MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Two Vermont men are facing animal cruelty
charges for their roles at a slaughterhouse that was ordered closed
last fall because calves were being mistreated.
The case at the Bushway Slaughterhouse in Grand Isle drew the
attention of U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who called the
abuse "inexcusable."
On Friday, the Vermont attorney general announced that charges
have been filed against 37-year-old Christopher Gaudette and
51-year-old Frank Perretta, both of Grand Isle.
The alleged abuse was made public after the Humane Society of
the United States released undercover video that showed calves
being kicked, shocked and cut while conscious.
The plant has since closed.
Authorities say Gaudette and Perretta remain at large.