A recent feature in Quartz
highlights the story of 500 residents in eastern North Carolina who have filed
suit against Murphy Brown, the pork production arm of Smithfield Foods, which
they claim has subjected them to nearly unlivable conditions.
highlights the story of 500 residents in eastern North Carolina who have filed
suit against Murphy Brown, the pork production arm of Smithfield Foods, which
they claim has subjected them to nearly unlivable conditions.
The author explains, “They’re seeking damages over the
cesspools, or lagoons as the industry calls them—uncovered earthen storage
pools of waste. The complainants say the lagoons disrupt their lives and
devalue their properties.
cesspools, or lagoons as the industry calls them—uncovered earthen storage
pools of waste. The complainants say the lagoons disrupt their lives and
devalue their properties.
North Carolina is the second-largest pork producer in the
United States, and residents in Duplin County are especially affected:
United States, and residents in Duplin County are especially affected:
Home to about 530 hog
operations with capacity for over 2 million pigs, it has one of
the highest concentrations of large, tightly-controlled indoor hog operations,
also known as CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) in the world. Here
in Duplin, hogs outnumber humans almost 32 to 1.
operations with capacity for over 2 million pigs, it has one of
the highest concentrations of large, tightly-controlled indoor hog operations,
also known as CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) in the world. Here
in Duplin, hogs outnumber humans almost 32 to 1.
At its core, this fight is against environmental injustice
and the disproportionate oppression of communities of color.
and the disproportionate oppression of communities of color.
Take a look at this shocking video of drone footage of pork facilities in North Carolina:
Pork producers not only demonstrate a blatant disregard for surrounding
communities, but also treat the animals they raise like meat-producing
machines.
communities, but also treat the animals they raise like meat-producing
machines.
Undercover investigations at hog farms around the country
have revealed a culture of cruelty: animals subjected to extreme confinement,
painful mutilations without painkillers, and a ruthless slaughter.
have revealed a culture of cruelty: animals subjected to extreme confinement,
painful mutilations without painkillers, and a ruthless slaughter.
We can take a stand for oppressed people and animals by
leaving meat off our plates. For more information, including delicious vegan
recipes, click here.
leaving meat off our plates. For more information, including delicious vegan
recipes, click here.
