The owners of a local business under investigation after becoming the target of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) say they love their animals and are heartbroken by what they call disturbing and false allegations of animal cruelty and abuse.
PETA has filed two complaints with the Provincial Animal Welfare Services alleging long-term neglect and mistreatment of the animals at Ontario Water Buffalo Company located in Stirling-Rawdon.
PETA filed its first complaint in April but says the neglect continues at the farm and has filed a second complaint.
PETA released photos and videos it claims reveal long-term neglect and mistreatment of the buffaloes on the farm.
PETA released this photo of a calf it says it received from a whistleblower and reportedly taken at Ontario Water Buffalo Company. (Photo: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
The animal rights organization says a whistleblower brought forth evidence of prolapsed uteruses in the cows.
PETA also claims other animals reportedly had open wounds, a blind and immobile calf died after two weeks of neglect, and other animals were routinely denied adequate veterinary care.
PETA says its own investigation corroborated the filthy conditions.
Lori Smith and Martin Littkeman, owners of the farm say they were horrified to learn of the allegations made by an outside organization that knows nothing about their business.
They say they’ve followed all protocols and the photos and videos circulated by PETA are out of context and misleading and some video clips or photos are not even of animals on their farm.
In a statement to Quinte News, Smith and Litkkeman say they care deeply for the welfare of their animals, as do their staff and dedicated veterinarian.
They say they hold a very high standard of care and have every staff member sign an Animal Care Code of Conduct.
Since the allegations came to light, Smith and Littkeman say they have invited representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Provincial Animal Welfare Services along with their own veterinarian and a government-employed vet to visit their farm and investigate and no violations have been found.
They say they hope to share those reports once they receive approval to do so.
Smith says they’ve received numerous threats and nasty messages since PETA reported its complaints.
PETA says Quality Cheese Inc., which produces Bella Casara cheese sold at Loblaws and Longo’s, will no longer source milk from the Stirling farm for its Buffalo Mozzarella.
Quality Cheese has not yet responded to a request for comment from Quinte News, however, Smith confirmed that they are currently not supplying milk to the Toronto area manufacturer but expect to resume the relationship after the PETA allegations are proved false.
In the meantime, Smith and Litkkeman says they have other outlets and ways to use their buffalo milk.
They say they are proud of their farm, their animals, the products they produce and look forward to a continued long-term relationship with their customers.
Brent Ross, a spokesperson for the Minister of the Solicitor General confirmed to Quinte News that there is an ongoing inspection by Animal Welfare Services at Ontario Water Buffalo Company but says they cannot provide any additional details at this time.
