Pigs are talking, and here’s why we should be listening: Research suggests that the sounds they make are significant, conveying important information about their well-being and response to their environment. This sounds like common sense to those of us who have spent time at sanctuaries, and science is finally catching up. Researchers at the University of Lincoln found that pigs’ …
Late last year, COK’s gut-wrenching undercover video inside a Hormel Foods pig slaughterhouse went viral. The footage not only exposed extreme cruelty, but it also called into question the efficacy of the USDA’s high-speed slaughter pilot program, known as HIMP. This shocking story continues to garner attention — including a temporary USDA shutdown of the facility and a powerful letter …
Last night, Minnesota’s Austin Daily Herald reported that the USDA temporarily shut down Quality Pork Products (QPP) for humane handling violations. Based in Austin, MN, QPP is an exclusive Hormel supplier that was the center of an investigation released this past fall. It operates under a controversial USDA-approved pilot program known as HIMP, which allows for fewer government inspectors on site …
USDA: Halt high-speed slaughter expansion In an effort led by Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (CT) and Louise Slaughter (NY), a bi-partisan group of 60 members of congress signed a powerfully-worded letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the federal agency to delay the potential expansion of HIMP, a dangerous reduced-inspection, high-speed pig slaughter pilot program. The USDA previously said that its decision would come …
As our recent investigation inside a pig slaughterhouse uncovers, animal agriculture is hell on earth for pigs. These intelligent, inquisitive animals have complex social bonds and unique personalities — all buried and ignored beneath the horrors of animal agribusiness. Pigs are considered one of the smartest animals in the world and they’re incredibly playful. In fact, they’re pretty much just …
In a meat product popularity contest, bacon would probably take home top honors. Processed pork clearly has a lot of fans, and it gets added to everything from chocolate to bourbon to mayonnaise. Sadly, however, making it means the massacre of millions of pigs — each of whom is a sentient, intelligent individual. Not to mention, bacon is a killer …
In our everyday lives, it may be difficult for us to relate to pigs or any farmed animal for that matter. Most of us have never met a pig in person or had the opportunity to discover that these highly social animals possess an amazing capacity for love, joy, and sorrow. After watching the entertaining video below, which highlights the …
Chances are good that if you’re reading this blog, you care about animals. In fact, polls show that most Americans do. Not only do we overwhelmingly favor laws to protect animals from harm, more than half of homes in the US have at least one companion animal and 50% of pet owners consider their furry friends as much a part …
Did you ever dream of becoming a veterinarian when you were a kid? Of working with animals every day? Many children, compelled by their deep love for animals, grow up to be veterinarians and dedicate their lives to caring for them. That’s why it’s disappointing that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), an organization that represents over 86,000 veterinarians nationwide, …