Kicking, punching and prodding: New video shows horrific abuse of cows at dairy farm which supplies cheese to Papa John's and Domino's pizza

The New Mexico Livestock Board has launched an investigation into a southern New Mexico dairy after an activist working with an animal welfare group recorded secret video showing workers whipping cows with chains and wire cables, kicking and punching the animals, and shocking them with electric prods.

Board officials confirmed the investigation into the practices at the Winchester Dairy near Dexter on Tuesday. They were working on interviewing the activist and tracking down the workers identified in the video.

'We are investigating it very aggressively. The district attorney is on board and everybody is working hard to make sure we do this right,' said Shawn Davis, an area supervisor with the livestock board.

More