Making Hay

Smithfield Investigation Shines Light on Pervasive Animal Cruelty: Your Action Needed

 

By Gene

Recently, the Humane Society of the U.S. released undercover video exposing inhumane conditions at a Smithfield breeding farm where sows are confined in crates in warehouses, unable to move or engage in basic natural behaviors. Across the U.S., more than 5 million female sows are used for breeding, and they live most of their lives in “gestation crates,” 2-foot-wide metal enclosures where the animals are so severely confined that they cannot walk or even turn around. These conditions are so cruel that they are banned across Europe, and they are also now illegal in several U.S. states as well.

In 2007, after Arizona became the second U.S. state to ban gestation crates, Smithfield, the world’s largest pork producer, publicly announced that they would phase out gestation crates, and they gave themselves a generous 10 year period in which to do so. Then, just two years later in 2009, Smithfield went back on their public announcement and said they didn’t intend to meet their goal of phasing out crates in 10 years.

For more than a decade, Farm Sanctuary has worked to end the use of gestation crates in the U.S. The first law banning gestation crates in America was passed in Florida in 2002. In 2006, Arizona became the second state to ban these cruel devices, and since then, Oregon, Colorado, California, Maine, and Michigan have outlawed gestation crates. There is currently an agreement in place to prohibit these inhumane devices in Ohio as well.

It is unconscionable that animals are treated like mere units of production on factory farms. Like all animals, farm animals have feelings and they deserve to be treated with respect; agribusiness needs to be reminded of that fact. Please contact Smithfield and urge them to make good on their promise to phase out gestation crates. There is no excuse for animal abuse.

 

Justice Near for Pennsylvania Pigs: Farm Owner Charged with 832 Counts of Animal Cruelty

 

By Gene

For more than 832 animals who died a horrific and lonely death in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, justice may be near. Daniel Clark, the farm owner who allegedly abandoned hundreds of pigs dependent on him for their very survival, has been charged with 832 counts of animal cruelty. To all who took action by contacting the district attorney and urging prosecution, we thank you for speaking up and being these pigs’ voice.

According to the criminal complaint, which was filed by Pennsylvania State Police last Thursday, Clark was the sole caretaker responsible for the pigs on his Fulton County property, but he “le[ft] them to die” without adequate food, water or shelter. The pigs were likely subjected to freezing temperatures while confined in a barn with no means of escape and no one to help them. Authorities believe that Clark may have left the property as early as February 2009, though the animals' bodies were left undiscovered until just last month.

Because the animals were found in varying states of decay, it was difficult for authorities to assess the magnitude of this tragedy. Early reports estimated the number of deceased pigs at 925 to 1000. Later reports indicated the number may have been nearer to 500. Several of the bodies were so decomposed that authorities were unable to determine some of the animals’ species, though investigators suspect at least six of the 832 animals who perished may have been calves. 

Though we are encouraged that authorities are taking this case seriously by holding Clark responsible, whether justice will be truly served is yet to be seen. Under Pennsylvania law, each of the 832 counts of cruelty carries a minimum fine of only $50, highlighting how unfairly farm animals can be treated in a society that exploits them for food and all too often fails to recognize them as living, feeling individuals. The maximum sentence for each animal cruelty count, however, is up to $750 and 90 days in jail and we remain hopeful that maximum allowable penalties will be enforced.

At best, the resolution of this heartbreaking case of unconscionable cruelty will stand as a reminder that the public cares about farm animals and demands that they be treated with compassion and respect. We will continue to follow this case, taking action on the animals’ behalf where possible, and we will keep you updated.

 

‘Tis the Season to Spread Compassion

 

By Gene

The holiday season is upon us, and that often means a time to gather with loved ones, and share food, gifts and stories. While seeing friends and family for the holidays can be a blessing, it can also be difficult for vegetarians and vegans. It can be upsetting when someone opens a new pair of leather boots, or when a ham is brought to the dinner table. In these moments, remember to live by example; a compassionate world begins with you.

When the holidays roll around, you can make a huge difference simply by offering plant-based meal options. Offer to host the meal or bring a vegan side-dish to the table. The people in your life should have a chance to experience the same wonderful food you experience every day. This may also spark conversation about the compassionate lifestyle you live. Remember, be understanding of your loved ones and don’t get graphic at the dinner table. But use the opportunity to gently explain why you believe all animals have inherent worth.

You can also show your family the worth of farm animals by making this year’s gifts symbolic through farm animal sponsorships. Through our Adopt-A-Farm-Animal Project, you can introduce your loved ones to the distinct personality of a hen, or the playful spirit of a goat.

The holidays are also a great time to reach out to strangers. Organize a leafleting, set up a table, and draft a letter to the editor. For more tips on holiday activism, check out our Holiday Survival Guide.

Above all, remember kindness is key. The individuals in our lives are caring people. We can help them live out those values in all aspects of their lives. This holiday season, inspire those around you to live compassionately.

Mainstreaming a Compassionate Thanksgiving

 

by Gene

Thanksgiving is a difficult holiday for vegetarians and vegans in the U.S. Tens of millions of turkeys are mercilessly and violently slaughtered, so consumers across the nation can sit down to a feast that is supposed to be about gratitude and the celebration of life. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has sought to challenge this troubling and ethically inconsistent tradition, and to replace it with a compassionate alternative that is more closely aligned with the spirit of the holiday. We celebrate and honor the lives of rescued turkeys through our Adopt-A-Turkey Project. At our sanctuaries in Watkins Glen, N.Y. and Orland, Calif., we have Celebrations FOR the Turkeys, where we feed our rescued turkeys their very own Thanksgiving feast, while we dine on a delectable vegan meal. We also place rescued turkeys in good homes through our Turkey Express and encourage citizens across the U.S. to sponsor rescued turkeys who live at Farm Sanctuary.

A huge part of the Adopt-A-Turkey Project since its inception almost 25 years ago has been media outreach to educate the public about the way turkeys are raised on commercial farms and to encourage people to celebrate a compassionate feast. Over the years, I’ve done hundreds of interviews with various broadcast and print media, including national network television as well as local newspapers and radio stations. In the past, belligerent radio personalities have derided and demeaned our efforts to save turkeys from slaughter. One radio station even played turkey gobbles over my voice as I spoke, drowning out my words as the radio hosts joked. Turkeys, and those who speak out for them and other farm animals, have had an uphill climb. But, things are changing. With growing awareness about the many abuses of factory farming, there is a new mainstream support for reforming the system, and the tone of media interviews about our Thanksgiving efforts have shifted in a more positive and respectful direction. This year, the number of people sponsoring turkeys through Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project doubled over last year, our press coverage on the project increased exponentially, and vegetarian Thanksgiving feasts are now part of the mainstream conscience.

We still have a long way to go, but as members of the media and a growing segment of the population begin to acknowledge that killing animals is a serious issue, and unnecessary, we are turning a corner. For all who participated in the Adopt-A-Turkey Project this year, we thank you for helping to make this holiday a more compassionate one for all.