An investigation released on Wednesday by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals reveals the cruel and inhumane underbelly of the pork industry - the horrific practices that are routine on factory hog farms.  These grossly inhumane actions would be considered acts of felony animal cruelty in most states if performed on a dog or cat.  Sadly, slamming the smallest and weakest piglets to the ground in an effort to kill them (thumping), slicing off the tails of piglets with no anesthesia, castration by a knife, and routine confinement of adult female “breeder” pigs for months at a time in crates so small they are unable to even turn around, are “common practices” on factory hog farms.  Now is the time to take action!