NPPC release statement on Iowa hog abuse

NPPC also is concerned that PETA did not alert the proper authorities about the abuse in a timely manner.

 

Mistreatment unacceptable
Providing humane and compassionate care for their pigs at every stage of life is one of the ethical principles to which US pork producers adhere. The mistreatment that took place on one farm in Iowa does not reflect the standards the pork industry follows in caring for its animals. Mistreatment of animals is appalling to pork producers just as it is to others. We do not defend and will not accept such mistreatment.

 

The US pork industry takes the well-being of its animals very seriously and offers many care and handling education-certification programs for producers and their employees.

 

The Transportation Quality Assurance Program, for example, teaches proper pig handling and transport practices, and the Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program includes on-farm assessments that help producers identify areas of production that need to be addressed before they become problems.

 

This program has the support of leading animal scientists, veterinarians and retail customers. Measuring the standards of care on all farms is one way to help ensure that all animals in the pork industry continue to receive humane care and handling.