Michael Markarian: Animals & Politics

Pork Industry Needs to Clean Up Its Act

[Please note: Includes graphic descriptions of animal abuse.]

If you follow the issue of farm animal welfare closely, you are probably aware of the “flat-earth” types out there in Big Ag beyond the fringes of reality. If you point out to them the cruelty of certain factory farming practices, like the lifetime of misery spent by breeding pigs in tiny crates, the flat-earthers are ready with knee-jerk denials. If you show them video proof of animals being mistreated, they brush off the pictures as somehow “edited” and that, really, there is nothing wrong.

Last week, one bloviator in particular caught my attention, with this gem of a commentary in Beef magazine: “Anyone who knows the history of the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and its ‘undercover documentaries’ knows that what one sees on the videos and the reality of the situation are not necessarily the same thing.”

What got him worked up was the shocking undercover video released by The HSUS, which about a quarter million people have now watched online. The video, shot in April 2012, was taken at Wyoming Premium Farms, a pig factory farm in Wheatland, Wyo., which had been a supplier to Tyson Foods. The footage depicts workers kicking living piglets like soccer balls, swinging sick piglets in circles by their hind legs, and sitting and bouncing on a mother pig who has a broken leg and screams in pain.

Here’s “the reality of the situation” which the flat-earthers of Big Ag need to face: Abuse of animals in factory farms is far too prevalent. The “husbandry” that family farmers have lived by for generations cannot be supplanted by cages, crates, rampant use of drugs and unrestrained hired hands who have adopted the corporate creed that farm animals are nothing more than machines to manufacture money.

A panel of experts assembled by the agriculture industry’s own Center for Food Integrity viewed this undercover video for exactly what it is: proof positive that unacceptable and indefensible conditions existed at this factory farm where pigs are bred and raised. As the industry trade website, Pork Network, reported, here are just a few conclusions from the three panelists:

Dr. Candace Croney, associate professor of animal sciences at Purdue University: “(T)here is no context I can think of that would make the egregious handling seen in this video acceptable.”

Dr. Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University: “There’s definitely abusive animal handling shown in that video.”

Dr. John Deen, professor of veterinary epidemiology at the University Minnesota: “The actions seen in this video are abusive to the pigs and unacceptable to society as a whole.”

In response to the video, an editorial in the Casper Star-Tribune called on authorities to “investigate this and prosecute the apparent abuse to the fullest extent of the law.” The newspaper rightly hopes “this deplorable incident will serve as an example for other producers who might be tempted to cut corners or tolerate inhumane behavior.”

It’s time for Big Ag’s deniers to stand down. And it’s time for the pork industry and its apologists to stand up—to stand up for what is right.

In recent months, leading food retailers—such as Safeway, Burger King, McDonald’s, and Denny’s—have pledged reform in their sourcing of pork. But too many of the pork industry’s bigwigs have turned a deaf ear, and responded chiefly by trying to change the subject. That is, they’ve spent way too much time lobbying the halls of Congress opposing a bill that has nothing to do with their own industry but everything to do with farm animal welfare. The pork lobbyists are trying to stand in the way of legislation strongly supported by the egg industry and animal welfare groups to provide more space for laying hens and more accurate labeling of eggs in grocery stores.

It’s time for laggards among pork producers, their trade association representatives, and the commentators who pander to them, to listen to consumers, to retailers and to scientists—it’s time to give up the denials, time to drop the diversionary politics. It’s time to clean up their own industry.

Newspapers Press for Hen Protections

I wrote last week about the diverse coalition of stakeholders backing federal legislation to improve the treatment of 280 million egg-laying hens—including animal protection, egg industry, veterinary, agricultural, and consumer organizations. Newspapers from around the country have weighed in as well, calling on federal lawmakers to act swiftly, and today I’d like to provide a round-up of some of the newspaper editorials endorsing H.R. 3798. Please take a look, and then take action by asking your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to pass this bill.

Philadelphia Inquirer: “The congressional legislation that has resulted from this unusual alliance shows a good balance between real-world egg-production practices and the idealistic goal of free-range chicken farming…. Congress, though, has a clear mandate to act from the farmers who know best how they want their eggs done.

San Diego Union-Tribune: “This bill, H.R. 3798, deserves swift enactment. And the process by which it even got this far ought to be a model for politically warring factions everywhere.”

