Investigative Update: Cruelty at Calif. Slaughter Plant |
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April 18, 2008
HSUS President Testifies at Congressional Hearing
Wayne Pacelle testified in Congress on food safety and humane handling compliance by the meat industry.
Posted March 12, 1:12 P.M.
Congress Demands Answers from Slaughter Plant CEO
The president of Westland/Hallmark, Steve Mendell, testifies before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on his company's role in the largest beef recall in U.S. history.
Posted March 7, 9:27 P.M.
The HSUS Sues USDA to Keep Sick and Injured Cows Out of Food Supply
USDA Loophole Contributed to Largest Beef Recall in U.S. History
On Feb. 27, The HSUS filed suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to close a dangerous loophole in the agency's regulations that contributed to the recent recall of more than 143 million pounds of beef—much of which was fed to schoolchildren in at least 40 states and the District of Columbia. The recall was initiated after an HSUS investigation documented shocking acts of animal cruelty to non-ambulatory or "downer" cattle at a slaughterhouse in Chino, Calif.
"USDA has in recent weeks assured the public that sick and crippled cattle are not allowed to enter the food supply, but the agency's regulations actually contradict that assertion," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.
"Unless we want yet another dramatic food scare—further eroding consumer confidence in beef and costing the private sector and the federal government tens of millions of dollars—we should not hesitate to close this legal loophole and establish an unambiguous no-downer policy that will also help protect crippled animals from egregious abuse."
On Feb. 28, Pacelle testified before a Senate subcommittee examining the issues surrounding the case. He called on Congress to pass legislation to strengthen the nation's farm animal welfare laws.
Because downer cattle are at a heightened risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow disease") and other foodborne pathogens, USDA issued an emergency rule in 2004 to prevent downed cattle from being slaughtered for human consumption. However, in 2007, the agency quietly reversed course and relaxed its rules to permit some crippled cows to be slaughtered for human consumption.
That loophole—which fails to adequately prevent the slaughter of animals who are violently forced onto their feet long enough to pass inspection, as well some animals who go down after initial inspection—precipitated some of the most disturbing incidents documented by an HSUS investigator at the Hallmark slaughter plant, including employees routinely beating cows to try to make them stand, repeatedly electrocuting cows in the face and eyes, and almost inconceivable incidents in which they rammed animals with forklift blades and dragged them by chains.
The lawsuit alleges that the downer loophole is irrational and inconsistent with the USDA's obligations to ensure humane handling and food safety under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act. The suit also alleges that the loophole was promulgated in 2007 without adequate public notice and comment under the federal Administrative Procedure Act.
"The school lunch program should be providing safe and healthy meals for our children—not serving up sick animals or promoting animal cruelty," said Diana Crossman, a longtime HSUS member and mother of two children in Los Angeles County public school. "USDA is supposed to protect our children, and that doesn't mean telling us one thing and doing something else about allowing sick animals in the food supply."
Posted Feb. 25, 10:18 A.M.
Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company to Shut its Doors
The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company in Chino, Calif., has announced it is likely to shut down permanently. Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, stated the following:
"Hallmark/Westland's future operations are in jeopardy because its employees engaged in reckless behavior, tormenting crippled cows and providing meat to school children and other Americans that may not have been safe. But the larger issue for The Humane Society of the United States is whether the problems we uncovered are systemic and occur at other slaughter plants around the country. That is the question that the Congress, industry, and consumers must now confront."
Posted Feb. 16, 9:21 A.M.
California Prosecutor Files Cruelty Charges Against Slaughter Plant Employees
The HSUS Lauds Historic Legal Action
Two employees of the now shuttered Hallmark Meat Company were charged yesterday with animal cruelty in the aftermath of shocking disclosures from an undercover investigation by The HSUS.
Never before in the knowledge of The HSUS have slaughter plant workers faced criminal charges of this nature.
"Americans know cruelty when they see it, and the HSUS investigation has outraged millions," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "The suffering of animals shown in the HSUS video is beyond comprehension."
After being provided videotaped evidence and a detailed report of the undercover investigation, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos charged Daniel Ugarte Navarro with five felony counts under California's anti-cruelty statute and three misdemeanor counts alleging the use of a mechanical device to move "downer" cows, those unable to stand on their own. Convictions on the felony charges could bring a sentence up to 15 years in prison and $100,000 in fines, plus additional penalties on the misdemeanor charges. The second worker, Jose Luis Sanchez, was charged with three misdemeanors involving downers. He faces up to 18 months in jail and $3,000 in fines if convicted.
"I need the public to understand that my office takes all cases involving animal cruelty very seriously," Ramos said in a statement. "It doesn't matter whether the mistreated animal is a beloved family pet or a cow at a slaughterhouse. Unnecessary cruelty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law."
