Timeline: HSUS Investigations Expose National Downer Cow Abuses |
 |
June 25, 2008
January 2008
The abuse of downed dairy cows commands national spotlight after an HSUS investigation documented the horrific practices at Westland/Hallmark Meat Packing Co. The investigation findings are released Jan. 30, 2008.
Watch the investigation video» | Read the story»
February 2008
On Feb. 17, USDA announces the recall of 143 million pounds of beef—the nation's largest recall to date—from Hallmark/Westland. Read the story»
The HSUS's Wayne Pacelle and Dr. Michael Greger testify in Congress. Read about Dr. Greger's testimony» | Read about Wayne Pacelle's testimony on his blog»
April—May 2008
The HSUS documents more abuse of downed dairy cows—this time at livestock auctions in New Mexico, Maryland, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Some cows are left to languish for hours, and even overnight. The investigation findings spark outrage by some in the livestock industry.
Watch the investigation» | Read the story»
June 2008
On June 20, the manager of Westland/Hallmark is convicted of felony animal cruelty. Read the story»
Before releasing the latest documentation of downer abuses, The HSUS briefs Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer about the latest abuses and renews a request that the USDA act immediately to ban processing any downed cattle for food.
The HSUS also urges USDA to extend the ban to the 1,200-plus livestock markets and auctions that operate around the nation, and require that operators of those facilities and slaughter plants immediately and humanely euthanize downer cattle upon identifying them in that non-ambulatory state.
Watch the investigation» | Read the story» | Take action»
Related Links
Congressional Reactions to Continued Cattle Abuse
Expanded Undercover Investigation Shows Mistreatment of Downer Cows Is Commonplace at Livestock Auctions
HSUS Investigation Prompts USDA Beef Recall; Congress Reacts
Editorial Pages Sound Off on HSUS Downer Investigation
The HSUS Testifies Before House Committee after Undercover Video Spurs Largest Beef Recall in U.S. History
Congressional Reactions to the Hallmark Meat Packing Investigation
Investigative Update: Cruelty at Calif. Slaughter Plant
Undercover Investigation Reveals Rampant Animal Cruelty at California Slaughter Plant – A Major Beef Supplier to America’s School Lunch Program
