FAIR OAKS, Ind. — A video released by the Animal Recovery Mission shows animal abuse and drug use by employees at Fair Oaks Farms, a collection of dairies and popular school field trip destination in Newton County, an hour north of Lafayette.

The company, called the "Disneyland of agricultural tourism" in Food & Wine magazine, is being accused of "daily mistreatment of the resident farm animals" by ARM.

The group also says it exposed "a connection to the cruel and inhumane veal industry where male calves are transported to locations in North Manchester from Fair Oaks Farms."

Footage in the video additionally shows marijuana being grown, smoked and transported on the farm.

The video also shows newborn calves being thrown in and out of their huts by employees.

In a summary, the undercover ARM investigator detailed calves being sat upon, beaten with steel rebar and burnt with branding irons.

Fair Oaks Farms was made aware of the video Tuesday morning and released an official statement on Facebook later that day.

Founder Mike McCloskey acknowledged that four of the five individuals shown in the video committing the alleged abuses toward the calves were Fair Oaks employees, and one person was a third-party truck driver.

"Of the four who were our employees, three had already been terminated prior to us being made aware months ago of the undercover ARM operation, as they were identified by their co-workers as being abusive of our animals and reported to management," McClosky said.

The fourth worker was terminated Tuesday, according to the statement.

"As a veterinarian whose life and work is dedicated to the care, comfort and safety of all animals, this has affected me deeply," McClosky said. "I am disappointed for not being aware of this kind of awful treatment occurring and I take full responsibility for what has happened. I also take full responsibility to correct and ensure that every employee understands, embraces and practices the core values on which our organization stands."

The Journal & Courier requested an interview with McClosky on Wednesday morning.

According to the statement, McClosky has reached out to ARM founder Richard Couto, but he has not heard back.

All evidence and a copy of ARM's investigation were submitted to the Newton County Sheriff's Office for review, according to its summary.

On Wednesday, Newton County Sheriff Thomas VanVleet said his department was aware of the video and the activities shown in it.

VanVleet said police had asked for the names of those fired by Fair Oaks Farms. He said his department also would look to get the identity of the witness “to the alleged crimes that failed to report this activity for some time.” He said the sheriff’s department would work with Newton County Prosecutor Jeff Drinski on potential charges stemming from a police investigation.

“We acknowledge the need for humane treatment of animals and the need to hold individuals that have gone beyond an acceptable farm management practice accountable for their actions,” VanVleet said in a statement released by his department. “We anticipate cooperation form both parties in this matter during this investigation.”