A conference entitled, "Taking action for animals" organized in
Washington, DC by the Humane Society of the
United States, the Animal Protection Institute, and Farm Sanctuary developed some
disturbing conclusions of significance to the livestock industry.
Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society of the United
States espouses the principle that there is no ethical distinction between
animals and humans. An example of this extremist rhetoric is his reference to
domestic dogs as "Canine Americans".
The intent of this new initiative on animal activism is to claim legal rights
for animals which are regarded in most State law as "property". A broad range of
anti-cruelty laws does however protect livestock and companion species. Free
living animals are also protected by legislation controlling hunting and the
protection of endangered species. The conference attendees pledged to continue
opposing all forms of livestock production with specific attention to intensive
production systems.
In a related issue, the Humane Society of the United States has targeted Ben and Jerry's, currently
owned by the Dutch conglomerate Unilever, the manufacturer of a premium brand of US ice cream.
Initially established by environmental activists Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield
the Ben and Jerry's brand has created an image based on natural ingredients,
respect for the earth and environment, and support for family farms. The Humane
Society of the U.S. is publicizing the fact that Ben and Jerry's purchases large
quantities of pasteurized egg product from Michael Foods,
the fourth largest egg producer and the major egg-breaker in the USA. Because of
their commitment to further processing, Michael Foods initially declined to
participate in the United Egg Producers initiative to establish minimum
acceptable stocking densities and other requirements incorporated into a code of
practice for egg producers. Whole Foods
Market, Inc. and Trader Joe's which no longer market eggs from caged birds
have been pressured by the activist group to force Ben and Jerry's to obtain
liquid egg product from alternative suppliers conforming to more acceptable
standards of poultry welfare.
Experience has shown that it is impossible to compromise with or to placate
animal rights extremists who espouse a vegan agenda. What is important is for
the industry to recognize the needs of specific markets and to be proactive in
supplying products which comply with the desires of specific consumer groups.
Ben and Jerry's brand ice cream carries an environmentally friendly image which
appeals to purchasers who would be expected to have sentiments favoring high
standards of animal welfare. Accordingly, the sourcing and acquisition of
ingredients should follow the dictates of the market, irrespective of the
differential in cost between generic and cage-free eggs.
The lesson to be learned from the Ben and Jerry's case
and the accompanying strident opposition from the consortium of animal welfare
and animal rights groups is that compromise is not a practical reality when
dealing with irrational antagonists. The intensive animal industry including egg
producers should supply what the market demands but at a price commensurate with
return on investment and profit. If a certain segment of consumers place radical
or unjustifiable restrictions on production then they should be prepared to pay
a premium for products satisfying their needs. It is unfair for a raucous
minority with an extremist agenda to impose their mores and will on the majority
of consumers who are currently well served by poultry producers and integrators.
By: Simon Shane
By: Simon Shane
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