Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

Talk Back: Veal Calf Cruelty

See footage from the latest HSUS undercover investigation.

The reaction to The HSUS’s latest undercover investigation exposing callous animal cruelty at a Vermont slaughter plant was universal: absolute disgust, especially when readers found out that a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector failed to stop gross abuses of infant calves and that the plant’s co-owner joined in on the abuse. Today, I post some of your responses.

But first I wanted to share an update on Arkansas hoarder Tammy Hanson, whose case I've chronicled on the blog. On Wednesday, an Arkansas judge sentenced Hanson to one year in prison, plus $18,000 in fines, court costs, and restitution, in connection with her 2006 conviction on multiple charges of cruelty to animals. Together with her husband, William Hanson, she kept more than 500 dogs in terrible circumstances at her property in Gamaliel, Ark., which law enforcement authorities raided in October 2005. The Hansons fled to Vermont, and Tammy Hanson was arrested there in July of this year and subsequently extradited. William Hanson is in jail in Missouri fighting extradition to Arkansas at this time. The HSUS played a major role in the Hanson case at all stages, and I am pleased to report that there has been a reckoning.

Your comments on the investigation:

Wayne, thank you for putting HSUS money into undercover investigations. These horrors must be exposed over and over again to wake up the public and the government to the truth of what is going on behind slaughterhouse and factory farm walls. —Janet Hamilton

Sorry Wayne, I just couldn't watch this video after reading your message. Just reading your words sickened me and made my skin crawl knowing how these poor little babies suffer. I have never eaten veal and always ask those who do if they know what veal is...most answer no. This story is a heart crusher. Will the cruelty of animals ever stop? —Nancy Ball

Kudos to the HSUS and a big "thank you" to the undercover investigator who had to bear witness to this. The footage is extremely difficult to watch; I'm sure it was a very distressing assignment. Those of us who love and care about animals appreciate the sacrifice he/she made. It's these kinds of investigations and results that make me proud to be a HSUS supporter. —Del

Those who obtain undercover footage of animals being abused are heroes. Very few people would be up for the challenge. It's these videos that provide the proof and can lead to convictions, closures, and a shift of public perception. It is awesome that officials as high up as the Agriculture Secretary have condemned the abuse at this Vermont facility. Let's keep working to end veal production altogether, in each and every state. —Charley

I am so sickened by this. I sit at my desk at work in tears and unable to speak. These poor defenseless creatures. Is it not bad enough they are basically sent to slaughter right after birth, but they are also treated with such unspeakable cruelty? What is wrong with these people doing this? It scares me to know they walk the Earth. I have such hatred in my heart for these individuals and such despair that humans are capable of this. I will not forget these images anytime soon. Thank you for your hard work and for bringing this to light. —Cyndee H.

I am so thankful that this plant was shut down. Thank you HSUS investigator for taking the risk and filming this horrendous abuse. How often people make the claim that because USDA inspectors are present the animals are slaughtered humanely. Nonsense. Some of them are just putting in their time and look the other way or, worse yet, watch the abuse. —Craig

Talk Back: Queen Tillie, 50 Things To Do

Many readers responded with excitement to a before and after story posted last week about a senior Chihuahua who was among more than 700 dogs rescued from a Kaufman County, Texas puppy mill in August. Here are some of your comments about Queen Tillie:

Reading this article and seeing this “after” picture just brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful that sweet little Tillie has a loving forever home! This just brings total joy to my heart! —Denay Kelley

See how much of a difference love can bring to an animal even when he or she has gone through much pain and suffering. What a darling little dog Tillie is and I am so happy she FINALLY has a good family to care for her. It will be a great day when there are no more puppy mills anywhere! —Misty Hay

I can relate to the story of Tillie. We have eight little dogs of our own, most Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix. We also do little dog rescue. Right now we have an 8-10 year-old male, Idaho, who is so sweet. His manners are wonderful and we hope to find him a forever home. It's harder with the older dogs, so if we don't find him a home then that's okay, he will make number 9 for us. We average 10 to 12 dogs a year that come through our home. It is so sad that even dogs not associated with puppy mills are cast out like trash. So much love in these little hearts. —Theresa McCraw

