Animal rights activists protest outside Robinson Walmart

ROBINSON, Pa. — Local animal rights activists set up a protest Tuesday outside the Robinson Township Walmart.

Members with the group “Mercy For Animals” claim an undercover investigation exposed animal abuse at a Walmart pork supplier.

The group, which set up a giant inflatable pig locked in a narrow crate and covered with bloody sores, is calling on Walmart to require that suppliers stop questionable practices.

Mercy For Animals said the display demonstrates the cruel practice of confining pregnant pigs in tiny crates on factory farms.

“The female pigs are constantly impregnated and after they give birth, they spend the majority of their lives in cages so small that they can’t even turn around,” Jeffrey Cohen, of Forest Hills, said.

The group has held similar protests at various locations across the county.

Walmart officials call the issue “complicated” and said they’re listening closely to farmers, food manufacturers, animal rights organizations and customers about the issue.

“We hold our suppliers to the highest standards and do not tolerate animal mistreatment,” a company representative said.

WPXI