The B.C. SPCA is recommending criminal charges against eight Chilliwack farm workers after receiving video that shows dairy cows being whipped, punched and kicked.

The investigation into the Chilliwack Cattle Sales farm, Canada's largest dairy operation, began just one week ago when the SPCA received an undercover video shot by Mercy for Animals Canada.

The video shows workers beating cows with chains, rakes and canes as well as their fists and booted feet while swearing at the animals. Wounds can be seen on the cows' legs and udders.

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"It was disturbing to say the least. It depicted significant intentional cruelty to these poor helpless animals," said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the SPCA.

She added that the case demonstrates the need for strict standards of care for farm animals to be incorporated into B.C. law, something the SPCA is working on with industry and government representatives.

The farm in question is owned by the Kooyman family and is home to more than 3,500 cattle.

In an interview, Jeff Kooyman said his family was "devastated" to learn of the charges against their workers. All eight employees accused of cruelty — about a quarter of the farm's workforce — have been suspended from work until the SPCA investigation is complete.

"We're deeply saddened by this," Kooyman said. "We have really high standards of care. We expect nothing but the best."

He said he's only seen parts of the video but isn't sure he wants to see the rest.

"Happy, healthy cows produce a better product," he said. "We'll be taking any and all steps to make sure this never happens again."

The Kooymans plan to install surveillance cameras throughout the farm to monitor employees, and an independent veterinarian brought in by the SPCA has made a number of recommendations for improving animal care.

The milk from their cows is sold under the Dairyland brand, which is owned by the Montreal-based Saputo - Canada's largest dairy company.

In an unattributed statement posted online Monday evening, Saputo said it was "outraged by the alleged incidents" and is fully cooperating with the SPCA's investigation.

The company stated that it is "seeking clarity" from the BC Milk Marketing Board, the body in charge of promoting and regulating the province's milk, to ensure these types of abuses don't happen again.

"It should be noted all dairy processors are required, under provincial legislation, to purchase their milk through the BCMMB and we therefore do not have the ability to select the farms from which milk is sourced," Saputo's statement read.

Meanwhile, B.C. Dairy Association Chairman Dave Taylor said Kooyman should have been aware of what was happening in his barns.

“Owners and management should know what’s going on in their farms. There’s no excuse,” he said.

Taylor added that he was deeply disturbed by the video, and has spoken to farmers across the province who were equally upset by what they saw.

“We are going to do everything within our power to make sure this never happens again. We strongly believe this to not be the norm,” he said.

Taylor supports the SPCA’s goal to have standards of care for farm animals written into law. The dairy association has its own code of practice that outlines humane care of cattle, but adherence to it is voluntary.

The investigation remains open, and charges have not been approved by Crown counsel.

With a file from Mike Hager

blindsay@vancouversun.com

Follow me: @BethanyLindsay

Click here to see the Mercy for Animals video of a Chilliwack dairy farm

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