1. New Reports on Factory Farming Problems, Proposed Remedies
2. Fish Farming: At Sea And in The Desert
3. USDA's Ties to Meat Industry
4. Deadly Salmonella Is Spreading Across The U.S.
5. Chronic Wasting Disease "Extortion"
6. Standards, Problems & Suggestions Regarding Crated Sows
7. Tragedy & Savagery
8. Update: Scottish Pig Farm Investigation
1. NEW REPORTS ON FACTORY FARMING PROBLEMS, PROPOSED REMEDIES
The Sierra Club has just released its "Rap Sheet on Animal Factories," focusing primarily on the health and environmental problems caused by feedlots and slaughterplants. The 20-page report contains startling images and statistics. It concludes by urging readers to purchase "responsibly-raised meat." The National Meat Association said the report data was "highly improbable," and attributes the existing meat system to consumer demand. New federal regulations for feedlots, which the EPA is under court order to produce, should be ready by December. In anticipation of them, industry lobbied for and won federal funds to clean up wastewater (see issue #67). The report is available on line at: http://www.sierraclub.org/factoryfarms/rapsheets/
The Izaak Walton League is calling on U.S. retailers to bring pressure on agricultural entities to change environmentally problematic production practices. The organization is basing its effort on the recent welfare standards imposed on suppliers by McDonald's and others. It has prepared a report, "Going to Market: The Cost of Industrialized Agriculture," which calls for stronger regulations, consistent enforcement of existing rules, financial incentives and other measures. The report can be found at: http://www.iwla.org/reports/market.html
"Animal Diet Modification to Decrease the Potential for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution," is a new report by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). The report can be accessed through the organization's web site at: http://www.cast-science.org
"Feedlot Perils Outpace Regulation, Sierra Club Says," The New York Times, Elizabeth Becker, August 13, 2002.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/13/science/13FARM.html
"Animal Factories," Herd on the Hill (National Meat Assoc.), Kiran Kernellu, August 12, 2002.
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/safefood/archives/animalnet/2002/8-2002/animalnet_august_13.htm#ANIMAL%20FACTORIES
"Report requests retail pressure on ag stewardship," Dairy Herd, August 9, 2002.
http://www.dairyherd.com/articles/profittips2.ihtml?id=1987
2. FISH FARMING: AT SEA AND IN THE DESERT
World aquaculture is a $56 billion global enterprise which is rapidly being consolidated by a few big companies. Fish are increasingly being raised in cages floating in the ocean. They are fed unnatural diets, and are treated with vaccines and antibiotics. The latter is used to control disease in the "10,000-square-foot cages packed gill-to-gill with fish that eat and swim in their own muck." Sea lice proliferate in the close confines of sea cages. One particularly noxious parasite imported from a Swedish fish farm wiped out all the salmon in dozens of Norwegian farms and rivers. Infectious Salmon Anemia shut down the salmon industry in Maine (see issue #50) and New Brunswick in the recent past. (Salmon farms are banned in Alaska.) Farmed fish also suffer from heart disease initiated by stressful conditions. In Scotland, jellyfish recently killed nearly a million farmed salmon. Coastal waters are degraded by the discharge of fish farm chemicals and wastes. Coastal ecosystems are disrupted by nonnative species which escape from the farms. Genetically engineered "frankenfish" pose an even greater potential threat. (See back issues #21 & 63.) An article on East Coast aquaculture can be found in the July issue of Macleans at: http://www.macleans.ca/xta-asp/storyview.asp?viewtype=browse&tpl=browse_frame&vpath=/2002/07/29/Business/69530.shtml
Desert aquaculture, practiced in Israel and the southwest U.S., is being considered for other arid regions. Ancient water can be drawn from underground aquifers that exist in many of these places. The article notes that, impractical as desert fish farming may be, a key advantage is that disease can't spread to ocean populations. An estimated 30 million tons of shrimp and fish are raised in the desert every year. Agriculture uses 70% of the world's water supply. The World Resources Institute warns of chronic future water shortages. Notes an aquaculturist at the U. of Arizona: "In the desert, and maybe in the future, we've got to use every liter of water we've got."
