Major Burger Chain Cuts Ties with Local Dairy

BOISE -- Fast food giant Burger King will no longer conduct business with a Twin Falls dairy after citing concerns of animal mistreatment. KTVB-TV reported, several workers at Bettencourt Dairies LLC. were fired after an undercover video taken by animal rights activists showed them beating, kicking, and jumping on cows. On Thursday, representatives from Burger King said the company had temporarily suspended Bettencourt Dairies LLC. from it's suppliers. In a written statement, Burger King Worldwide says they are launching their own investigation into the dairy's inhumane treatment of cows. Dairy owner Luis Bettencourt says he's appalled at the video, and says his employees' behavior was unacceptable. Bettencourt also said his business has since installed video cameras to monitor employees. In an exclusive interview, Bettencourt told KTVB he believes the negative impression of his dairy will have a financial impact on his business. Bettencourt Dairies LLC. is Idaho's largest dairy operation with 13 facilities.