Cruel Cuts

Illegal Slaughter Exposed in Los Angeles

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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 illegal slaughter operation in Los Angeles County, California. The shocking video evidence shows animals being violently pinned down, having their throats crudely sawed open, and slowly bleeding to death.

After reviewing the hidden-camera footage, Dr. Armaiti May, a practicing veterinarian and farmed animal welfare expert in Santa Monica, stated: “The blatant cruelty towards the goat and sheep at this facility is nothing short of horrifying and must be punished to the full extent of the law. My overall impression is that the facility where this footage was taken shows extreme disregard for the basic 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 any animal to needless suffering” is guilty of a crime punishable by a fine of not more than $20,000 and/or imprisonment in excess of one year.

Celedon was also cited for numerous violations of the California Food and Agriculture Code for operating without a license. He not only subjected animals to needless cruelty and suffering, but also 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 of sick, injured and emaciated animals. These animals are now being rehabilitated at The Gentle Barn, a sanctuary for farmed animals in California. MFA praises law enforcement for its swift and decisive action in pursuing justice in this important case.

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

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