"Fish Futures," East Bay Monthly, Bud Hazelkorn, July 22, 2002.
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=13646
"$2m toll of salmon sting," BBC News, August 7, 2002.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2178959.stm
"Desert Crop," ABC News, Amanda Onion, August 8, 2002.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/fishdesert020808.html
"Fish Farming," Compassion in World Farming
http://www.ciwf.co.uk/Trust/FF/farm_facts_fish_farming.htm
3. USDA'S TIES TO MEAT INDUSTRY
Agricultural industries have contributed nearly $25 million to the President and other politicians over the last 3 years. Another $161 million has been spent on lobbying. Members of these industries dominated the group that helped Bush pick Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, who in turn appointed several aides with meat industry backgrounds. (The industry ties of 5 top USDA officials are listed.) A Veneman spokesperson says their backgrounds are irrelevant. The USDA has a dual and conflicting mission of regulating and promoting agriculture. Industry uses its influence to design, block and weaken regulations. In this article, 2 former USDA secretaries note the meat industry's influence. One, Dan Glickman, acknowledges that the USDA's most important customer is the industry it regulates. In response to the recent meat recall, Glickman, now the director of a company that includes Yves Veggie Cuisine, stated: "While meat that is properly inspected and cooked is safe, meat alternatives definitely provide a safe option."
"Is USDA too close to meat industry?" Denver Post, Anne C. Milkern, August 11, 2002.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E53%257E787261,00.html
"Meat Analog Company Joins Chorus Touting Safety of Its Products" Meating Place News, Bryan Salvage, August 5, 2002.
http://www.meatingplace.com/meatingplace/Archives/oop/qnohit_g.asp?ID=9609
"Safety Last: The Politics of E. coli and other Food-Borne Killers," Center for Public Integrity.
http://www.public-i.org/dtaweb/index.asp?L1=20&L2=40&L3=0&L4=0&L5=0&State=
4. DEADLY SALMONELLA IS SPREADING ACROSS THE U.S.
A potentially deadly strain of Salmonella that is resistant to at least 9 antibiotics is quickly spreading across the country. Salmonella newport accounts for about 10% of the 1.4 million annual U.S cases of Salmonella poisoning. The pathogen is associated with dairy farms. Giving antibiotics to calves to prevent infection and promote growth is one of several factors that may be contributing to the pathogen's rise. Congressman Waxman (D-CA) is urging the USDA to determine how it is spreading and to initiate testing for it in slaughterplants.
"Deadly salmonella strain spreads across the USA," USA Today, Anita Manning, August 4, 2002
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2002-08-04-salmonella_x.htm
5. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE "EXTORTION"
Faced with Chronic wasting disease (CWD) problems (see back issue #70), Saskatchewan elk breeders told the Canadian government they will abandon their operations and release the animals into the wild unless they are given $60 million. In exchange for the money, the group offers to kill half of the 30,000 remaining elk in the hope of eliminating the threat of the disease. The International Fund for Animal Welfare said the demand equates to extortion. The market for elk has bottomed out, with bull elk selling for as little as $175. In contrast, the government pays $4,000 in compensation for elk killed on account of the disease. There is no live test for the disease, and the government has already paid about $60 million for 8,000 Saskatchewan elk who have been killed because of it. About half of that amount was paid as direct compensation.
In the U.S., 7 Colorado elk ranchers are seeking $10 million from the state in payment for losses incurred when 3,000 elk were killed in an attempt to control the CWD epidemic there. About 50 of the elk were found to be infected. Six of the ranchers have already received $2.3 million in compensation. Costly regulatory requirements, drought, and no market are plummeting the
ranchers prospects.
