Nine Charged with Animal Cruelty at Wyoming Pig Farm

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Wyoming Livestock Board and the Platte County Attorney's Office for charging nine former employees, including two managers, at Wheatland, Wyo.-based Wyoming Premium Farms with cruelty to animals following an HSUS undercover investigation. The investigation documented workers kicking, punching and swinging pigs and piglets. At the time of the investigation, which was released in May, Wyoming Premium Farms was supplying pigs to Tyson Foods—the world's second largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork.Wyoming Premium Farms’ former Assistant Manager Shawn Colson was charged with seven counts of animal cruelty. Others charged with cruelty include Bryan David Bienz Jr. (two counts); Kali E. Oseland (four counts); Edward Raymond (Jake) Pritekel (three counts); Richard Pritekel (four counts); Kyla Erin Adams (two counts); Steve Perry (three counts); Jarrod Barney Juarez (two counts), and Patrick D. Rukavina (three counts). An animal cruelty conviction in Wyoming carries a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.