Madison, Wis. – University of Wisconsin‑Madison Police have determined that the video an animal‑rights activist presented as proof of secret filming inside the university’s Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building was fabricated. The footage, which purported to show pigs being stunned with carbon dioxide, appears to be a composite of publicly available clips.
Investigation findings
Ryan Blum, a recent UW‑Madison graduate, told local media in September that he spent months planning a covert entry into the Meat Science facility and recorded the stunning process. After reviewing the claim and the video, UW‑Madison Police say they found no evidence that Blum ever accessed any university building. The department’s investigators noted that the video is heavily edited and incorporates material from sources outside the university.
Specifically, the police report states that portions of the video match publicly available footage recorded at a slaughterhouse near Benalla, Australia, in 2015. That clip, along with other publicly sourced material, was combined to create the impression of an on‑campus recording.
University response
The university released a statement emphasizing that its Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building is equipped with commercial‑grade equipment for research, training, and safe food processing. Carbon dioxide anesthesia, the method shown in the video, is a standard practice in the U.S. food‑processing industry to reduce animal stress during processing.
UW‑Madison also highlighted that the facility is USDA‑inspected and secured to protect both the food produced and the people who work and learn there. Because of the seriousness of Blum’s claim, the university launched an investigation, which ultimately debunked the alleged unauthorized access.
Media follow‑up
When WMTV first reported on Blum’s allegations in September, the university confirmed the presence of a carbon‑dioxide system but could not verify the video’s origin. WMTV later noted that it had not independently confirmed where the footage was recorded. The outlet reached out to Blum for comment on Friday; he has not responded as of publication.
This clarification underscores the importance of verifying visual evidence before drawing conclusions, especially when the content involves sensitive topics such as animal welfare and food‑processing practices. The university’s swift response and the police’s thorough review demonstrate a commitment to transparency and to protecting the integrity of its research facilities.
What this means for the community
For Madison residents and the broader Wisconsin public, the findings provide reassurance that the university’s food‑science operations remain secure and compliant with federal regulations. While animal‑rights advocates continue to monitor industry practices, the UW‑Madison investigation shows that claims must be substantiated with verifiable evidence.
University officials encourage anyone with legitimate concerns about campus facilities to contact the appropriate department directly, rather than relying on unverified online videos.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