President Bush has announced that he will not release a $15 million grant intended to help states deal with CWD, which is affecting elk and deer here. The grant is part of a $5 billion contingency fund which Congress required be spent in its entirety or not at all. The President said he is refusing to spend the entire amount in order to demonstrate fiscal restraint. The military, however, has announced it will be spending $42.5 million to study prion disease. [Prions are believed to be the agent which causes CWD and related diseases that affect humans and other animals.] The decision is at least partially due to fear that millions of service members and their families stationed in Europe during the BSE/nvCJD outbreak there may have been exposed to the disease. Contamination of the blood supply by prions is another concern. About $20 million per year is already spent by the government on prion disease research.
"Elk breeders want 15,000 to be destroyed," National Post, Sarah Schmidt, August 13, 2002.
http://www.nationalpost.com/national/story.html?id={4BB786D7-73C5-4A42-B900-221E7638359F}
"Elk ranchers want state to pay for losses," Denver Post, Theo Stein, July 31, 2002.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E53%257E764271,00.html?search=filter
"Bush Cuts Off CWD Help," The Capital Times, David Marcelis, August 14, 2002.
http://www.madison.com/captimes/news/local/30537.php
"Military Joins Fight Against Disease," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, John Fauber & Mark Johnson, August 7, 2002.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/State/aug02/64852.asp
6. STANDARDS, PROBLEMS & SUGGESTIONS REGARDING CRATED SOWS
After having spent nearly 2 years reviewing production practices, research and programs, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR) released the retail food industry's agricultural animal-welfare report (see issue #75). The process included a listening session with industry representatives. Regarding pregnant pig housing, the organizations are in support of the following as a "short-term measure": a pregnant pig should be able to lie down without her teats extending into the adjacent stall (without them being restricted by a physical obstacle), her head should not have to rest on a raised feeder, her rear end should not be in contact with the back of the stall, and she should be able to stand up unimpeded. FMI/NCCR advisors plan to meet again to review the progress producer organizations make in developing their own animal-welfare programs. (Welfare initiatives by the pig industry are mentioned in the article.) Developing auditing systems for each species will be the next step.
A sow who is lame or has a pressure sore may have difficulty rising and lying down. As such, she may not respond to a squealing piglet who is caught or being crushed. To address this, an industry publication advises ensuring that sows fit "properly" in crates. A USDA animal scientist notes that extra fat may help prevent or reduce lesions but may also interfere with reproduction.
"FMI, NCCR Reveal Animal-Welfare Guidelines," Pork, Marlys Miller, August 10, 2002.
http://www.myswine.com/news/dsp_vance_article.cfm?storyid=4905
"Saving that Extra Piglet," Pork, Bill Raufer, August 10, 2002.
http://www.myswine.com/news/dsp_vance_article.cfm?storyid=4907
7. TRAGEDY & SAVAGERY
At least 44 calves died on Wednesday (8/14) when a 2-level trailer packed with 115 calves flipped over on an Interstate in southwest Florida. Most were trapped inside, stacked sideways on top of each other, with little air. The calves each weighed about 400 pounds, and the ones on the bottom suffocated. Workers tried to keep the calves cool during the 7 hours it took to remove them all. One calf escaped. The 54-year old driver was charged with careless driving.
Twenty-two cows were massacred when a truck carrying them in Argentina overturned. Workers were forced away by some 600 nearby residents who rushed to the scene with machetes and carving knives. The animals were butchered alive by adults and children who broke into fights over their flesh. The savagery was attributed to the country's recent economic collapse.
According to the California Cattlemen's Association, many cattle have died as a direct result of wildfire in the central part of the state. Others have reportedly been euthanized after suffering badly scorched feet and lungs. [About 140,000 acres have burned since the fire's start July 21st.]
