Statement on Recall of Beef from Hallmark Slaughter Plant

February 17, 2008

Federal Action Came in Response to HSUS Investigation Revealing Cruelty to Downed Animals

Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following statement on the recall of ground beef from illegally slaughtered downed dairy cows at a Chino, Calif. Slaughter Plant:

"The extraordinary recall of 143 million pounds of ground meat produced at the Hallmark Meat Packing Co. is a prudent decision to safeguard human health after The HSUS undercover investigation showed that mistreated downed cows had made their way into the food supply.

Long term, however, the federal government must step up and meet its responsibility for assuring both the integrity of food and the humane treatment of animals at all slaughter plants. A recall of this staggering scale proves that it's past time for Congress and the USDA to strengthen our laws for the sake of people and animals."

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.