Seeing her happy little face brought tears to my eyes. I simply cannot understand what some people are thinking. How can anyone treat such a sweetheart so badly? Kudos to all the wonderful people who adopt animals and give them such good homes. —Becky Walters

Thank you Wayne for all you do; these are wonderful stories to share. One day I hope to join HSUS with animal rescues. Starting to take courses now that will allow me to participate. —Phyllis Lynch

This brought tears to my eyes, as usual, when I saw little Tillie in her previous nightmarish enclosure. I am so happy for Queen Tillie and her new family! What wonderful news that she is now in a safe and loving home. These puppy mills are so sickening and disgusting and I really wish the laws were more severe for these monsters that run them. I will continue saying my prayers for all animals. Queen Tillie, Glenda and Tony–I am so happy for all of you. Wayne, I cannot say it enough–each and every one of you at HSUS and HSI are absolutely wonderful! May God bless all of you and the animals too! —Karen Wagner 

Please send this to Gov. Arnold of California ... He needs to see this and sign the puppy mill bill that is so desperately needed ASAP. Take back the veto and do the right thing, Governor. —Lisa Robertt

You also shared feedback on my list of 50 Things You Can Do for Animals and The HSUS:

THANK YOU SO MUCH! This blog is fantastic! I have forwarded it to everyone I know. My friends and family all know I'm an animal advocate and support my passion for helping animals. This list has something for everyone, so they can each participate in their own ways and at their own pace. This helps me to help the animal welfare movement. —Bernadette "Brett" Miller

You forgot one very important way to help—remember the HSUS in your will! —Diane Follet

I love the Humane Society for always trying to remind people of the ways they can make little and simple changes in their everyday lives that are so beneficial to the Earth and her creatures!!! —Mary Killmon

Talk Back: Puppy Mills, Eagles, Genetic Engineering

Yesterday, I gave you thoughts on engagement and doing more in your daily lives to improve the circumstances for animals. Your participation is so important to us. And so is your voice. I see this blog as a give-and-take—I share my thoughts and then look forward to hearing yours. Let's keep the conversation going. Here's a sampler of your comments on some recent posts.

In response to the video I posted Monday, documenting our rescue of more than 90 dogs from an Arkansas puppy mill:

Our poor companions, to have to live like this. I am constantly half-hearted, because the other half of me sits in cages with animals like this. Shame on these people. —Heather Hoffman

I saw (and shared) the photos on Facebook—it was absolutely heartbreaking to see the utter despair in some of those dogs' eyes. I wept for them and renewed my pledge to continue educating my friends and colleagues about the horrors perpetuated by so many of those who breed animals solely for profit. The animal rescuers have my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the work they do—and the low lives who think this is a remotely acceptable way to behave deserve punishment to the full extent (limited though that is, in my opinion) of the law. —Urbancritter

As a proud Arkansan it sickens me to see this. People are so intent on making money off these poor animals that they lose all sense of what is right and wrong. As long as people insist on purchasing "purebred" puppies these mills will continue to grow. Can we stop looking at dogs as accessories and look at them as the companions that they are? That would be a start. —Tonya

When I saw the video of your raid on the Arkansas puppy mill, I was both distressed and happy. I was distressed to see the appalling conditions and abuse those precious little dears had been subjected to, but happy they were rescued by the wonderful men and women of the HSUS and will eventually be adopted into loving homes. Thank God for organizations like yours that are indeed a voice for the animals. As a long-time contributor to the HSUS, I say "thanks," and keep up the good work, Wayne. —Diane Cooper

Thank you HSUS. People, please adopt from shelters. Those of you that want purebreds, I can't figure out why you must, but here is proof you can adopt the same dogs in shelters that you would pay thousands of dollars for. And you can then save that money and donate to the Humane Society or programs like this, to put this horror to an end. —Linda Obuchoska

Reacting to last week's unveiling of the Philadelphia Eagles' Treating Animals With Kindness (TAWK) program, a new community outreach initiative focused on reducing the abuse of animals, promoting adoption, encouraging spay/neuter, and ending dogfighting:

