Cyndi's Two Cents
HSUS chipping away at animal ag
Commentary.
In just ten years, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has had a greater impact on animal agriculture in the United States than any other non-government organization of which I am aware. A gang of radical animal rights activists all dressed up in suits and ties has, in a single decade, convinced CEO’s at nearly 100 major food companies that they know more about raising livestock than veterinarians, researchers, farmers and ranchers.
Early last week, one of the world’s largest hotel chains announced it will phase out the use of eggs from caged chickens or pork originating from farms where pregnant sows have been kept in gestation stalls. Hilton Worldwide made the announcement in conjunction with HSUS.
Hilton’s announcement is one of many in a line of corporate policy changes that has been released in recent months. Aramark, Compass Group and Sodexo – the country’s largest food service providers – announced recently a commitment to phase out the use of eggs from caged chickens. Marriott, Sonic, Starbucks, Burger King, Panera Bread, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Krispy Kreme, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., Nestle, Unilever, IHOP and Applebee are names we all recognize and might frequent who have committed to some level of phasing out of either the use of eggs from caged chickens or pork originating from farms where gestation stalls have been used for pregnant sows.
It is disappointing to know that executives so successful in business put so much trust in a fund-raising organization that employs many who do not eat meat and whose goal it is to prevent everyone else from eating meat. It is frustrating and disappointing to hear so many of the spokespeople from companies such as these say they are “reacting to consumer demand.” I don’t believe that. Follow a consumer around for a day and you’ll see consumer behavior does not match what they are being told by HSUS.
It is disconcerting to see so many really smart people buy into the misinformation that was dreamed up by this animal rights group. It is unfortunate that people with no experience raising farm animals can raise enough money to fund their crusade. It is troubling that a person who has never spent days, weeks, months or years with gestating and farrowing sows is able to convince major food companies that they know more about what a pregnant sow wants than a hog farmer does.
I love living in a country where people have choices. I love going to the grocery store and seeing shelves filled with a vast assortment of meats, eggs, milk, poultry, fruits and vegetables. I don’t mind paying more for milk in a glass bottle from a local creamery. I would mind if I had no choice but to purchase milk in a glass bottle from a local creamery.
In ten years, HSUS has managed to change the minds of nearly 100 food companies who purchase products from animals that are raised on farms in this country. HSUS has convinced nearly 100 food companies that they are the experts on animal agriculture. Does that make you uncomfortable? It should.
Tags: Animal Rights, HSUS
Extremely well said. Go Cyndi !!