The filing of these charges marks a milestone because U.S. farm animals are normally denied — either on account of legal loopholes, cultural disregard or by virtue of being kept out of public sight — the most basic protections afforded other creatures.
"We applaud District Attorney Ramos for taking decisive action in bringing felony counts against people who abused animals in these heinous ways," added Pacelle. "He knows that this sort of cruelty can never be tolerated, and because of his decision to prosecute, justice is being served in this case."
Beyond today's actions, The HSUS urged law enforcement authorities to aggressively pursue any possible leads that point to culpability by the company itself and its senior executives.
Hallmark principally slaughters "spent" dairy cows for the Westland Meat Co., which was the nation's No. 2 supplier of ground beef for the National School Lunch Program. Many of these animals were unable to stand and walk, as the investigation graphically shows.
An HSUS investigator filmed slaughterhouse employees routinely beating cows to try and make them rise. Cows were repeatedly shocked in the face and eyes with cattle prods, and even rammed with the blades of a forklift. This abuse was inflicted on these feeble animals in efforts to make them lumber to their feet just long enough to be slaughtered — this, despite the known risks that such animals may carry bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or "mad cow disease").
So far, as a consequence of the HSUS investigation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has removed inspectors from the plant, effectively shutting it down. Meat from the plant was put on "administrative hold." More than 150 school districts across the nation pulled meat from cafeteria menus, and two major restaurant chains have severed ties with the slaughter plant. Economists can only speculate as to the considerable costs thus far in lost credibility to federal regulators, investigative expenses and the additional price tag for providing replacement food.
Cruelty charges against Hallmark employees were brought under California's animal protection law which prohibits maiming, mutilating, torturing or wounding an animal. Cal. Pen. § 597(a) Employees were also charged with violating state law which prohibits using a mechanical device to push or drag cows who are unable to stand or walk. Such animals must be humanely euthanized or removed. Cal. Pen. § 599(f)
Posted Feb. 8, 8:35 A.M.
The HSUS Lauds Authoritative USDA Action to Shutter Southern Calif. Slaughter Plant
Federal Action Came in Response to HSUS Investigation Revealing Cruelty to Downed Dairy Cows
The Humane Society of the United States commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its announcement Tuesday evening that it has pulled its inspectors and shut down the cattle slaughter plant that was the subject of a long-term HSUS undercover investigation.
In a statement posted Tuesday night, USDA Undersecretary Dr. Richard Raymond cited "egregious violations of humane handling regulations" in pulling inspectors from the plant. Hallmark Meat Packing and Westland Meat Co., based in Chino, Calif., slaughtered about 500 cows a day, most of them "spent" dairy cows.
"The cruelty we uncovered at the Hallmark slaughter plant was appalling and unacceptable, and USDA has rightly put a stop to operations at this facility," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for cruelty to farm animals and especially for the slaughter of downed cows, who are sick or injured and unable to walk."
Hallmark voluntarily suspended operations after the release of HSUS' investigative results, but the action by USDA removes any discretionary action by this company. Last week, on the same day that HSUS released video from its investigation, USDA indefinitely suspended the eligibility of Westland Meat Co. to participate as a supplier to federal food and nutrition programs, specifically the National School Lunch Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. The HSUS called on USDA last week to stop the plant from operating and providing food to any consumers (not just to federal programs), and that is now effectively what has happened with last night's action.
"We hope now that local law enforcement authorities bring appropriate criminal charges against the people who violated the laws of the state of California," added Pacelle. "Local, state and federal agencies have borne incredible costs to keep questionable beef out of school cafeterias across the country, and many animals suffered."
Westland distributed ground beef to locations in 36 states, and most of these states have stopped serving beef from Westland to school children. And several fast food companies have terminated their relationships with Westland.
Posted Feb. 4, 9:46 A.M.
Congress Urged to Take Action Against Abuse
The HSUS urges Congress to act swiftly to protect both farm animals and human health in the wake of an HSUS investigation that has resonated powerfully around the nation.
Last week, The HSUS released the videotape findings of its lengthy probe at the Hallmark Meat Packing Company in Chino, Calif. Americans were shocked by the appalling mistreatment of "downed" dairy cows—those who are too sick or injured to walk. Such downer cows are at a greater risk of being infected with mad cow disease and other harmful foodborne pathogens that can jeopardize human health.
School districts rushed to purge their systems of meat from the plant. Restaurants announced an end to purchases from the company. Political leaders across the nation denounced the shocking conditions at this slaughter plant—the nation's No. 2 supplier of ground beef to the National School Lunch Program. U.S. Department of Agriculture officials arrived at the plant to pursue an investigation.