As someone who grew up in the Delaware Valley just northeast of Philly, I have tears of joy in my eyes as I read about all of these recent exponential developments in the cause of humane treatment of animals. I never doubted HSUS, but to see the Eagles management come on board so strongly and to see so much happening (and the end dogfighting training program coming to Philadelphia) is incredible. Great work so far!!! —Sue

Even though I am a Cowboys fan, I must say "Go Eagles" in this case. Every cloud has a silver lining; I admire this organization for bringing Vick's issue to the forefront and doing something positive, especially having Vick speak at the education programs, featuring players doing good and fun things with their dogs, and giving money to help dog welfare organizations. —Karen Kennedy

This is absolutely fabulous news! I am hoping more NFL teams follow the Eagles’ footsteps! How great would that be! So many fans watch football and for more NFL teams to back up animal cruelty issues would be wonderful! —Karen Wagner

Talk Back: Work in Progress

The victories we achieve slake our thirst for change. But with our cause, like any other that calls for such major political and cultural change, there are setbacks and frustration along the way. Your comments celebrate the forward movement, but express rightful frustration as decision-makers opt for the status quo. Today, it’s your turn to sound off.

Many of you commented last week on California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s signing of bills to strengthen penalties for poaching and dogfighting and ban the tail docking of dairy cows, but his vetoing of measures to crack down on puppy mills, halt the roadside sale of animals, and prohibit felons convicted of animal abuse from owning an animal. Among your thoughts:

I am as confused as you by our governor's vetoes. They really make no sense. I am pleased he signed some of the bills but am baffled as to why he would choose to protect felons and puppy mills. Not the first time he has done something strange. Perhaps our next governor will be more friendly towards animals. —Diane Sweeney

Wisconsin is my home state and where my dad once practiced as a dairy cow vet. We were both horrified and disgusted at the unconscionable practice of cutting off a cow's tail—for no proven good reason. The sight of deformed cows grazing in the pastures brought all sorts of horrors to mind—the pain, the flies. Arnold may not have signed the bill banning this practice in his state with total awareness, but maybe this will start the ball rolling in the other offending states. I know that most people are totally unaware of this practice and are duly horrified when it is explained to them. Publicity surrounding this bill may bring the practice to light and bring about change. We can only hope. —Janet McKenna

Thank you and HSUS so much for your tireless efforts to lobby and educate politicians that resulted in them passing these laws. Our governor is frequently very frustrating in his back and forth, makes-no-sense stand on some of these issues. We will just have to wait him out and hope for a more compassionate and forward thinking new governor to take a stand for animals in the future. Nevertheless, these victories you have won DO make a huge difference for the animals involved, and that is worth all the effort put forth by you and the amazing HSUS staff, volunteers, supporters and especially those who go undercover in dangerous and ugly places like slaughterhouses to help animals have a better life. We are blessed to have HSUS in the world! —Caroll Schwartz

You also responded strongly to my post contrasting how the animal agribusiness industry handled the call for reform in Michigan (with compromise between animal welfare and agriculture groups, and the advancing of legislation to phase out the use of veal crates, gestation crates, and battery cages) and Ohio (where state agriculture leaders wouldn’t even engage in dialogue):

As a resident of Ohio I continue to feel disgust and contempt for the legislature and agricultural department in this state. Here again there is no consideration for the animals. —Claire Sadar

Thank you for this column. As you probably know, there is a great football rivalry between Ohio and Michigan. But in the area of humane agriculture, Michigan is way ahead of us. Why is it such a stretch to understand that battery cages are bad for egg-laying hens? There are countless scientific studies that will tell you this. The speed at which our governor and legislature did the Farm Bureau's bidding to get Issue 2 on the ballot was mind-boggling. It got through the legislature in two days, while we have been trying to pass meaningful puppy mill reform here for years. It makes me depressed to be an Ohio resident. Gandhi said that you can judge the greatness and moral progress of a nation by the way it treats its animals. By that measure, Ohio is looking pretty bad. —Emily

Talk Back: Of Supreme Importance

We knew we had an uphill fight in making our argument to the media in United States v. Stevens, the case argued earlier this week before the U.S. Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the federal Depiction of Animal Cruelty Law. Many news organizations filed amicus briefs with the Court urging that the law should be struck down. And I believe that many news stories that appeared this week were tilted against us, including the portrayal of defendant Robert Stevens as a documentarian. He is a leading dogfighting enthusiast, and his lawyers admitted to the press that Stevens sold his dogs into dogfighting rings.

