cruel treatment of hens is manipulated.

“We have reviewed the video images claiming to represent our practices, and find the accusations to be a staged, vicious attack on our reputable company,” Gemperle says in a press release.

But the animal rights group, Mercy for Animals of Chicago, Ill., says Gemperle’s claims are false and libelous.

“In reality, your employees have been caught red-handed, on camera, committing egregious acts of cruelty to egg-laying hens, including stomping on them, kicking them into manure pits, throwing them, and crudely breaking their necks,” says Bryan Pease, a San Diego attorney for the group in a letter to company president Steve Gemperle demanding a retraction.

If no retraction is made, a libel suit is likely, Mr. Pease warns.

Mercy for Animals says an undercover investigator used a hidden camera to shoot the video of how animals were treated. The investigator worked at Gemperle facilities in Delhi and Hilmar in January and February fixing cages and machines.