NY - Free Farm Animal Conference, January 31, 2001
The ERR attended the meeting. Once again, horses were overlooked. Why do various government agencies and special interests groups continue to insist that horses are livestock, and they must remain classified as such, and yet continue to ignore them. Why is it that the humane organizations and industry professionals did not address their issues when an opportunity was presented? The panel was not opened for comment, though they did have a box to place questions. Several regarding horses were submitted, but not one was addressed.
Our biggest questions: With the recent EU concerns regarding mad cow disease in beef overseas, is there an increasing demand for horse meat? And if so, will more U.S. horses be slaughtered and exported to satisfy the demand?
At the end of the meeting, it was brought to the panelists attention that equines purchased for slaughter in the U.S. are not fulfilling the USDA's drug withdrawal periods prior to processing, and that tainted meat was being shipped to the EU. Letters from the USDA, along with supporting documents were submitted.
Next Wednesday, January 31, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York will host a panel discussion, free of charge and open to the public,on the future of farm animal welfare.
Topics covered will range from the current treatment of farm animals in the United States to the recent legal changes in the European Union--and whether this European model is
appropriate in this country.
Scheduled panelists include Gene Bauston of Farm Sanctuary; Richard Reynnells, United States Department of Agriculture; Jack Sparks, Jr., American Humane Association, and Peter Stevenson from UK-based Compassion in World Farming.
The panel discussion will be held from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Association's Manhattan headquarters at 42 West 44th St.
For more information, call (212) 382-6600, ext. 6614.
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