Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is dismissing the suggestion that USDA takes its cues on animal welfare exclusively from the Humane Society of the United States.
Agri-Pulse obtained a copy of an internal USDA memo that recommends HSUS and other welfare advocacy groups be allowed to set the agenda for a proposed animal welfare scientific forum. No mention is made of asking any agricultural organization or ag scientist for assistance in planning the meeting. The omission has angered animal ag stakeholders.
“We know that HSUS is an activist organization that we think is being given a little bit of an undue preference here with this announcement,” Colin Woodall, vice president of government affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says. “And we think the administration really needs to make sure that true stakeholders in this game are the one who are able to provide this type of counsel and input.” Read More…