The New York Times: “It’s well past time to create a national standard that promotes more humane conditions everywhere. Yet the American Farm Bureau Federation, a trade group for farmers, the National Pork Producers Council, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association oppose the bill. They seem to fear that common sense and a humane regard for the well-being of farm animals will spread to their own industries.”

Salem (Ore.) Statesman Journal and Green Bay (Wisc.) Press Gazette: “The legislation exemplifies how traditional adversaries can put aside their distrust and work together for each side’s mutual benefit. As lead sponsor, Schrader deserves credit for his role on H.R. 3798. Congress should pass it. Soon.”

Los Angeles Times: “A federal law is the only way to mandate uniform standards, and this smart and focused measure is supported by the United Egg Producers, which represents 88% of the nation's egg farmers. As legislation goes, it's a good egg.”

The Oregonian: “It's no sure thing that Congress will approve the national standard; pig producers opposed to any national farm standards already are raising objections. But the agreement on laying hens is a fair compromise.”

Albany (Ore.) Democrat Herald: “We know that animals feel discomfort and pain. We know that bad conditions can cause them great distress. Because the animals are in our power and helpless, we must avoid cruelty at all costs. Congress should pass the bill.”

Harrisburg (Pa.) Patriot-News: “This is an important measure, especially in Pennsylvania, which is the third-largest egg producer in the country….This is not just about providing better conditions for chickens, although that is important. The changes also give consumers better information about the eggs they buy. Wording will specify how the animals that laid their eggs are kept—from caged hens to those that are free to roam.”

Fredericksburg (Va.) Free Lance-Star: “Allowing hens a little room to spread their wings and places to perch, nest, and scratch seems pretty reasonable….The accord between the HSUS and the egg producers is something to crow about.”

Clarksville (Tenn.) Leaf Chronicle: “Federal regulation of eggs and other agricultural products is not new. Most people in the egg industry want this updated legislation because it sets a uniform playing field for everyone instead of having states develop their own standards. Furthermore, evidence suggests that hens' egg production increases at farms that have installed the new cages.”

Santa Rosa (Calif.) Press Democrat: “There also are significant political obstacles, starting with cattlemen and other livestock interests who oppose the bill. But the same organizations successfully challenged a California law governing slaughterhouses, arguing in court that federal standards should prevail. Fair enough, let the same approach extend to egg farms.”

Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune: “Compromise offered the best possible outcome. Federal rules would benefit all 280 million hens rather than just 6 million Washington cluckers. The egg industry would get a nationwide standard to live by rather than a hodgepodge of state laws, and voters won’t have to make the call about how best to balance animal welfare and commerce. Would that more groups were able to settle their differences in such a way, without forcing the electorate into all-or-nothing scenarios that rarely come without major complications.”

Egg Bill Helps Consumers

It’s a rare thing in Washington when two enemies lay down their swords and work together to find a way forward. The agreement between The Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers to improve the treatment of the nation’s 280 million egg-laying hens is gaining support in Congress, and new co-sponsors are signing onto H.R. 3798 every week. The legislation, strongly supported by HSLF, has been endorsed by a wide range of diverse groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the Consumer Federation of America, state egg and poultry associations, local humane societies, and hundreds of family farmers.

The National Consumers League is one of the organizations backing the bill, and I asked the group’s executive director, Sally Greenberg, to share her thoughts in a guest blog. Here’s what she had to say about the legislation:

As the nation’s pioneer consumer group, the National Consumers League has been working on behalf of consumers since 1899. Indeed, NCL was involved in the passage of the Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906 and the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Additionally, we have worked to ensure that food is labeled honestly and clearly. Because we are so passionate about food safety and labeling, we are pleased to support a bill recently introduced in Congress called The Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012. This bill has many provisions that are good news for consumers.
                                                                                 
The legislation is the result of a very admirable agreement between The Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers. This landmark agreement between animal protection activists and the egg industry is supported by both Democrats and Republicans and would modernize the egg industry. It would phase in larger, enriched colony cages over the course of fifteen years. These cages, which give each hen nearly twice as much space as current battery cages, would allow hens to engage in natural behaviors, such as nesting.  

