Congress Urged to Take Action to Prevent Abuse

February 1, 2008

WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States 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.

Earlier this 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.

Today, 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.

On Thursday, The HSUS wrote to state school officials in the 36 states that received shipments of meat from the facility to ask them to halt distribution of the meat. Several states, including California, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, and Washington have notified schools not to serve the meat.

To view the video and learn more about the investigation and reaction to it, go to humanesociety.org.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.