All of you who wrote to me agreed that people crushing animals or staging dogfights and then selling the videos for profit does not constitute speech. We at The HSUS are devoted advocates of the First Amendment, but there are certain narrowly defined forms of behavior where there must be limits, such as fighting words, obscenity, and child pornography. We think the Court should include barbaric and illegal forms of animal cruelty in the list.

Today, I run some of your observations.

I viewed CNN's story on this argument before the Supreme Court Oct. 6. I was sickened and saddened that the human species is actually capable of this kind of depravity and has the audacity to claim it as a constitutionally protected activity. If the Supreme Court justices vote in favor of this appeal before them, they will be providing a stimulant to every deviant that enjoys torturing the helpless including children, the physically and mentally impaired, the elderly and, yes, animals. Animals often being the first recipient of a twisted mind. —Priscilla Clancy

I am hoping and praying that the Supreme Court makes the right decision in this case and upholds the Depiction of Animal Cruelty law. We need stronger anti-cruelty laws and I support the Humane Society's work in this effort to make the world a safer place for all animals. What I don't understand is why this issue even has to be considered by the Supreme Court. It is just common sense to me that any makers of videos depicting illegal behavior should be prosecuted as committing a crime. The intent of the freedom of speech amendment was to allow all citizens to express their opinions freely without fear of punishment, not to be allowed to commit illegal acts and sell recordings of their crimes to profit on the misery and pain of other living beings. I am sure that our founding fathers could never have imagined that the First Amendment would be used to defend the torture of innocent animals. —Julie Quinones

When I read the article on crush videos the other day I was so outraged and despaired that I felt I would not be able to express my comments in a civil and intelligible way, and so I didn't. Even now I am not sure I can; all I can say is that I am appalled, sad and disgusted, like everyone else. I cannot believe there are enough sick "people" to create a market for this.  My thoughts, love, and prayers go to all those innocent, defenseless creatures that had the misfortune to fall victim of this monstrous atrocity. And my thanks and support go to Wayne and the HSUS for fighting this revolting barbarity. —Romina Pierini

Wayne, thank you for this article. I'm grateful to find you and the Society putting this case and issue in its proper place, front and center. Your argument is right. The Stevens-style videos can't be produced without cruelty. We are against cruelty. The videos must stop. —Porter

Speech defined is what this should be about. Our forefathers wrote this law in order to give a voice to the populace against tyranny. Freedom of speech is the most abused and overused "right" we have. Since when does expression, words from one’s lips, become defined as the right to watch helpless animals be forced to fight or die??? If this law is thrown out I for one will not stop writing and complaining until it is restored and made even stronger! Animals have rights only because we advocate for them...if our highest court can’t or won’t advocate for them, then humanity is at risk in this country. —Sondra Hickman

Talk Back: Crushing Investigation

Readers were shocked and outraged by the results of one of The HSUS’s latest investigations, released on Tuesday, showing a recent resurgence in the animal crush video industry. Crush videos—now available for purchase through the Internet—show women, often in high-heeled shoes, inflicting horrible cruelties on puppies, kittens and other small animals, impaling and crushing the animals to death.

The discovery comes in advance of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case examining the constitutionality of the federal Depiction of Animal Cruelty Act—enacted in 1999 to ban the interstate sale of videos depicting extreme cruelty, such as crush videos, but struck down by an appellate court in 2008. The law eliminated the financial incentive driving production of these videos and had an immediate impact after its enactment, virtually eliminating the animal crushing industry and also successful in facilitating the prosecution of several key distributors of videos of dogfighting.

These gruesome depictions merit no protection under the First Amendment and, as our investigation shows, the federal law is the only tool available to crack down on this extreme form of animal cruelty.

