UPDATE 2/14: HSUS Undercvr Investig-Downed Animals

[NanciK]

~ CROSS POST FROM HSUS ~

Tell USDA: Stop Allowing the Torture of Downed Cows to Feed Our Schoolchildren

community.hsus.org/humane/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=18497636

[Newsletter NOT graphic, but the video is]

Hope you will TAKE ACTION!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WARNING: There is a link to the undercover video in this newsletter. I chose NOT to watch it .... but I would bet that it is GRAPHIC, proceed with caution!

I don't need a video to imagine what it portrays.

[vadnaisarabians]

DONE.

[angelinmydreams]

I saw it last night on the news and on inside edition. Sick jerks. Maybe they should hire someone from PETA or a org like then to make sure that there is no abuse. You know that there is always going to be slaughter but they need people in there who care about the animals last days and to make sure that they are humanly treated and slaughtered. I was horrified that these tortured cattle maybe in my kids school lunchs.

[NanciK]

~ UPDATE FROM HSUS ON 1/31/08 ~

Slaughterhouse Shake-Up

Posted: 31 Jan 2008 01:51 PM CST

It's been a hectic 24 hours since The HSUS released the results of a lengthy investigation into a California dairy cow slaughterhouse, operating under the banner of Hallmark Meat Packing and Westland Meat Co. (ironically honored as a USDA "supplier of the year" for 2004-2005). The Washington Post did the first reporting on the issue, and then I conducted a press conference at our downtown Washington, D.C. office, which was packed with reporters. I was joined at the press conference by Dr. Michael Greger, a medical doctor and HSUS's director of public health and animal agriculture. Eric Sakach, HSUS's West Coast regional director, simultaneously led a Los Angeles press conference at our Hollywood Office, which was also packed with television cameras.

Upton Sinclair, in reference to his book The Jungle, said "I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach." Well, our video, which has now been broadcast across the world and been viewed by millions, has hit people in the stomach, and that's where it was aimed. We think Americans and others need to see the harsh reality for what passes as “humane handling” and slaughter by some companies in this country. Only if people of conscience see these images will they get outraged and demand change.

Dozens of television stations did solid and compelling reporting on the issue, but here are a few of the most thorough news treatments: the CBS Evening News, KGO-TV in San Francisco, ABC 7 of Los Angeles, and FOX 5 right here in Washington.

As the story gained traction and millions of Americans learned about the cruelty, the new Agriculture Secretary, Ed Schafer (just on his second day on the job), issued a statement and announced the suspension of the agency's contract with Westland Meat Co. The USDA also announced that it was involving its Inspector General and sending a team of investigators that very day to the plant. In addition, throughout the day, Sens. Richard Durbin, Barbara Boxer, Daniel Akaka, and Tom Harkin and Reps. Gary Ackerman, Peter DeFazio, and Rosa DeLauro issued calls for action and statements condemning the cruelty and related food safety threats, especially to children.

We are still working to get the San Bernardino District Attorney's Office to take enforcement action. That office is charged with enforcing state law, and the footage that we released shows clear violations of the state anti-cruelty statute and the state “no downer” law. Please write or call the San Bernardino District Attorney and politely ask him to take action and prosecute those responsible. You can reach him at 909-382-3660.

Finally, I want to say thanks to our undercover investigator who toiled for weeks at the slaughterhouse and documented the conduct of the people working there. He must remain nameless to preserve his identity for future investigations, but his bravery and ability to document what was going on may help have a transformative effect not only on the behavior of this company and other slaughterhouses, but on the consciousness of the American public. Bravo to you.

[angelinmydreams]

Ye-Ha!!!!!!!!! Now fry their behinds! I thought about this all day. It bugs me. It makes me want to drive to Cali and show them how to treat animals.

[NanciK]

This story made the local news in San Francisco tonight, including disturbing clips of the HSUS video.

I hope all the animal rights advocates in California are stirred to action. The story is so disgusting, it will likely open the eyes of people who ordinarily don't think much about animals or animal rights.

It also makes you think twice about eating meat and the whole meat supply chain. Ick!

