USMEF Humane Handling Statement

USMEF Humane Handling Statement

By Philip Seng
USMEF President & CEO

The recent video documenting inexcusable abuse of animals at an Iowa hog facility is evidence that there remains a need for animal welfare training and education. And when those fail, we must enforce our laws that are designed to protect animals from any cruelty, neglect or mistreatment.

There are thousands of animal handling facilities throughout the United States, and we know that instances like the one depicted in this video are far from the norm. However, videos like this do a service to our industry because they show that there is still a job to do. We cannot and must not rest until crimes like this are prevented.

Animal welfare is not an issue that is unique to the United States. Global meat industry executives will be gathering in Chicago for the International Meat Secretariat meeting early next year, and animal welfare is at the top of the agenda along with ethical and environmentally friendly meat production. Similarly, U.S. agriculture leaders will be addressing a variety of timely issues including animal well-being at the Center for Food Integrity meeting in Indianapolis next month.

It is important to understand that the groups like PETA that produce these videos are committed to removing meat from our diet. We do not support their objectives, as meat is a critical source of protein and an important part of a balanced and healthy diet. However, videos like this are an important reminder of what we need to do to ensure that our industry is operating in the most humane and ethical manner possible.

USMEF Humane Handling Statement

By Philip Seng
USMEF President & CEO

The recent video documenting inexcusable abuse of animals at an Iowa hog facility is evidence that there remains a need for animal welfare training and education. And when those fail, we must enforce our laws that are designed to protect animals from any cruelty, neglect or mistreatment.

There are thousands of animal handling facilities throughout the United States, and we know that instances like the one depicted in this video are far from the norm. However, videos like this do a service to our industry because they show that there is still a job to do. We cannot and must not rest until crimes like this are prevented.

Animal welfare is not an issue that is unique to the United States. Global meat industry executives will be gathering in Chicago for the International Meat Secretariat meeting early next year, and animal welfare is at the top of the agenda along with ethical and environmentally friendly meat production. Similarly, U.S. agriculture leaders will be addressing a variety of timely issues including animal well-being at the Center for Food Integrity meeting in Indianapolis next month.

It is important to understand that the groups like PETA that produce these videos are committed to removing meat from our diet. We do not support their objectives, as meat is a critical source of protein and an important part of a balanced and healthy diet. However, videos like this are an important reminder of what we need to do to ensure that our industry is operating in the most humane and ethical manner possible.