Here are your thoughts on the matter:

Oh my God I had NO IDEA that such things even were being sold. This is completely shocking to me; I almost fell out of my chair reading this. How can this be legal still? God bless those state Attorneys General for stepping forward for the animals. Let's hope the court makes the right decision. —Jaime

I'm speechless and can barely see to type this email. Frankly, I had to skim your words quickly because the images conjured up are too ghastly to imagine. This is evil personified. God willing, the Supreme Court will see fit to do the right thing. I am often horrified by the cruelty that the HSUS has to deal with, but this takes the cake. You have a really tough and difficult job to do and we all appreciate that you don’t flinch from it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. —Ruth M. Gupta

Thank you for NOT showing the videos, Wayne. And thank you for your courage in viewing them yourself and for fighting this horrible, horrible, vicious, sick crime! —Mimi Milo

This is outright revolting and unbearable for these animals!!! There is no lawful excuse that can further be given for such outright torture! TORTURE, PERIOD. NO EXCUSES! What does it say about the justice system that they can let these people (if you can call them that) abuse life in this heinous way? This is an abuse of natural law of the highest order. Letting this continue is hoping that they do not move onto people. —Courtney

When I read this posting I cried. I have never heard of “crush videos,” and the very idea is so morally repugnant to most decent human beings that I'm stunned to think that a court agreed to strike down the law banning this. Thanks to the Humane Society and Wayne Pacelle for educating the public to this barbarity. Please keep the public updated on this case and educate us as to what we, as citizens, can do to stop this utter depravity. —Carol Gentz

Talk Back: Ted Kennedy and Puppy Mill Victories

Congress is back now from its August recess, and there’s a raft of animal protection legislation in the works. Please keep updated on the bills, and don’t forget to write to your two U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative in favor of these bills.

Many of you had thoughts on my tribute to the late Senator Ted Kennedy, who was a stalwart supporter of HSUS. Many, too, had kudos for the four raids done by our Emergency Services units last week.

Senator Edward was indeed a LION, caring for people and animals with an enormous heart for compassion! —Lisa

I didn't realize all Teddy had done or wanted to do for animals. He was always one of my heroes and now he stands even taller! Animals sure have lost a wonderful friend. —Misty

Thank you for this wonderful, heartfelt recollection of Sen. Kennedy's work on behalf of animals. I've shared it with my fellow animal lovers and I hope others will as well. Keep up the great work, HSUS! —Emily

Senator Kennedy was indeed a model public servant, and in terms of how he dealt with tragedy, his own personal failings, and the struggle for humane treatment of animals, he was a paradigm of human triumph in the willingness to keep moving toward higher goals. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to his wife and family. —Sharon

What a touching and eloquent tribute to man who really did use his life meaningfully and purposefully. He made a marked difference for both mankind and animals. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on. As a young teenager, I grieved for John F. Kennedy and then again for his idealistic brother, Bobby. I often wonder what our world would look like had both brothers lived to fulfill their ambitious and lofty agendas. Somehow, I believe our world would be much better than it is today. Rest in peace, Senator Kennedy. We will miss you, Liberal Lion! —Susan T.

Ted Kennedy will continue to mold my concepts of what is good and right in our country. His concepts were ahead of their time, and it is up to us to continue to chase those ideas and make them real. We can create a good and compassionate country, filled with hope and understanding. The kind of country Senator Kennedy would be proud to call home. —Kathlene Henry-Gorman

Thank you so much for the lovely tribute to my favorite politician and fellow animal lover. You are so right that the way he led his life, let alone his groundbreaking work on humane legislation on behalf of both animals and humans, is a testament to a life well-lived and a highly developed consciousness. I fear we shall see no more of it in the current Senate and Congress. Please tell Mimi to keep up the good work, and give her my condolences, as she, along with the Humane Society must continue to carry the torch. —Dr. Glenda Berg

As I listened to the sad news today of Senator Ted Kennedy's passing, my first thought was, "I wonder if his beloved dogs got to say goodbye to him?" It is so important and only right to allow our four-legged family members to spend time with their loved ones as they are passing. Having witnessed touching moments between humans and their animals in hospice situations, it drives home what a huge role they play in our lives, beginning to end. —Linda in Texas

