In-N-Out Cuts Ties With Food Supplier After Alleged Animal Cruelty Video Surfaces

NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — In-N-Out Burger cut ties with its Central California beef supplier after an undercover video surfaced showing alleged animal cruelty.

Animal rights group "Compassion Over Killing" shot the graphic video over a two week period at the Central Valley Meat Company Co. in Hanford.

The workers at the plant are accused of using electrical prods on cattle that can barely walk.

Dairy cows were allegedly repeatedly shocked and shot before being killed.

According to the USDA, there was evidence of "egregious, inhumane handling and treatment of livestock."

Mark Taylor, In-N-Out's Chief Operating Officer, released a statement saying the fast food chain "would never condone the inhumane treatment of animals and all of our suppliers must agree to abide by our strict standards for the humane treatment of cattle."

"We conduct periodic, unannounced inspections of our suppliers to make sure they continuously adhere to all our requirements," said Taylor.

Customers at a North Hollywood In-N-Out agree with the company's decision to cancel its contract with the food supplier.

"If they are going to serve meat, it should be a humanely controlled place. If they're abusing animals, it's not good for anybody," said customer Tay Flanagan.

The popular burger chain said between 20 and 30 percent of the beef used in its restaurants came from Central Valley.

Central Valley Meat Company, now shut down pending an investigation, also provided beef to the U.S. school lunch program.

According to a spokesman for Central Valley, they are committed to correcting any problems identified in the video and working closely with the USDA to address any animal handling concerns.

It appears the slaughtered cows weren't diseased, and the USDA did not issue a recall on the meat.