Two weeks ago, a Kansas City, MO court awarded $11 million to 15 people in a case about pig poop. The plaintiffs sued Premium Standard Farms (a pig CAFO – Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) over the cesspits of pig manure causing nauseating odors and swarms of flies.
In their testimony, the 15 plaintiffs said that the odors and flies forced them to remain indoors with the windows shut. This situation makes it difficult to invite people over, or enjoy outdoor activities with their children. One woman who sells Mary Kay cosmetics said it hinders her from having cosmetic parties at her house.
Some of the most descriptive testimony came from a video of a cesspit, which is a holding tank for pig manure, urine, and afterbirth. Premium Standard Farms has 50 cesspits, housing the waste of over 200,000 pigs annually.
Robert Lawrence, a medical doctor from Johns Hopkins University, testified, “This cesspit has a mat of flies and maggots that is at least 6 inches deep.” He continued, “Trillions of maggots lead to trillions of ‘filth-flies.’ ” At one point, he even apologized to the jury, “I’m sorry. This is really disgusting.”
Of the 15 plaintiffs, 13 received $850,000. The 14th received $250,000 because she and her husband still farm the land, but live elsewhere. The 15th, daughter of one couple, received $75,000 because she lives elsewhere.
That’s some expensive shit.
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Breakfast: Bean and soy cheese taco
Lunch: Very large fruit salad with cottage cheese (this was the veggie option at a catered lunch)
Dinner: Pasta with pesto sauce
