Update: How to take action on cruel treatment of downed cattle.
Update on yesterday's video from the Humane Society of the United State's investigative video, released yesterday, of animal abuse in a New Mexico stockyard.
SSS! reader KCK asked about laws or standards that presumably would prohibit this treatment. The United States Department of Agriculture is the one responsible for enforcing humane handling standards. But obviously, this isn't being done. The Humane Society also opposes a loophole that allows some "downed" cows to be used as beef. As the video shows, these dairy cows can spend the last days of their lives in agony.
Click here to see how you can tell your elected federal representatives that this practice is wrong and must be stopped -- and that the USDA needs to do its job.
Below is a repeat of my original post from yesterday -- plus a link to the video that actually works.
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Although we have focused this blog on companion animal issues, vs. wildlife and livestock, I think this is worth publicizing.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the main professional organization for vets, has just issued a statement condemning the cruel practices of the cattle industry and calling for stricter compliance with animal handling guidelines. (Click here to see it).
The organization is responding to the latest video, also released today, in an ongoing investigation by the Humane Society of the United States of cattle auctions and the treatment of "downed" animals, or those that cannot walk. The latest installment, filed undercover at the Portales Livestock Auction in New Mexico, shows downed cows repeatedly being shocked with electric prods to get them to stand, as livestock that cannot are not supposed to be sold for food.
Some of the animals have gruesome eye injuries, or try to drag themselves on their knees across the ground. A calf is kicked repeatedly in the head. I honestly wept, as I watched the suffering of these creatures. How can we, if we say we love our animal companions, turn our back on other species?
I love steak, but I honestly think this is it for me. I haven't eaten veal for 20 years, due to how veal calves are raised. Now I may add all beef to the list.
How do the rest of you juggle the reality of meat and poultry production with animal welfare issues?
Here is the Humane Society video.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
This breaks my heart too and makes me question my food supply. I don't eat a lot of meat now so stories like this make it easy for me to push it away 100% of the time. I know it happens to chickens and pigs too. I only eat cage free eggs. Not great, but better than coming from chickens kept in those small cages. Go on youtube.com and you can find a bunch of cruelty video's. People should see where the food comes from. I think a lot will change their habits!
Posted by: JMGallo | June 25, 2008 4:34 PM
I can't see the video in Firefox or Internet Explorer.
Don't we have laws in place against animal cruelty and why aren't they just being enforced?
Posted by: KCK | June 26, 2008 8:58 AM
It's a sickening video, but I still have some lingering questions as to the propaganda motive of the USHS.
The handling protocol of the cattle might come under the USDA, but animal abuse still seems like animal abuse to me. Maybe I'm naive, but I can't believe the USHS couldn't call the local law enforcement agency and have the abuse looked into. Clearly dragging a cow by her leg with a Bobcat would constitute law enforcement intervention, wouldn't you think?
From the USDA standpoint, they write the guidelines, but I don't believe they have law enforcement power - do they? So again it would seem that the USHS should be contacting law enforcement when they see this type of handling of animals.
I just don't think a normal individual without any type of agenda would stand around and just make an undercover video without trying to immediately correct the problem. Geez, if I saw any of that happening I know I would sure be on the phone trying to get law enforcement out there.
Posted by: KCK | June 27, 2008 8:59 AM