[djrepp]

I can't bring myself to watch. I doubt this is unique to Ca. Would guess it happens everywhere.

[michellep]

Watched this on the news last night. I wonder how that jerk would like that hot prod in places that the sun doesnt shine or maybe a little prodding with a forklift? Scares me to death that they let people like this into society, but it scares me more that sick cattle are being slaughtered for us to eat. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy a good steak, just wish they could be humane when they are handling these animals.

[angelinmydreams]

There was also a story on Kiro 7 along with this one about Monkeys in Everett. I guess some jerk left a little monkey in it cage and but it in the dishwasher thing they use ti clean cages. It scalded the poor thing. Suffering for 20 minutes. The outfit is some kind of animal testing area for drug companies.

[NanciK]

Talk Back: Cruelty in California

Posted: 01 Feb 2008 02:15 PM CST

Earlier this week, The HSUS released the results of a long-term investigation into inhumane treatment of dairy cows at a southern California slaughter plant. The facts and images have stirred the nation's conscience, and once again called into question the adequacy of the federal government's oversight at slaughter plants and the meat industry's own standards and conduct. Public confidence has been shaken, and there are heartfelt discussions occurring in homes and schools and workplaces throughout the nation about the inhumane treatment of animals raised for food and the quality and safety of the food products sold in the marketplace and served to schoolchildren.

There are 6,000 slaughter plants in the United States, but our investigation at this single plant has had a countrywide impact. It again reminds us that we operate in a national and global economy and the actions of even a single bad corporate actor have surprising reach and repercussions. Last year, Westland Meat Co. sold 27 million pounds of ground beef from Hallmark Meat Packing to commodity programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the product went to consumers in 36 states. Since we released the results of the investigation, state education departments in California, Hawaii, Iowa, Utah, Montana, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington have stopped serving Westland beef to students. Other agencies are certain to act soon.

So far, 58,000 of you have used humanesociety.org to send messages to the USDA expressing concern and alarm about the appalling mistreatment of downer cows at a California slaughter plant. And your comments to my blog have been streaming in, in response to this national scandal. Among the comments we received:

Just finished watching “World News Tonight” with Katie Couric. Although this is a sickening, horrific video of animal cruelty, I think it's wonderful that The HSUS is now beginning to get the recognition from mainstream media that has been missing for so long. (After all, the public likes to turn a blind eye to this sort of thing.) Please keep up the good work. The people who condone these actions have no soul and no redemption. —SG Nolin

Cruelty of this nature breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes… I am appalled with the lack of compassion for these harmless beings and hope that those who participate in such cruelty will be brought to justice. There has to be a more humane approach. —Pamela Quarterly

I have just watched two network news reports on the horrific cruelty bestowed upon downed cows as revealed through The HSUS's investigation. I am sickened and heartbroken over man's ability to be cruel to animals. But I commend and admire all of those at The HSUS for going where most of us—even those like me who would do anything for animals—are not strong enough to go. Thank you for bringing this to America's attention. I know it goes on in most slaughterhouses and I can only hope that people who might take notice initially because they're worried about "what goes on their plate" will eventually see beyond that to the horror of the abuse and refuse to tolerate it. I have been a vegetarian for 25 years. I hope after seeing your investigation more people will join the club and realize that giving up meat is a small sacrifice for not contributing to a cruel and abusive industry. Again, thank you and bless you. —Linda Robertson-Adosini

I can't watch the video but I just wanted to let you know that this story has hit the headlines in Sydney, Australia too. Good for you for exposing this cruelty. Let’s hope it puts an end to it. —Sue

THANK YOU so much for airing the undercover special investigation (on “Inside Edition”) regarding the animal abuse taking place at the California slaughter plant. I will donate to The HSUS and continue to support and applaud HSUS’s efforts. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront. It was a very real wake-up call for me—to take action by getting involved and donating to such an important cause. Thank you! —Stephanie

