Cruel Cuts - Illegal Slaughter Exposed in Los Angeles

Hidden-camera footage obtained by Mercy For Animals has led to the arrest of Roberto Celedon for three felony and 10 misdemeanor criminal charges related to his illegalslaughter operation in Los Angeles County, California. The shocking video evidence showsanimals being violently pinned down, having their throats crudely sawed open, and slowlybleeding to death.

After reviewing the hidden-camera footage, Dr. Armaiti May, a practicing veterinarian and farmedanimal welfare expert in Santa Monica, stated: "The blatant cruelty towards the goat and sheep atthis facility is nothing short of horrifying and must be punished to the full extent of the law. Myoverall impression is that the facility where this footage was taken shows extreme disregard for thebasic welfare of the animals in its practices as well as lack of appropriate hygiene."

Roberto Celedon was arrested and charged with a felony under California Penal Code 597(b)which states that every person who "tortures, torments," "cruelly kills any animal" or "subjects anyanimal to needless suffering" is guilty of a crime punishable by a fine of not more than $20,000and/or imprisonment in excess of one year.

Celedon was also cited for numerous violations of the California Food and Agriculture Code foroperating without a license. He not only subjected animals to needless cruelty and suffering, butalso failed to meet building and sanitation standards required by California law.

During a raid of the facility, Los Angeles County Animal Control officers seized dozens sick,injured and emaciated animals. These animals are now being rehabilitated at The Gentle Barn, asanctuary for farmed animals in California. MFA praises law enforcement for its swift and decisiveaction in pursuing justice in this important case.

This case graphically illustrates the cruel, inhumane and illegal abuses that farmed animals areall too often subjected to in California and across the nation. In a civilized society, it is our moralobligation to protect all animals, including animals raised and killed for food, from needlesscruelty and suffering.

While MFA works to expose and end cruelty to farmed animals, compassionate consumers canhelp prevent the needless suffering of animals at the hands of the meat, egg and dairy industries byadopting a compassionate vegetarian diet.

www.mercyforanimals.org