Four Deployments, Four States, Four Days

Watching this rescue was so emotional for me. I can't understand how people can treat animals this way, even for the sake of greedy profit. When I saw the man take the poor little dog out from the bottom cage and he didn't know what to say, it was heartbreaking. What is it going to take to get through the greed? Thank you Wayne for keeping all of us informed on these important missions. —Nancy Ball

It does my heart good to see these dogs finally clean and on their way to their forever homes! No animal should ever have to experience such horror. God bless you all! —Suzi Q.

Thank you for saving these heartbreaking dogs. I know all too well that dark look in their eyes. My latest Chin, rescued from a puppy mill four months ago, now has light in his eyes and a spring in his step. These dogs will change and be happy! They are free from the horrors. Thank you for all you do. —Aliesha Alexanda

These pictures show what kindness and love can do to animals! They look so happy, clean and content now! Wayne, I am so thankful to Scotlund Haisley, his rescue team, HSUS, you, and everyone involved in this rescue. My heart bursts every time I see such miracles happen. All of you truly make my day! May God bless all of you and the animals too! —Karen Wagner

I am vice president of the Humane Society at Cedar Creek Lake in Texas. I was there the day of the raid and throughout this whole ordeal. I cannot say enough about the teams that helped us. I met some amazing people. Scotlund and his staff were truly amazing. Janelle and her group were just wonderful the way they cared for the animals, from feeding and grooming them. Bryan, the vet from Tyler, was a great guy and came at a moment’s notice and stayed throughout the trial.  His efforts to care for and treat the animals was totally amazing. Even though this was a tragic event, I found and met some of the greatest, warm-hearted people I have ever met. They should all be commended for their outpouring love for animals. I will never forget this ordeal or the great people I met. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With gratitude. —Joni Walker

If it wasn't for HSUS and the wonderful, awesome shelters, ASPCA, and all of you doing the work of the angels, I fear where these puppies would wind up. —Lisa Robertt

Talk Back: Government Pork, Wolf Hunt

I’m sharing reader comments today, but I did also want to share my displeasure at a development in an example of wasteful spending of your federal tax dollars. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that it had provided an additional $30 million for the purchase of pork products for government food programs, including school lunches. This may be just a piece of the $250 million bailout that the pork industry has requested. This week’s giveaway, on top of all of the other support that this and other intensive confinement industries receive from the federal government, exceeds the enforcement budget for the entire USDA animal welfare program. It is an undeserved rescue package for an industry that does little to nothing to merit public support or confidence. It’s a taxpayer boondoggle of the worst order. And as evidenced below, many of you drew the same conclusion:

I am absolutely appalled that my hard-earned tax dollars may go to an industry that only perpetuates the misery of these intelligent and thoughtful creatures, while I continue to make personal choices that do not contribute to the suffering of pigs, or any animal for that matter. Not that I will ever stop being a vegan, nor promoting animal welfare, but if the government steps in and hands out my money to industries that I personally protest, what is the point of my humane lifestyle? —Tara Spellman

Who can we write to in order to let our feelings be known about this? Our U.S. senators? The USDA Secretary? I am getting tired of seeing our taxpayer's dollars bailing out one undeserving industry after another, and I sure as heck don't want any of my tax dollars benefiting anyone in Big Agribusiness unless it's the animals themselves!!! —Steve K.

You are so right, Wayne! There should be incentives and rewards for the agricultural industry when they are recognized with healthy practices, like growing organic produce. After all, we are what we eat! Great post! —MLEstyle

It's unconscionable that humans are the cause of the suffering of so many animals. Who are these “people” that can go home at night after doing this to animals all day? How sad that this just continues on and on, and nothing ever stops it. It's becoming more and more difficult to read these articles. —Jenn

Where can the American people call/write to protest any bailout and subsidies to these agricultural cesspools? The American people want to support and encourage sustainable, humane and environmentally agricultural practices. —DeniseA

