NCBA Media Statement on the Filing of Criminal Charges in Animal Cruelty Case Ashby Green, DVM Vice President, Producer Education National Cattlemen’s Beef Association February 15, 2008

“San Bernardino County prosecutors announced today the filing of criminal charges against two Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company employees suspected of abusing cattle.  

As beef producers and consumers, we stand behind the swift action taken in the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company investigation. The appalling animal treatment that prompted U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) investigation was a rare and isolated incident that in no way represents the types of treatment cattle receive on a daily basis.  

USDA’s administrative hold on Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company products is due to allegations of inhumane handling of cattle, not for food safety reasons. Parents can feel confident in the safety of beef produced for the school lunch program because of the strict safety standards established by USDA.  

The criminal charges filed today conclude that the activity in the video violates the Humane Slaughter Act. We strongly believe that animal cruelty is never acceptable. Beef producers support strict compliance with and enforcement of the Humane Slaughter Act and prosecution of anyone found in violation of the Act.  

For more information on the beef industry’s commitment to animal handling, please visit www.BeefFromPastureToPlate.org.”