Dairy Operator Makes Changes to Curb Abuse

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An animal rights group hopes a video they shot at Idaho's largest dairy operation will convince some major corporation to stop using the dairy's products. The video was shot using a hidden camera by a member of Mercy for Animals who got a job at Bettencourt Dairies' Dry Creek Dairy in Hansen for a few weeks this summer. It showed workers stomping, dragging and beating cows inside a milking barn. Three former dairy workers have been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. Dairy owner Luis Bettencourt  says they’ve made some changes. He’s installed cameras inside the milk barn and hired an additional supervisor. Mercy for Animals executive director Nathan Runkle hopes the video will convince Kraft Foods, Burger King and other companies to stop using the company's products. Both Kraft and Burger King say they take the matter seriously, but say they do not have a direct relationship with Bettencourt Dairies.