Official Statement From Fair Oaks Farm Founder Mike McCloskey On The ARM Video Release

This morning I was made aware of an animal abuse video that the group Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) produced and has released to the public and the press. Most of the footage for this video was captured on one of the dairies that belongs to Fair Oaks Farms… . (For complete statement, go HERE.)

It is with great disappointment to find, after closely reviewing the released ARM video, that there were five individuals committing multiple instances of animal cruelty and despicable judgement. Of the five, four were our employees and one was a 3rd party truck driver who was picking up calves. 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.

So, in this instance our policy of cow care training – “see something, say something” – worked. After reviewing the video frame–by–frame, those three employees are responsible for the overwhelming majority of offenses seen in this video.

It is a shock and an eye–opener for us to discover that under our watch, we had employees who showed disregard for our animals, our processes and for the rule of law. This ARM video shines a light on an area that – despite our thorough training, employee on–boarding procedures and overall commitment to animal welfare – needs improvement.

A full investigation of all aspects of the video is underway, during and after which disciplinary action will be taken, including termination and criminal prosecution, of any and all employees and managers who have violated either our animal care practices or the law or both. Fair Oaks Farm News Release, 06/19