USDA Failure

The USDA has not provided animals with any protection

The USDA has been assigned two radically opposing missions.The very same department responsible for developing new and expanded markets for the meat industry is also charged with regulating meat packers, protecting public health, and ensuring the humane treatment of animals.

Cozy relationship between USDA and the meat industry. Agribusiness leaders from the private sector have been appointed to administer the USDA's meat inspection program.

Meat plants are notified in advance of an inspection. There is usually plenty of time to put away all the lead pipes and warn the stunner not to hang any conscious animals. (Slaughterhouse)

Inspectors' primary responsibility is to examine live animals for disease and carcasses for contamination. (Slaughterhouse)

USDA inspectors are rarely able to visit the unloading and killing areas of the plant where the humane violations occur. (Slaughterhouse)

When inspectors witness violations, the USDA supervisory staff prohibits them from stopping the line. (Slaughterhouse)

In some cases, inspectors have been reprimanded, demoted or even fired for attempting enforcement of HMSA. (Slaughterhouse)

Instead of wielding their authority to ensure the production of safe meat and require industry compliance with the Humane Slaughter Act, USDA officials have done virtually everything in their power to ensure that slaughter lines keep running undisturbed. (Slaughterhouse)

Many lawmakers have personal stakes in the meat industry.

Former Senator Lauch Faircloth (R) of North Carolina had $19 million invested in dozens of hog operations. His big campaign donors included the North Carolina Pork Producers Association, The American Meat Institute, and the National Pork Producers Council.

The American government is bought and paid for by big corporate farm operations that have a position with both parties.