News
HSUS, United Egg agree on federal standards
The chairman of the United Egg Producers says today is an historic moment as the egg industry agrees with the Humane Society of the United States – to improve the environment of all egg laying hens through enriched cage systems. Until now, the HSUS has called for cage-free egg production. At a news conference this morning, Bob Krouse, a family farmer in Northern Indiana, said their memorandum of understanding with the HSUS – calling for a national standard through federal legislation – is a natural progression of animal agriculture’s commitment to animal care.
The agreement calls for increasing the size of cages from 67 inches to 124 inches of enriched cage space over the next 15 to 18 years for all egg laying hens in the U.S.
HSUS president Wayne Pacelle said the unprecedented agreement pushing for a national standard means the HSUS will cease litigation and planned ballot measures in Washington and Oregon. Pacelle says this agreement also means an end to its “undercover videos.” He said that it’s clear that “the American public supports animal agriculture and it supports animal welfare” and this agreement satisfies both – and it’s the “clearest way forward.”
Krouse says the UEP is “committed to working together for the good of the hens” in its care. He says “a national standard is far superior than a patchwork of state laws and regulations that would be cumbersome” for their customers and “confusing to consumers.”
If passed, the legislation would supersede state laws that have already been passed – in Arizona, California, Michigan and Ohio – requiring increased space and environmental enrichments for egg laying hens.
The UEP estimates the changes will cost producers an estimated 4-Billion dollars.
The UEP estimates the changes will cost producers an estimated 4-Billion dollars and says that will mean increased costs for consumers. But, Krouse says consumers have demonstrated that they are willing to pay more for non-conventionally produced eggs.
The National Pork Producers Council says a one-size-fits-all national standard that preempts state regulations on animal agriculture would be a dangerous precedent for poultry and livestock producers.
AUDIO: Wayne Pacelle (HSUS), Bob Krouse (UEP), others (59:00 mp3)
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How can Wayne Pacell promise that Farm Sanctuary, Mercy for Animals and the other groups will not create “undercover videos” unless he himself controls all of these groups? Now he controls your group too..
“My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.” JP Goodwin, employed at the Humane Society of the US,
“We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding. . One generation and out. We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding.” Wayne Pacelle, Senior VP of Humane Society of the US,
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There is truly no benefit in more space for chickens according to the latest scientific articles but it seems people would bend to a wealthy vegan animal rights social movement in what THEY and their philosophical movement dictates. It seems to be more about anti capitalism than anything else in the end. To dictate what people eat, what animals can be owned, shutting down business who are involved in the animal industry, and taking people’s property is something we would have seen during the Hitler era. To propose a vegan lifestyle for the world seems out of place for a “chairty” organization. Not sure but an investigation by the IRS may seem appropriate, in many of the animal rights charities, maybe the FBI investigation would reveal some interesting facts – but sure we will never see that occur. It seems that when our Attorney Generals are awarded by animal rights organizations, and our government officials awarded by the animal rights organizations with donations to our candidates, makes one wonder if we are in the USA anymore.
truly shocking to see the egg producers of our great country knuckle under to an animal rights vegan group who bully, threaten and whose goal is the eventual ELIMINATION of animal agriculture
In this day and age when the cheapest protein source for our poorest humans, the children and the elderly is the protein found in eggs we see an animal rights group pressure the UEP into making that very source more expensive and out of reach by threats of initiatives and incessant lobbying of lies and edited videos
it is a sad day in the agriculture industry. You should all hand your heads in shame. This is the very worst of ‘sleeping with he enemy”. You have traded the idea that farmers and ranchers know what is best for animals for a pack of promises that no one really believes will be kept. The “end of undercover videos”? Surely you do not believe this.
Customers are not stupid, nor are they confused but it seems the UEP does not give credit where credit is due and is running.. well like a scared chicken who says.. the sky is falling..