You also had much to say about Idaho (and, possibly later this month, Montana) declaring a sport hunting season on gray wolves. In seeing the issue play out, I am struck by the hunters’ common refrain that they hunt deer and elk to control the populations of the animals, and that hunters play a critical role in that regard. But these wolf hunting programs put the lie to this fatuous claim, and the same is true for the wolf killing programs in Alaska. Hunters in Alaska, Idaho and Montana clamor to slaughter wolves largely because they see them as competitors for deer, elk, moose, and caribou—which further shows how empty their generic justifications are for hunting as a population control tool for ungulates. If they truly believed that, they’d let the wolves do their work and cull the weak, sick, and older animals, pruning the populations and allowing native predators to have this beneficial ecological impact. It’s a sad day that these rare, family-oriented animals are being hunted down—not for meat, nor for any compelling population management purpose, but just for hunters' own selfish interest in killing off the competition and getting in a little more bloodletting themselves, and perhaps an additional trophy.

This is a very sad day today! I am so disappointed in Idaho and Montana. I really look forward to the day when I never have to sign another petition to save animals or to have to read the bad news of mass killings because then, we will have learned to let all animals live their lives in peace and free of cruel suffering. I can only wish. Sad day, indeed, for the wolves we so desperately need. —Misty

This makes me so sad I feel sick. Today on NPR's All Things Considered, they reported on this issue. From the report it sounded like the main impetus for allowing the hunt is because "sportsmen" are having trouble finding elk to shoot. God forbid they have to compete with nature. Disgusting. —Nash McCutchen

Talk Back: Veterinary Conflict of Interest

On Friday evening, I had a back-and-forth discussion with Dr. David Reeves, a swine veterinarian from the University of Georgia, before veterinarians and veterinary association leaders from 13 states at the Heartland Veterinary Leadership Conference in Milwaukee. Poised and well-informed, Dr. Reeves espoused a more typical, industry-oriented view of the treatment of animals in agriculture, while I said it was time for veterinary associations to stop mimicking the views of industrial agribusiness and to be in the forefront of the effort to protect animals. We had a constructive discussion that I hope left the audience thinking more critically of our dealings with animals and our responsibilities to them.

It was a timely follow-up to my recent posting taking the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to task for its misguided attack on the Pew Commission’s report on the reforms needed in industrial agriculture. The Pew Commission's own vice chairman—Dr. Michael Blackwell, former dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine—has since spoken out as well, saying he was “shocked over the fact that the AVMA did not try to learn the truth about the Commission’s work, even from one of its own members,” and “instead chose to write a response from the perspective of the industry.”

Photo credit USDA

My thesis is simple: If there is a professional veterinary group that works for an animal-use industry (e.g., the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, which typically works for large-scale pig producers), these vets are in the employ of industry and their “science” often reflects the thinking of the industry itself. These veterinary subgroups typically drive the policy positions at AVMA, and the broader consequence is that AVMA often defends obviously inhumane practices or, at the very least, stands on the sidelines as The HSUS, our Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, and other leaders in animal welfare advocate for the interests of animals. 

It just defies common sense and the body of disinterested science to think that lifelong confinement of farm animals in very small cages is acceptable from an animal welfare perspective, but AVMA has worked against us in our efforts to phase out battery cages, veal crates, and gestation crates for years. The national association just about got into open warfare with the California Veterinary Medical Association in 2008 after the state group took a thoughtful and forward-thinking approach to the issue of factory farming and endorsed Proposition 2, a measure to phase out three of the most extreme confinement systems for farm animals in California.  

AVMA has been silent on the force-feeding of ducks and geese for production of foie gras and was silent for two decades as we pressed the case for a ban on downer cows (those too sick or injured to walk) being funneled into the food supply. AVMA has actively lobbied in favor of continuing the inhumane long-distance transport and slaughter of healthy American horses for human consumption overseas, and has also stood virtually alone as a science-based organization in opposing federal legislation to phase out the profligate use of antibiotics for non-therapeutic purposes on factory farms (to keep animals from getting sick in inhumane, overcrowded, filthy conditions, and speed their growth). To take just the debate over the widespread dosing of livestock with antibiotics on factory farms, virtually all of the major public health organizations, including the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, back a dramatic change in policy. In its attacks on the Pew Commission, in fact, the AVMA has not only implicitly attacked a wide range of other science-based organizations, but it has placed the interests of industrial agriculture against the public health needs of the nation.