Although it is so disgustingly heart-wrenching, I am glad this was documented. Something needs to be done NOW about this factory farm/slaughterhouse abuse. It is rampant, and the USDA looks the other way. Keep your presence at these hellish places and PLEASE don't let up, HSUS!!! Thank you for getting it out there! —Amy Wojcik

I read this and I cried. I am so sad. I don't eat meat but most people I know do. I am sick and I hurt for those animals. Those people MUST be arrested. This needs to get out on the news so everyday people can see this. Do people really want to eat animals that are treated so inhumanely? This should be on regular TV for the world to see. It has got to stop! Thanks for bringing this to light… I only hope we can put an end to it. They need to be arrested for animal cruelty. I don't understand how they can get away with this. How do they sleep at night? Thanks HSUS for all your hard work and for trying so hard to make a difference for all animals of the world. —Dana in Chicago

To the Humane Society: Thank you so much for revealing this horrifying treatment of one of the most docile creatures on Earth. Please keep up the good fight of exposing these atrocities of America's slaughterhouses. —Carin Pierce

Please pass on my personal thanks to the people who work so hard to investigate and uncover these truly sickening acts. I can't watch the videos but I know those who can must be touched, somehow. Without those people who actually go in and film/photograph/etc., we wouldn't have the evidence to support our requests to our lawmakers and local representatives. Thanks again for all of your hard work. I hope in the midst of all the horrors you see, there are stories of triumph and happiness in there as well. —Leah

Outstanding work, HSUS! Please express my gratitude to the individual who endured watching these heinous acts of cruelty to bring this story to light. I nearly shouted this morning when I saw someone on the train reading The Washington Post and saw the headline about abuse of cows at a slaughterhouse. Thank you for bringing this to light and thank you for everything you do for animals. —S.

I can't bring myself to watch the video... but just looking at the cows' eyes in the photos is enough to freeze my heart. Poor babies. In the last 24 hours I've had three friends email me about this and ask me to help them make the transition to vegetarianism. I pointed out that these were dairy cows, and now we have a few new vegans in the making, as well! Thanks for your hard work in horrific situations like this. The world is a better place because of the people at The HSUS. —Lisa J

After seeing only a few minutes of the footage, I am sickened to think anyone could abuse even a sick cow that way. It's disgusting; how can we treat another living thing in that manner? If it is to be killed for food, then make it quick. This is totally sick and should be prosecuted to whatever extent the law allows. Nothing should be treated that way!!! —Bill Mcmillan

No, I didn't watch the video. I can't handle seeing such cruelty any more. But, yes, I did send my opinion to the USDA. I hope it helps. Unfortunately, I have to pass a hog processing plant every day on my way to work. I called the local USDA office one day to complain about dead hogs lying next to transport trucks in the parking lot, only to be told that it was unusual (it's not) and that all precautions were taken to ensure that the hogs arrived in good health. Since that time I have had little faith in the USDA. Needless to say, I'm a vegetarian. —Laura Dugan

It's really sad how not much has changed since Peter Singer first documented the plight of animals bound for the slaughterhouse in 1975. You would think that at least the most obvious and terrible forms of cruelty would be abolished in 2008. I'm glad that the investigator caught these abuses and exposed them to the public. —Sara N

[mickeyfan3]

That video was heartbreaking and disgusting. We treat likes of Scott Peterson and Ted Bundy better than we treat animals.

[cwinterburn ( RIP) We love YOU]

I wouldn't hold my breath for any help for the cows. In this area there were charges against Iowa Beef for animal cruelty - they were skinning cows alive and their own cameras were documenting it. With their own video tape against them: The local courts deemed that IBP's practices were not outside industry standards and therefore not cruel. USDA inspectors were on the kill floors when these events took place.

[NanciK]

~ UPDATE FROM HSUS 2/4/08 ~

February 04, 2008

Truth of the Matter

The HSUS’s investigation into cruelty at a California dairy cow slaughter plant has evoked a national outcry from consumers, state government officials, Congress, the USDA, animal scientists, and even some within the meat industry. The condemnation of the conduct of personnel at Hallmark Meat Packing has been nearly universal. But it's been no surprise to us that a handful of apologists for industry simply cannot bring themselves to focus on the cruelty we exposed, and instead they infuse their comments about the investigation with criticisms of The HSUS.

