A trial has begun against two men accused of serious animal cruelty at a dairy farm on Öland, Sweden, according to reports from SVT Småland. The case centers on allegations that the men, both employees at the farm, were captured on hidden camera footage hitting and kicking cows in the barn.
The investigation was reportedly initiated after the animal rights organization Djurrättsalliansen installed covert cameras that recorded the alleged abuse. The footage later formed the basis for a television program about the farm on Kalla Fakta. Following the broadcast, one of the men, described as being in his 40s, was arrested and detained.
Both men now face charges of aggravated animal cruelty. According to the report, the dairy farm has received multiple improvement notices from the county administrative board over several years regarding animal welfare standards, though no animals have been seized and no animal ban has been issued against the operation.