These larger cages are good news for two reasons. The first is a food safety issue. When hens are stressed, they have higher rates of diseases like Salmonella and Campylobacter, two common foodborne illnesses. These diseases are then spread to human beings through the eggs the hens produce. Cage-free hens have been shown to have lower rates of disease. This is due to several factors, including lower levels of stress and less crowding. It is likely that larger enriched cages will confer similar benefits, also reducing the rate of foodborne illness. 

The second issue is one of animal welfare. Bigger cages mean a better, less stressful life for the hens. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the welfare of the animals that produce their food and this bill would ensure a better life for laying hens. 

The other very important provision in this bill involves labeling. If the bill is adopted—and given its bipartisan support we fully expect it to be—egg cartons will have to bear a label describing the conditions under which the eggs were laid. This will allow consumers to choose between battery cage, enriched cage, and cage-free eggs. Any measure which empowers consumers by giving them more information to make choices is powerful and important. 

NCL is proud to stand with The Humane Society of the United States in support of this bill and we encourage you to support it as well by asking your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to sign on as co-sponsors if they haven't already. The passage of this legislation will ensure greater protections for consumers and the hens that produce their food. This bill is truly a win-win.  

 

Podcast: An Egg-Citing Bill, Rating Federal Policymakers

Today I posted the latest installment of the “Animals & Politics” podcast, hosted by Patrick Ferrise, in which we discuss the new legislation in Congress to improve the treatment of egg-laying hens, and our 2011 ratings for federal lawmakers and the Obama administration. We have an unusual alliance between animal welfare groups and the egg industry, and a unique opportunity this year to pass consensus-driven legislation to help hundreds of millions of hens nationwide. We also have to measure the outcomes on animal protection issues at the federal level in the previous year, and having yardsticks such as the 2011 Humane Scorecard allows us to chart our progress and take stock of where we are as a movement. I hope you’ll take a listen to today’s podcast by clicking here, and then take action by asking your members of Congress to support and co-sponsor H.R. 3798, the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012.

Michael Markarian - Animals & Politics Podcast #4

Losing the Taste for Shark Fins

The California Legislature this week gave final approval to A.B. 376 to ban the trade in shark fins, and sent the bill to Gov. Jerry Brown. The state Senate passed the bill with a bipartisan vote of 25-9 (with 15 Democrats and 10 Republicans supporting the measure) and the Assembly had previously approved it by a vote of 65-8 (with the support of 47 Democrats and 18 Republicans). The lopsided votes mask that the fight in the Legislature was fierce, especially in the upper chamber where Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, led opposition to the bill and falsely invoked race in the debate. The bill originated in the Assembly, and was introduced by Assemblyman Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, himself a Chinese American.

It has been a top priority of The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, and Humane Society International to crack down on the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning—cutting the fins off a shark and tossing the mutilated live animal back into the ocean to die a painful death of suffocation or blood loss—just to provide the main ingredient in a bowl of shark fin soup. We are grateful to Assemblymen Fong and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, for their leadership, and Sens. Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego, Fran Pavley, D-Santa Monica, Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, and Tony Strickland, R-Thousand Oaks, for driving the issue forward in the Senate.

Live in California? Call Gov. Jerry Brown at (916) 445-2841 and urge him to sign A.B. 376 into law to ban the trade in shark fins. Then, click here to automatically send a follow-up email to the governor reiterating your support for this bill.   

If signed into law by the governor, California will become the sixth U.S. state or territory to ban the sale of shark fin products, following laws passed since 2010 in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. It would be perhaps the most significant of the laws so far, not only because it would mean the Pacific coast of the U.S. (other than Alaska) would have a policy banning the shark fin trade, but because California is the single largest market for shark fins outside of Asia. As Sen. Kehoe told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “It’s our market here that drives the slaughter,” noting that 85 percent of dried shark fins imported to the U.S. move through California ports.

The U.S. Congress last year passed the Shark Conservation Act to strengthen federal enforcement against shark finning at sea and it was signed into law by President Obama this January. Shark finning had been illegal in U.S. waters since 2000, but major loopholes in the law rendered the ban unenforceable. For example, ships were allowed to transport fins obtained illegally as long as the sharks were not finned aboard that particular vessel. The new federal law—led by Reps. Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam, Eni Faleomavaega, D-American Samoa, and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.—requires that sharks be landed with their fins still naturally attached. It makes the ban enforceable, and strengthens the U.S. hand in international negotiations when we are calling on other nations to protect dramatically declining shark populations.

