 February 19, 2008 |
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| U.S. Cattlemen’s Assoc. Condemns Inhumane Animal Handling Practices | |
Contact: Jess Peterson 202/870-3867 |
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| USCA (February 19, 2008) - The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) today condemned the inhumane animal practices at Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company, Chino, Calif., now under investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The following statements can be attributed to Jon Wooster, USCA President, San Lucas, Calif.
"Cattle producers across the nation are sickened and repulsed by the display of animal cruelty captured on video film at the Hallmark/Westland plant. We condemn these sorts of egregious practices in no uncertain terms. Cattlemen and women want the consuming public to understand that we work every day to provide our cattle herds with the very best management and care and that what has been captured on film is not an accepted practice in the live cattle industry. "Many unanswered questions remain as to how this happened and why it was permitted to continue over a period of time. Many people want to know what the role of shift supervisors and USDA inspectors and veterinarians was in these events. A federal investigation has been launched and all the answers will not be known until the process is completed. "What we do know today is that the largest beef recall in history is now underway and that the ramifications of what has happened could be very serious for the industry. We also know that a number of policy-makers are weighing in on this matter. Some are calling for congressional hearings. Domestic and international customers expect the industry and its oversight agency to get to the bottom of what has happened and correct the deficiencies that allowed this to occur. "It is readily apparent that a systematic approach must be taken to improve animal welfare within the meat packing industry. Obviously, there’s a need to examine animal handling regulation and enforcement. "Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer has expressed his dismay at the inhumane handling of cattle at Hallmark/Westland resulting in probable violations of food safety regulations. He has taken the appropriate steps to suspend inspections at the affected plant, and to recover and destroy any product manufactured in violation of federal law. USCA supports him in his efforts. "U.S. cattle producers raise a safe, wholesome product for consumers and we share their deep concern with animal welfare. USCA supports a full investigation into the Hallmark/Westland matter. We expect the investigation to be conducted thoroughly and expeditiously and that the results be made public. The easy thing to do is place blame and point fingers. The more important action is to get to the bottom of how this happened and fix the problem permanently." |
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