"Americans have zero tolerance for legal loopholes that endanger public safety and the welfare of farm animals," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "We join with the many members of Congress in urging swift hearings and expedited consideration of legislation to ban any downed cows from getting into the food supply."
In almost unbearably graphic videotape, The HSUS investigation revealed one tragedy and suggested the grave possibility of still another: When downer cows are not immediately and permanently disqualified from slaughter, slaughterhouse personnel will stop at nothing to try and force them to their feet—including using such barbaric techniques as electric shocks, ramming with forklift blades, and forcing water into the animals' nostrils and throat to simulate a drowning effect. An ailing downer cow—wallowing in manure for hours or sometimes days and then driven to her feet by this wanton administration of pain—poses increased risks to the food supply.
Friday, The HSUS joined with political leaders, parents and other concerned citizens in the call for the following legislative and regulatory action:
- Revise USDA's regulation on the slaughter of downed animals to require humane euthanasia of all downed cattle. The current policy allows slaughter of downed animals after they pass USDA inspection. The HSUS investigation demonstrates that animals are tortured when USDA inspectors are not present.
- Pass the Downed Animal Protection Act—S. 394 and H.R. 661 sponsored by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) and Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio)—which would ban any slaughtering of downed animals for human consumption.
- Pass the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act—H.R. 1726 sponsored by Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Christopher Shays (R-Conn.)—which would set modest animal welfare standards, including humane euthanasia of any downed animals, for producers who sell food to federal government programs.
"The policy vehicles are primed for action," added Pacelle. "The only thing we need now is action and resolve to get the job done." The HSUS is asking state agencies responsible for distributing meat through USDA programs and retailers that purchase ground beef to endorse these bills.
Posted Feb. 1, 11:17 A.M.
The HSUS Urges Schools in 36 States to Stop Using Westland Meat
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, sent a letter yesterday to state school officials in 36 states that received beef from Westland Meat Co. through the National School Lunch Program, urging them to stop using the company.
The HSUS released video evidence Wednesday documenting abusive treatment of "downed" cows on their way to slaughter at the Hallmark Meat Packing plant in Chino, Calif., which supplies Westland.
The USDA has suspended Westland as a supplier to the National School Lunch Program and other federal nutrition programs in response to The HSUS' investigation of the plant. The agency is also conducting an investigation.
The HSUS investigation raises concerns about human health as well as animal welfare. Downed animals may have a higher risk of being infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (also known as mad cow disease), E. coli and Salmonella.
More than 100,000 schools and child care facilities nationwide receive meat through the lunch program. The Minnesota, Oregon and Utah school boards have already announced that they will stop serving Westland beef to their students.
"We urge state officials to follow the examples already set by Minnesota, Oregon and Utah to order state school districts to stop using beef delivered from this company," Pacelle said in his letter.
Click here to read a sample letter.
Posted Jan. 30, 5:54 P.M.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for suspending Westland Meat Co. as a supplier to the National School Lunch Program and other federal nutrition programs, in response to the weeks-long HSUS investigation of the plant.
At the same time, however, The HSUS urged the federal government to go further and indefinitely shut down this plant and prevent the company from selling to other customers until a thorough inspection is completed.
The USDA announced the suspension and opened its own official inquiry only hours after the release of an investigation by The HSUS showing that animals at the slaughter plant were tortured in unimaginable ways in daily efforts to force them onto their feet and into the human food chain—even though these animals are known to be at higher risk for carrying pathogens.
"Americans should be thankful that the USDA took a step to protect its own programs, but this slaughter plant absolutely must be locked up and shut down—for the good of all Americans and the many cows who might otherwise face continued abuse and mistreatment," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.
In making its announcement, USDA officials said it was "unfortunate" that The HSUS had not brought the information to federal officials sooner. Perhaps U.S. government officials were unaware, however, that The HSUS turned over to appropriate California law enforcement officials extensive videotape evidence once the investigation was concluded. Local authorities asked for extra time before public release of the information.
The HSUS looks forward to assisting the USDA with its investigation.
What You Can Do
Ask the USDA to put an immediate stop to downers in the food supply.
Related Links
Congressional Reactions to the Hallmark Meat Packing Investigation
Undercover Investigation Reveals Rampant Animal Cruelty at California Slaughter Plant – A Major Beef Supplier to America’s School Lunch Program
Dairy cattle slaughter expert statements, Jan. 2008
Food Safety Concerns with the Slaughter of Downed Cattle
USDA Purchases of Westland Beef in 2007
Hallmark Meat Packing noncompliance with humane handling report from 12/2005
Shedding Light on the Treatment of Dairy Cows
