Ohio Hog Farmers Found Not Guilty of Animal Cruelty

June 27, 2007 — 

Of the 10 criminal charges alleging animal cruelty at the Wiles hog farm near Creston, Ohio, only one culminated in a conviction.

Much of the testimony revolved around an undercover video showing a sow being euthanized by hanging and charges of malnutrition. Two charges alleging Joe Wiles, farm owner Ken Wiles' son, needlessly killed animals and beat others to death with a hammer were dismissed before Wayne County Municipal Judge Stuart Miller deliberated. Also dismissed early in the trial was a charge Dusty Stroud, a farm employee, was cruel in beating piglets to death by slamming their heads into cement floors.

Stroud was also found not guilty of failing to properly euthanize sick animals and when he did so, was cruel. Miller also found Joe Wiles not guilty of the same charge, as well as failing to provide food, water and veterinary care to animals and impounding animals without food or water.

Ken Wiles, the farm's owner, was found not guilty of failing to provide food, water and vet care to animals.

The court heard somewhat differing testimony from two veterinarians, Don Sanders and Paul Armbrecht both AASV members, regarding conditions and activities at the Wiles farm. Following their testimony, Judge Miller determined that without the guidance of regulations and differing opinions from skilled veterinarians there appears to be no "easy, safe, economic way to euthanize a hog."

Joe Wiles was found guilty of improperly handling piglets, grabbing them and throwing them by their ears and legs. He was ordered to pay a $250 fine and serve one year of community control, during which time he was ordered to participate in training on the proper handling and transportation of hogs.

Source:
The-Daily-Record.com, June 27, 2007