Two examples include the American Meat Institute (AMI) and the misleadingly named Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF). CCF is a front group for tobacco, alcohol, restaurant, and agribusiness interests, and I've written about the antics of this group several times before.

AMI asserted in a press release that The HSUS sat on our investigator’s information and gave it to a reporter before the authorities. CCF chimed in that it was “scandalous” for The HSUS not to turn the evidence over to the authorities first.

I want to be sure to set the record straight, since these groups have made such utterly baseless and outrageous claims.

First, the investigation itself took in excess of two months, with an HSUS person undercover at the plant for six weeks. As soon as the field portion of the investigation concluded and our team properly assessed and organized the enormous volume of video and other research materials, we provided local law enforcement authorities with the evidence of criminal conduct and encouraged them to prosecute the perpetrators. Animal cruelty crimes are typically prosecuted by local and state law enforcement, and that's exactly where we turned. We'd do it again just that way if we were starting the process again.

Local authorities asked for extra time to assess this information before we released it. Time continued to elapse, and we eventually decided that we could wait no longer. Before releasing the information to the press, and showing the world the images of this appalling cruelty as a means of driving change, I called a senior official at the USDA to let the agency know what was about to be brought to public attention.

While the reaction of groups like AMI and CCF is as predictable as it is disappointing, I've been heartened by some of the more responsible voices within the animal agriculture sector. Many have condemned the torment of the downed cows. Hats off to them, and I truly hope they work hard to root out similar behavior within the industry and to work with The HSUS to establish a clear and unambiguous policy to bar any slaughter of downed cows. While The HSUS and many of these groups will have disagreements on a range of policy matters, here's a case where we can find some important common ground.

[NanciK]

From HSUS Ppresident:

You Asked: Shopping with a Conscious

Posted: 14 Feb 2008 11:40 AM CST

Today I would like to respond to a question from reader Claudia.

Q. Thank you so much for the work you do to help the lives of animals across the globe. As the animal lover that I am, I couldn't get the images out of my mind of the downer cows at the slaughterhouse in Chino, Calif. I've been reading up on this since then and have become aware of so many atrocities done. And while I was not surprised, I realized that I never really thought about this side of the coin... I just buy the steaks, hamburgers, etc., but never think about the conditions these animals live in. Aside from donations, what can the public do? What can I do at a local level? Your response is appreciated.

A. Agriculture has taken a harsh turn in the last few decades, and animals are often treated like meat-, milk-, and egg-producing machines—with little thought given to their well-being. It's important to note that the problems are not caused by just a few bad companies and rogue employees who are needlessly cruel to animals—even though the conduct we uncovered at the slaughter plant in Chino was extreme and appalling. There are industrial production, transport, and slaughter methods that by their very design cause deprivation and suffering—such as battery cages for laying hens or gestation crates for breeding pigs.

The greatest disinfectant to the inhumane treatment of animals raised for food is the bright light of exposure and an appeal to the conscience of the American people. Investigative work is one of The HSUS’s most powerful weapons against the mistreatment of animals and you can help equip and deploy our investigators with a contribution to our Investigations Fund.

You can also make a difference in the lives of farm animals by joining our campaign efforts and by being a caring consumer. The HSUS recommends a “Three Rs” policy: reducing total consumption of animal products, refining techniques to minimize pain and distress, and replacing animal products with non-animal products. For example, if each American simply reduced his or her animal consumption by only 10 percent, approximately 1 billion fewer animals would endure factory farms and slaughter plants. If you continue to eat animal products, refining your diet by switching to products from animals raised without intensive confinement, instead of the conventional factory farm products that fill most supermarket shelves, will also help to reduce farm animal suffering. And, replacing animal products with readily available vegetarian alternatives is a simple (and delicious) way to help farm animals. Check out our recipes and our online guide for the hows and whys of animal-friendly eating.

You can find even more ways to take action on behalf of farm animals at humanesociety.org/farm.