But even with strengthened enforcement at sea, we need to dry up the demand for shark fins that leads to the killing of up to 73 million sharks per year. Today, one-fifth of shark species are threatened with extinction, and some populations have declined 90 percent in the last 30 years. Sharks are apex predators who play an essential role in marine ecosystems. The cruel and ecologically devastating practice of shark finning endangers their survival—and that of the species that rely on them.

As states ban the sale of this product, and consumers and chefs choose alternatives in restaurants and banquet halls, we can reduce the demand for this cruel and wasteful killing and turn the problem around for sharks. We can’t allow the continued mass slaughter of these important ocean predators just for a bowl of soup.

A Fin-Tastic Day at the Capitol

The Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” wrapped up earlier this month, but yesterday was Shark Day at the California legislature. More than 100 animal advocates from across the state gathered at the capitol in Sacramento, many carrying stuffed toy sharks and wearing shark t-shirts, to advocate for A.B. 376. The legislation to ban the sale of shark fins, introduced by Assemblymembers Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, and Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, passed the Assembly in May by a vote of 65-8, and is now pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Actress Bo Derek was among the lobbying team, and joined members of WildAid, The HSUS, Asian Pacific American Ocean Harmony Alliance, and other groups in speaking to lawmakers about the proposed shark fin ban. As Derek told the committee, “Sharks have been around for nearly 400 million years, and yet many stocks may be wiped out in a single human generation due to the increasing demand for shark fins.”

Shark Day at the California Legislature
photo: Jennifer Fearing

Tens of millions of sharks are killed every year to supply the cruel and wasteful trade in shark fins used for shark fin soup. They’re obtained by cutting the fins off the shark and throwing the animal, often while still alive, back into the ocean to die a slow death. Sharks are our ocean’s top predators and are important for the health of all other marine species and our entire ocean ecosystems.

It’s one of the most wasteful forms of killing and unsustainable destruction of our ocean wildlife—all for a bowl of soup. In the last couple years, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands have all passed legislation to stem the tide of sharks being killed for their fins, and a federal bill signed by President Obama strengthens the enforcement of shark finning laws at sea. 

Now California must join its Pacific neighbors in stopping shark finning and extinction, especially because the state is the biggest market for shark fins outside of Asia. If you live in California, please take action and ask your state senator to support A.B. 376.

Blog Favorites So Far in 2010

I’m always curious about which blog posts resonate most with you—the readers. Traffic to my blog is a good indicator of what subjects are top of mind for animal advocates. So, below, I list the top ten most popular blog posts so far for the first half of 2010. In first place (by a mile) is my January blog on the release of our 2009 Humane Scorecard. Many of you want to know where your legislators stand on key animal protection issues—and our annual report card is a great place to start. My take on a major cockfighting raid earlier this year in Texas, and the lawmaker who derailed legislation to upgrade the state’s anti-cockfighting law, came in second, followed by my post on Animal Planet’s airing of the 24th Genesis Awards, an uplifting celebration of the people in the news and entertainment industries who use their extraordinary talents to advance animal issues.

You’ve enjoyed the Q&A interviews with advocates who are making a difference for animals, such as Angela Moxley of Small Angels Rescue and Sarah Baeckler of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, as well as hearing what other blog readers had to say in the “Talk Back” entry. The critical public policy issues for animal protection in Congress caught your attention, whether it’s our work to promote the development of alternatives to animal testing, crack down on the brutal practice of shark finning, or strengthen penalties for the killing of federally protected raptors. Finally, rounding out the list is my post about the extraordinary benefits of factory farming reforms—for both animals and rural communities.

1. Hot Off the Press: The 2009 Humane Scorecard
2. A Taste for Cruelty
3. Watch The Genesis Awards this Weekend
4. A Pathway to End Animal Testing
5. Even the Smallest Creatures
6. Talk Back: Greyhounds, Puppies and Acts of Kindness
7. The Lucky Seven: Q&A with Sarah Baeckler
8. Increasing Penalties for Killing Protected Birds
9. The Finning Must End
10. How Farm Animal Reforms Also Benefit Residents