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Current Animal Welfare Trends & Tactics
Kay Johnson SmithKay Johnson SmithExecutive Vice PresidentExecutive Vice President
NASDA Animal & Plant Industries CommitteeNASDA Animal & Plant Industries Committee
Washington, DCWashington, DC
February 21, 2009February 21, 2009
The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s RoleA national umbrella
organization that:
Connects stakeholders –nationally & internationally - providing the greatest network across the animal food chain;
Educates the public by bringing truthful, science-based information to consumers to better their understanding of animal agriculture’s importance to their quality of life and our nation’s security
Protects consumers’ right to choose their foods, along with farmers’ and ranchers’ right & ability to raise animals in the most humane way.
20082008
Activists Made Significant GainsActivists Made Significant Gains
Undercover Employment “Investigations”Undercover Employment “Investigations”
Passage of California Prop 2 Passage of California Prop 2
20092009
Challenges will be Greater than EverChallenges will be Greater than Ever
RetailersRestaurants
FoodHealthScares
HumaneEducation
Religious& Thought
Leaders
Impacts of CAFOs
Using AgExperts
Lawsuits
PurchasingStock
ViolenceTerrorism
UndercoverEmployment
& Video
Animal Ag & Food
Animal Agriculture Under Siege
Legislation/ Ballot
Initiatives
TechnologyScares
Internet/Youth
$300 Million/Year +
Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public
Health Center for a Livable Future
$3.4 Million Study Funded $3.4 Million Study Funded by Pew Charitable Trustsby Pew Charitable Trusts
Ad in The Politico, Feb 11, 2009
http://saveantibiotics.org/resources/Pigs-Peanuts-ad.pdf
Feeding human antibiotics to hogs makes salmonella harder to cure. The Problem Beyond the Peanuts.
For the hundreds of Americans who have been sickened by salmonella-tainted peanut products, life-saving antibiotics are helping to prevent a catastrophe. But if we don’t change our livestock feeding practices, soon the salmonella may win. …Learn more at SaveAntibiotics.org.
Wayne Pacelle: A Humane NationJanuary 19, 2009
We Need Your Vote on Components of “Change Agenda for Animals”
With the changing of the guard at the White House comes the prospect of new possibilities for moving our goals forward, and to mark this latest transfer of power, The HSUS and the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) are advancing a 100-point “Change Agenda for Animals.”
Never before has the animal protection movement so carefully articulated a vast array of critical animal protection reforms in the domains of so many federal agencies—Agriculture, Interior, Commerce, Defense, Health and Human Services, State, and others. It is a road map for reform…
Activists’ National Legislative GoalsActivists’ National Legislative Goals Amend AW Act to include Farm AnimalsAmend AW Act to include Farm Animals
Establish Federal Animal Welfare GuidelinesEstablish Federal Animal Welfare Guidelines
Farm Animal Anti-Cruelty Act – Federal PenaltiesFarm Animal Anti-Cruelty Act – Federal Penalties
Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing ActFarm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act
Banning of Antibiotics for Farm AnimalsBanning of Antibiotics for Farm Animals
Criminalizing Transportation & Selling of Horses Criminalizing Transportation & Selling of Horses Intended for Slaughter – HR 503Intended for Slaughter – HR 503
Pushing for Transportation Regulations for Farm Pushing for Transportation Regulations for Farm AnimalsAnimals
Repeal of AETARepeal of AETA
Activists State Legislative GoalsActivists State Legislative Goals
Pressure state legislatures to pass AW legislationPressure state legislatures to pass AW legislation
Ballot Initiative Campaigns in more states: OH, MI, MA, ME?Ballot Initiative Campaigns in more states: OH, MI, MA, ME? Ban production systems or practices (gestation stalls, veal stalls, Ban production systems or practices (gestation stalls, veal stalls,
layer hen cages, etc.)layer hen cages, etc.)
Ban/Limit New Farms or Expansion (Pew Report used as one basis)Ban/Limit New Farms or Expansion (Pew Report used as one basis)
Animal Guardian Initiatives – gaining Animal Guardian Initiatives – gaining rightsrights for animals for animals
Banning Sales & Consumption of Food Products (foie gras, trans Banning Sales & Consumption of Food Products (foie gras, trans fats, next?)fats, next?)
Ballot Initiative StatesBallot Initiative States
X
X
O
O
X
X- Animal rights initiatives passed-FL, AZ, CA, MA
O- Legislative Action taken to set farm production standards - some to avoid animal rights ballot initiatives – NJ, CO, OR
XO
HSUS at work in Midwestern state legislaturesMonday, February 9, 2009, 3:25 PM
by Dave Russell and Ken Anderson
Pacelle tells Brownfield that their Humane Lobby Days are nothing new and each state has its own legislative agenda.
“Last year we helped pass 93 news laws to advance animal welfare in the states, and we have worked in Congress for a long time to address these issues,” Pacelle said. “The issues are evolving and I think political leaders recognize that the public is ready for reform, then the concern ripens and action may be taken.”
