Superior Farms investigation uncovers animal cruelty and violence

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    MorningMagazine_2024-10-10 Jack Dawson

 

Investigation reveals Violence and Animal Cruelty at Superior Farms

*Correction – 10/10/2024 – AALDP did not participate in conducting the investigation, as previously written in this headline.

A new undercover investigation reveals alarming violence and animal cruelty at Superior Farms in Denver.

Direct Action Everywhere, an animal rights group, staged an undercover investigation. They planted hidden cameras across the lamb slaughterhouse at Superior Farms over several weeks, and say that the footage proved the meat producer has been lying to customers. The slaughterhouse claims their practices are “humane” and “Halal certified.”

The video footage contained graphic images of lambs getting kicked and hit with paddles, slammed to the floor of the slaughterhouse, and gasping for breath.

The investigation also found workers luring young sheep to the killing floor, by using trained “Judas Sheep” that gain lambs’ trust before they are brutally killed. 

This isn’t the first time Superior Farms has been exposed for violence and animal cruelty. Its other location in Dixon, California, was the subject of a different undercover investigation that found similar unlawful activity.

Superior Farms is the largest industrial lamb slaughterhouse in the country and one of the subjects of Ordinance 309 in Denver. If passed, 309 would ban slaughterhouses within city limits.

The Animal Activist Legal Defense Project at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law represented the activists after the investigation was conducted.

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Aurora officials halt closure of apartment buildings as Trump continues to spread rumors of Venezuelan gang take-over

Aurora officials halted plans to close Whispering Pines and 200 Columbia apartments this week after appointing a court-appointed caretaker. KGNU’s Pam Johnson has more.

Rumors of Venezuelan gangs taking over the complexes drew national attention this fall, with former President Trump using the misinformation to fuel anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of a nearby rally.

While the gang claims proved false, tenants have long suffered from neglect under CBZ Management. In September 2024, residents reported mold, pest infestations, broken plumbing, and major health code violations. 

CBZ Management, a company operating through a web of limited liability corporations, owns several other properties in the Denver area. Its financial troubles escalated in August 2024 when it defaulted on $10 million in loans. The default followed months of missed payments and poor property management.

Residents and activists have urged city officials to ensure any action taken avoids displacing tenants.

Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Aurora near the properties friday. He announced the plan at a campaign rally in New York saying he would visit Aurora and Springfield, to highlight the quote “violent criminals” taking over “large pieces of real estate” in Colorado.

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Denver’s Basic Income Project Faces Uncertain Future After Funding Denied

The Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP), one of the country’s largest basic income experiments, may have sent its final payment after the city of Denver declined further funding.

DBIP has supported 807 participants, helping many secure housing, cover essential costs, and reduce reliance on public services. In its first year, the project saved nearly $590,000 by reducing ambulance trips, treatment center stays, emergency services and jail time. 

Despite these savings, Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration declined to allocate an additional $1.7 million needed to fund the program, citing insufficient evidence from the program’s first-year results. Organizers of the project argue that the program has been transformative, with 45% of participants securing housing on top of social savings. 

Project organizers say they are now looking for alternative funding, such as philanthropic donations to keep the program going.

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Teachers and Parents Defend Fairview High Teacher After Dismissal Recommendation

Supporters of Fairview High teacher Rebecca Roetto defended her at the Boulder Valley School Board meeting after Superintendent Rob Anderson recommended her dismissal. KGNU’s Grace Maruska has more.

According to a district memo, Roetto drew cartoon penises on student papers and a yearbook in May, which the district concluded violated multiple board policies, including sexual harassment. The district placed her on paid leave in August.

 

Parents and colleagues spoke in support of Roetto at the board meeting, praising her for years of dedication and advocacy for students. They argued that the incident didn’t warrant dismissal, with some pointing to her work supporting students, including victims of sexual harassment at Fairview.

Speakers raised concerns that her dismissal might be retaliation for her outspoken advocacy and questioned whether female teachers face disproportionate punishment in the district.

Advocates at the meeting also called for an independent investigation into gender discrimination. The district defended its findings.

The school board will decide whether to accept or reject the superintendent’s recommendation for dismissal in an upcoming vote. Roetto remains on paid leave as supporters continue to advocate on her behalf.

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Spike in Safe2Tell reports linked to school threats and viral misinformation causes concern across Colorado

Colorado schools saw a record-breaking surge in Safe2Tell reports in September, with 4,729 submissions—a 162% increase from the previous month.

Students filed these reports amid widespread threats and misinformation circulating on social media, according to the state attorney general. The spike follows a trend, as reports rose 74% compared to the same period in 2023.

Most of the concerns involved bullying, suicide, school threats, and planned attacks. Viral social media posts misinterpreting threats also led to a flood of duplicate reports.

Law enforcement arrested a student after Safe2Tell flagged a social media post about explosives in a classroom, which included a threat to other students. 

State officials noted that only 2.1% of the tips this year were intentionally false reports made to harm or bully others. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser encouraged students to keep using the platform to prevent potential tragedies.

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Jack Dawson

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