WHEATLAND, Wyo. – Nine former employees of Wyoming Premium Farms face animal cruelty charges following an undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States.

HSUS brought the allegations against the pork producer in May with undercover video depicting workers kicking piglets, kicking and hitting sows and other instances of cruelty. The organization notified local authorities with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.

“The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Wyoming Livestock Board and the Platte County Attorney's Office for their serious attention to cruelty to animals, including animals raised for food,” said Adam Parascandola, director of animal cruelty response for The HSUS. “We are thankful that Wyoming has laws in place to address this senseless cruelty, and we hope that law enforcement’s action will deter further abuse on factory farms.”

If convicted, each could spend up to two years in prison and face a $5,000 fine.