"At least 44 calves die after crash," The Herald Tribune, Debi Springer, August 15, 2002.
http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Site=SH&Date=20020815&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=208150346&Ref=AR&SectionCat=ARCHIVES30
"Despair in Once-Proud Argentina," The Washington Post, Anthony Faiola, August 6, 2002.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47822-2002Aug5.html
"California's McNally Fire Rages," Farm Progress, John Sitler, August 6, 2002.
http://www.directag.com/directag/news/article.jhtml?article_id=1007838
8. UPDATE: SCOTTISH PIG FARM INVESTIGATION
The Scottish pig farm again being investigated for cruelty (see issue #79) has been cleared by government veterinarians. It was announced that there were no welfare problems that warranted a report for potential prosecution. A local official said there was no evidence of animal welfare problems. The company that owns the farm was uncertain how Advocates for Animals (AA) activists accessed the property to obtain the footage depicting the cruelties. An AA spokesperson said: "We are very concerned that the situation at this farm is considered acceptable. If that is the case then there needs to be changes throughout pig farming."
"Pig farm accused of cruelty is given all-clear," Edinburgh Evening News, Fiona MacGregor and John Rutter, August 8, 2002.
http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id=862692002&rware=HYRAKQXFRGLV&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=5
2. Fish Farming: At Sea And in The Desert
3. USDA's Ties to Meat Industry
4. Deadly Salmonella Is Spreading Across The U.S.
5. Chronic Wasting Disease "Extortion"
6. Standards, Problems & Suggestions Regarding Crated Sows
7. Tragedy & Savagery
8. Update: Scottish Pig Farm Investigation
1. NEW REPORTS ON FACTORY FARMING PROBLEMS, PROPOSED REMEDIES
The Sierra Club has just released its "Rap Sheet on Animal Factories," focusing primarily on the health and environmental problems caused by feedlots and slaughterplants. The 20-page report contains startling images and statistics. It concludes by urging readers to purchase "responsibly-raised meat." The National Meat Association said the report data was "highly improbable," and attributes the existing meat system to consumer demand. New federal regulations for feedlots, which the EPA is under court order to produce, should be ready by December. In anticipation of them, industry lobbied for and won federal funds to clean up wastewater (see issue #67). The report is available on line at: http://www.sierraclub.org/factoryfarms/rapsheets/
The Izaak Walton League is calling on U.S. retailers to bring pressure on agricultural entities to change environmentally problematic production practices. The organization is basing its effort on the recent welfare standards imposed on suppliers by McDonald's and others. It has prepared a report, "Going to Market: The Cost of Industrialized Agriculture," which calls for stronger regulations, consistent enforcement of existing rules, financial incentives and other measures. The report can be found at: http://www.iwla.org/reports/market.html
"Animal Diet Modification to Decrease the Potential for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution," is a new report by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). The report can be accessed through the organization's web site at: http://www.cast-science.org
"Feedlot Perils Outpace Regulation, Sierra Club Says," The New York Times, Elizabeth Becker, August 13, 2002.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/13/science/13FARM.html
"Animal Factories," Herd on the Hill (National Meat Assoc.), Kiran Kernellu, August 12, 2002.
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/safefood/archives/animalnet/2002/8-2002/animalnet_august_13.htm#ANIMAL%20FACTORIES
"Report requests retail pressure on ag stewardship," Dairy Herd, August 9, 2002.
http://www.dairyherd.com/articles/profittips2.ihtml?id=1987
2. FISH FARMING: AT SEA AND IN THE DESERT
World aquaculture is a $56 billion global enterprise which is rapidly being consolidated by a few big companies. Fish are increasingly being raised in cages floating in the ocean. They are fed unnatural diets, and are treated with vaccines and antibiotics. The latter is used to control disease in the "10,000-square-foot cages packed gill-to-gill with fish that eat and swim in their own muck." Sea lice proliferate in the close confines of sea cages. One particularly noxious parasite imported from a Swedish fish farm wiped out all the salmon in dozens of Norwegian farms and rivers. Infectious Salmon Anemia shut down the salmon industry in Maine (see issue #50) and New Brunswick in the recent past. (Salmon farms are banned in Alaska.) Farmed fish also suffer from heart disease initiated by stressful conditions. In Scotland, jellyfish recently killed nearly a million farmed salmon. Coastal waters are degraded by the discharge of fish farm chemicals and wastes. Coastal ecosystems are disrupted by nonnative species which escape from the farms. Genetically engineered "frankenfish" pose an even greater potential threat. (See back issues #21 & 63.) An article on East Coast aquaculture can be found in the July issue of Macleans at: http://www.macleans.ca/xta-asp/storyview.asp?viewtype=browse&tpl=browse_frame&vpath=/2002/07/29/Business/69530.shtml
Desert aquaculture, practiced in Israel and the southwest U.S., is being considered for other arid regions. Ancient water can be drawn from underground aquifers that exist in many of these places. The article notes that, impractical as desert fish farming may be, a key advantage is that disease can't spread to ocean populations. An estimated 30 million tons of shrimp and fish are raised in the desert every year. Agriculture uses 70% of the world's water supply. The World Resources Institute warns of chronic future water shortages. Notes an aquaculturist at the U. of Arizona: "In the desert, and maybe in the future, we've got to use every liter of water we've got."
