Senators call for no slaughter of downer calves
May 13, 2014 | 03:51 PM
Twelve Democratic senators led by Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Corey Booker of New Jersey have called on the Agriculture Department to stop the slaughter of downer calves, according to a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that was released by the Humane Society of the United States.
The senators signing the letter include Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.
A similar letter was sent by House members in February, HSUS noted.
HSUS refers to current policy as a “loophole” and says it “encourages abuse as workers drag, kick and prod the animals in an attempt to get them to stand for inspection.”
▪ Senate letter to Vilsack
▪ House letter to Vilsack
The senators signing the letter include Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.
A similar letter was sent by House members in February, HSUS noted.
HSUS refers to current policy as a “loophole” and says it “encourages abuse as workers drag, kick and prod the animals in an attempt to get them to stand for inspection.”
▪ Senate letter to Vilsack
▪ House letter to Vilsack