And while no ballot initiatives, like Proposition 2, which passed this past November in California, are planned, it is certainly something HSUS will be evaluating.
“We’ll see how things go in the states and we hope to reach common agreements,” said the HSUS President. “But if we do reach an impasse, then certainly the ballot initiative is an option in states where the constitution allows for that decision making process.”
HSUS Humane Lobby DaysHSUS Humane Lobby DaysFebruary 26, 2009February 26, 2009 ArizonaMarch 10, 2009 Tennessee
March 26, 2009 Delaware
March 30, 2009March 30, 2009 New York New York
March 31, 2009March 31, 2009 MaineMaine VermontVermont Pennsylvania Michigan VermontVermont WisconsinWisconsin AlabamaAlabama OklahomaOklahoma Rhode IslandRhode Island
April 2, 2009April 2, 2009 West VirginiaWest Virginia Florida Texas
April 14, 2009April 14, 2009 MassachusettsMassachusetts
Current State Legislative ProposalsCurrent State Legislative Proposals
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINAGENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINAHOUSE BILL 27*HOUSE BILL 27*
AN ACT TO REGULATE THE EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS AND TO PROHIBITAN ACT TO REGULATE THE EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS AND TO PROHIBITSPECIFIED METHODS OF EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALSSPECIFIED METHODS OF EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS
""§ 19A-24. Powers of Board of Agriculture.§ 19A-24. Powers of Board of Agriculture.The Board of Agriculture shall:…The Board of Agriculture shall:…
Adopt rules on the euthanasia of animals in the possession or custody Adopt rules on the euthanasia of animals in the possession or custody
possession, custody, or control of any person required to obtain a certificatepossession, custody, or control of any person required to obtain a certificate
of registration under this Article. G.S. 19A-26. The rules shall, effectiveof registration under this Article. G.S. 19A-26. The rules shall, effective
until January 1, 2011, be consistent with the method and delivery of method until January 1, 2011, be consistent with the method and delivery of method approved by the approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Humane Society of the United States, or the American Humane Society of the United States, or the American Humane Association…Humane Association…
Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton, Allen (Primary Sponsors); Cole, Dickson, Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton, Allen (Primary Sponsors); Cole, Dickson, Earle, Faison, Goforth, Haire, McElraft, Moore, and Earle, Faison, Goforth, Haire, McElraft, Moore, and
Underhill.Underhill.
Referred to: Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Referred to: Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
February 3, 2009February 3, 2009
Current State Legislative ProposalsCurrent State Legislative Proposals96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of IllinoisState of Illinois2009 and 2010SB13372009 and 2010SB1337 Introduced 2/10/2009, by Sen. James A. DeLeoIntroduced 2/10/2009, by Sen. James A. DeLeo Summary:Summary: 510 ILCS 70/3.03-5 new 510 ILCS 70/3.03-5 new
Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Prohibits a person Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Prohibits a person from tethering or confining any covered animal, on a farm, for from tethering or confining any covered animal, on a farm, for all or the majority of any day, in a manner that prevents the all or the majority of any day, in a manner that prevents the animal from (i) lying down, standing up, and fully extending his animal from (i) lying down, standing up, and fully extending his or her limbs or (ii) turning around freely. or her limbs or (ii) turning around freely.
Creates exemptions from this requirement for (i) scientific or agricultural research; Creates exemptions from this requirement for (i) scientific or agricultural research; (ii) examination, testing, individual treatment, or operation for veterinary (ii) examination, testing, individual treatment, or operation for veterinary purposes; (iii) transportation; and (iv) rodeo exhibitions, State or county fair purposes; (iii) transportation; and (iv) rodeo exhibitions, State or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, and similar exhibitions. exhibitions, 4-H programs, and similar exhibitions.
Provides that any person who violates this requirement is guilty of a Class C Provides that any person who violates this requirement is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine not to exceed misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine not to exceed $500, or by imprisonment not to exceed 180 days, or both. $500, or by imprisonment not to exceed 180 days, or both.
Current State Legislative ProposalsCurrent State Legislative Proposals
California Bill Takes Aim at Dairy Cow MutilationCalifornia Bill Takes Aim at Dairy Cow Mutilation SACRAMENTO (Feb. 13, 2009)—In the nation’s number-SACRAMENTO (Feb. 13, 2009)—In the nation’s number-
one dairy state, animal welfare and public health experts one dairy state, animal welfare and public health experts and agriculture scientists have urged support for a new and agriculture scientists have urged support for a new bill to prevent an all-too-common type of mutilation of bill to prevent an all-too-common type of mutilation of dairy cows. dairy cows.
California Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez introduced California Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez introduced legislation, SB 135, to ban the painful and unnecessary legislation, SB 135, to ban the painful and unnecessary tail docking of dairy cows.tail docking of dairy cows.