Many of you reacted favorably to my original column, and here’s some of your feedback.

I am a veterinarian and I am a member of HSUS, HSVMA, and AVMA. I am a member of all three because I believe that as a professional, I should support the organizations that support me. I truly appreciate AVMA’s protection and promotion of the practice of veterinary medicine; however, its positions relating to animal welfare often seem indefensible. AVMA’s disappointing opposition to the Pew report is not surprising given its association with agribusiness. Therefore, I fully support HSUS and HSVMA as they reflect and actively promote my personal beliefs about how animals should be treated in our society. And, I’m not a younger generation veterinarian as I’ve been in the profession for 23 years. Thank you HSUS. —Deb Teachout, DVM

THANK YOU for this very informative update on the AVMA! Realizing big business influences often impede animal protection efforts, one would hope vets might be excluded from succumbing to profit-only-driven decisions! I am hand-delivering a copy of this today to my own vet of 20 years in hopes he will join the HSVMA, encourage his peers in the Texas Veterinary Medical Association to do the same, and help convince the AVMA to change their lackluster leadership into real change for animals. And a letter to the editor would not hurt either! We must all do our part so the dream of a truly humane nation becomes a reality! —Linda Yarbrough, Texas

The AVMA, and the AVMA's Animal Welfare Committee, prove time and time again that they are unable or unwilling to be a significant voice for the animals that we, as veterinarians, have sworn to protect. The AVMA refuses to take any significant positions or stand on the most important animal welfare issues, and instead, panders to the pharmaceutical industry, agribusiness, as well as the conservative network of veterinarians who look at animals as commodities and the source of their income. The AVMA will continue to lose members, and in time, will realize that the organization is becoming less influential as they lose their credibility by refusing to stand up and be a true voice for more humane treatment of all animals. Until that time, I look to the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, as many more veterinarians are doing, to lead us into the future, and be the voice for real change in the animal welfare movement. —John G. Hynes, DVM

Talk Back: Lawsuit Against Helmsley Trustees

Many of you expressed satisfaction at the news earlier this month that The HSUS, the ASPCA and Maddie's Fund jointly filed legal action against the trustees of Leona Helmsley's $5.3 billion estate. Helmsley had directed that her foundation place special emphasis on the care and welfare of dogs in its allocation of grants, but the trustees have decided to pursue their own agenda, allocating less than .1 percent of grants to dog welfare. Mrs. Helmsley's intentions as a donor and an animal lover were clear and that made it necessary for us to intervene in the trustees’ abuse of her trust and their misdirection of her funds.

We’ll keep you apprised of the progress of our lawsuit. In the meantime, here are some of your thoughts on the matter:

I am glad the animal welfare groups are going to court against the Helmsley trustees. Leona's wishes were not carried out by the trustees, whom she foolishly trusted to carry out her wishes. The animals deserve the money according to the mission statement she left. Leona also would be devastated by the fact that the judge took away money from her beloved Maltese Trouble. —Ann Alpert

Bravo, Wayne!!! When I learned what the trustees had done, I was livid! Since when is it okay to tamper with the deceased's wishes, especially when they were so explicitly written? I am very grateful that HSUS, ASPCA and Maddie's Fund have filed a lawsuit to overturn these unconscionable actions. The consequences of not challenging this outcome could be disastrous for people everywhere who care about animals and want to provide for them when they are gone. Thank you! Keep up the GREAT work! —Susan

I am so glad that the animal community is doing something about this...it absolutely infuriates me that they are going against her specific wishes! I read an article on it in the Philanthropy News Digest a couple months ago and have hoped that someone would step up. I am also a huge animal lover so that plays a part in my attention to this issue but it just seems wrong at a fundamental level—and illegal. Thanks so much for taking this on! —Tonya Formby

Just think if even 10 percent of this money was used for spay and neuter programs? —Tee