HSUS Targets Tyson Supplier For Change
The Humane Society of United States is asking for changes in production practices following the release of undercover video footage from a Wyoming hog breeding facility. In April 2012, HSUS sent a undercover investigator into work at the Wyoming Premium Farms hog operation in Wheatland, Wyoming. The video shows what HSUS deems as abusive treatment and the use of gestation crates that the organization opposes and a practice that is banned in eight states. HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle says there is something wrong with this production system.
Wyoming Premium Farms is owned by Denver - based Itoham America, which is a subsidiary of Tyson Foods. - the world's second meat processor. HSUS is urging Tyson Foods to join other companies in phasing out the use gestation crates for breeding pigs.
Last Wednesday, HSUS turned over the video footage to the Platte County Sheriff's office as evidence of abuse. Pacelle says HSUS is persuing criminal charges against the workers of Wyoming Premium Farms.
In response, the National Pork Producers Council condemns such actions, which are not in accord with the U.S. pork industry's best practices that are exemplified in its Pork Quality Assurance Plus program.
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