States Considering Legislation to Open or States Considering Legislation to Open or Support Horse Slaughter Facilities/MarketsSupport Horse Slaughter Facilities/Markets
Montana - Bill Number: Mt H.B. 418Montana - Bill Number: Mt H.B. 418- provides ability to open a new horse slaughter facility- provides ability to open a new horse slaughter facility
North Dakota: Bill Number: ND H.B. 1496North Dakota: Bill Number: ND H.B. 1496- designates money to study the possible opening of a horse slaughterhouse - designates money to study the possible opening of a horse slaughterhouse
Wyoming: Bill Number: WY HJR 8Wyoming: Bill Number: WY HJR 8- requests Congress not interfere with shipment and slaughter of unwanted - requests Congress not interfere with shipment and slaughter of unwanted horses (Canada, Mexico)horses (Canada, Mexico)
Associated Press, February 10, 2009
HELENA, Mont. — A Montana legislator is sponsoring a bill that would clear the way for a horse slaughterhouse in the state, if investors want to build one.The United States no longer has a slaughterhouse where horses are processed, but there are facilities in Canada and Mexico that receive U.S. horses.Republican legislator Ed Butcher of Lewistown says doing the work stateside makes more sense. He says that would help people who need to dispose of horses, and would strengthen Montana's economy.
Announced on February 10, 2009Announced on February 10, 2009
Toledo Toledo Thinking Outside of the CrateThinking Outside of the Crate Talk Talk
Tuesday, March 24, 2009Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Join Mercy For Animals for a free presentation by Dean Vickers, the Join Mercy For Animals for a free presentation by Dean Vickers, the Humane Society of the United States' State Director for Ohio. Humane Society of the United States' State Director for Ohio.
This year, legislation will be introduced in Ohio to phase out the cruel This year, legislation will be introduced in Ohio to phase out the cruel confinement of farmed pigs, chickens and cows. Learn how you can confinement of farmed pigs, chickens and cows. Learn how you can help pass this vital legislation. For more information on this event, help pass this vital legislation. For more information on this event, please email MFA's Toledo Regional Coordinator, Heather Gillen, or please email MFA's Toledo Regional Coordinator, Heather Gillen, or call her at 419-304-4948. call her at 419-304-4948.
Where:Where: Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave, Toledo, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave, Toledo, OH OH
When:When: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Current State Legislative ProposalsCurrent State Legislative Proposals
Beyond Legislative EffortsBeyond Legislative Efforts
Campaigns Targeting Business – making newsCampaigns Targeting Business – making news
Undercover Hires “Reporting” - playing on media & public’s love affair with animals
Threatening Letters sent to Producers/Processors, claiming cruelty Lawsuits Continued push on retailers
Stock Purchase - Shareholder Resolutions (Hormel, Pfizer, California Pizza Kitchen, McDonald’s, many more)
Growing Violence Directed at Food Chain
For Animal Ag to Succeed into the For Animal Ag to Succeed into the Future, We Must Be Proactive Future, We Must Be Proactive
NOWNOW
Important Things To KnowImportant Things To KnowAll species groups have developed All species groups have developed
science-based Animal Welfare science-based Animal Welfare Guidelines on farm & in processing Guidelines on farm & in processing facilitiesfacilities
Many have developed guidelines for Many have developed guidelines for animal care & well-being during animal care & well-being during transport (cattle, swine); others are transport (cattle, swine); others are working on itworking on it
Many programs require producers and Many programs require producers and transporters be certified; others are transporters be certified; others are developing similar programsdeveloping similar programs
All groups have progressive environmental All groups have progressive environmental management programsmanagement programs
Alliance brochure providing summary of industry-driven Animal Welfare Programs
Things You Can You DoThings You Can You Do
Help Animal Agriculture Tell Its Story – Ensure Help Animal Agriculture Tell Its Story – Ensure Your Residents Understand Agriculture’s Your Residents Understand Agriculture’s Commitment and Shared Values Commitment and Shared Values
–– Consumers, Retailers, Legislators, Community, Local Law Consumers, Retailers, Legislators, Community, Local Law Enforcement, MediaEnforcement, Media
National Milk Producers Federation and Dairy Management Inc. Announce National Dairy FARM Program
Release Date: January 21, 2009
Program designed to bolster consumer trust and confidence in the U.S. dairy industry and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the highest levels of animal care and quality assurance Washington, DC – The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) have announced the introduction of the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management…
The Animal Agriculture Alliance Can be a The Animal Agriculture Alliance Can be a ResourceResource
Broadest Network of Stakeholders Across Food Chain
International Animal Welfare Issues OIE – Alliance is industry coordinator & liaison to USDA
Industry Response to Pew Commission Report Alliance is industry coalition coordinator Talking Points Third Party Experts
Fact Sheets on: Animal Welfare Guidelines Program – all species Animal Agriculture & Public Health Animal Agriculture & Environment Antibiotics in Farm Animals (Antimicrobial Resistance Issues) Controlled Atmosphere Stunning
The Animal Agriculture Alliance Can The Animal Agriculture Alliance Can be a Resourcebe a Resource
Security & Antiterrorism Resources Media Resources Alliance Social Networking Sites – FaceBook,
YouTube Consumer Oriented Videos on Animal Ag Collegiate Blog Ambassadors Program Educational Materials & Programs
