MN hog farm suspends 7 employees after animal rights investigation

A farming operation based in southwestern Minnesota has suspended seven employees after an undercover investigation by an animal rights group at the company's hog farming facilities.

Sleepy Eye-based Christensen Farms announced in a statement that they've launched an internal investigation into "possible improper animal care" at the facilities.

"It is our responsibility and we owe it to our packer customers and consumers to provide uncompromising care to our animals," Christensen Farms CEO Glenn Stolt said in the statement. "There is no place in this industry for individuals who mistreat animals."

The company said all employees are trained in appropriate animal care and required to sign a document holding them to the company's animal welfare policies. The company did not immediately respond to calls the exact allegations.

Los Angeles-based Last Chance for Animals is planning a media availability on Tuesday but declined comment. In a statement the group said its director of investigations, Adam Wilson, will release video evidence that was handed over to local law enforcement that shows violations of Minnesota's anti-cruelty statute.

Christensen Farms operates more than 50 sow farms across the Midwest and employees over 1,100 people, according to the company's website.