"Fish Futures," East Bay Monthly, Bud Hazelkorn, July 22, 2002.
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=13646
"$2m toll of salmon sting," BBC News, August 7, 2002.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2178959.stm
"Desert Crop," ABC News, Amanda Onion, August 8, 2002.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/fishdesert020808.html
"Fish Farming," Compassion in World Farming
http://www.ciwf.co.uk/Trust/FF/farm_facts_fish_farming.htm
3. USDA'S TIES TO MEAT INDUSTRY
Agricultural industries have contributed nearly $25 million to the President and other politicians over the last 3 years. Another $161 million has been spent on lobbying. Members of these industries dominated the group that helped Bush pick Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, who in turn appointed several aides with meat industry backgrounds. (The industry ties of 5 top USDA officials are listed.) A Veneman spokesperson says their backgrounds are irrelevant. The USDA has a dual and conflicting mission of regulating and promoting agriculture. Industry uses its influence to design, block and weaken regulations. In this article, 2 former USDA secretaries note the meat industry's influence. One, Dan Glickman, acknowledges that the USDA's most important customer is the industry it regulates. In response to the recent meat recall, Glickman, now the director of a company that includes Yves Veggie Cuisine, stated: "While meat that is properly inspected and cooked is safe, meat alternatives definitely provide a safe option."
"Is USDA too close to meat industry?" Denver Post, Anne C. Milkern, August 11, 2002.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E53%257E787261,00.html
"Meat Analog Company Joins Chorus Touting Safety of Its Products" Meating Place News, Bryan Salvage, August 5, 2002.
http://www.meatingplace.com/meatingplace/Archives/oop/qnohit_g.asp?ID=9609
"Safety Last: The Politics of E. coli and other Food-Borne Killers," Center for Public Integrity.
http://www.public-i.org/dtaweb/index.asp?L1=20&L2=40&L3=0&L4=0&L5=0&State=
4. DEADLY SALMONELLA IS SPREADING ACROSS THE U.S.
A potentially deadly strain of Salmonella that is resistant to at least 9 antibiotics is quickly spreading across the country. Salmonella newport accounts for about 10% of the 1.4 million annual U.S cases of Salmonella poisoning. The pathogen is associated with dairy farms. Giving antibiotics to calves to prevent infection and promote growth is one of several factors that may be contributing to the pathogen's rise. Congressman Waxman (D-CA) is urging the USDA to determine how it is spreading and to initiate testing for it in slaughterplants.
"Deadly salmonella strain spreads across the USA," USA Today, Anita Manning, August 4, 2002
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2002-08-04-salmonella_x.htm
5. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE "EXTORTION"
Faced with Chronic wasting disease (CWD) problems (see back issue #70), Saskatchewan elk breeders told the Canadian government they will abandon their operations and release the animals into the wild unless they are given $60 million. In exchange for the money, the group offers to kill half of the 30,000 remaining elk in the hope of eliminating the threat of the disease. The International Fund for Animal Welfare said the demand equates to extortion. The market for elk has bottomed out, with bull elk selling for as little as $175. In contrast, the government pays $4,000 in compensation for elk killed on account of the disease. There is no live test for the disease, and the government has already paid about $60 million for 8,000 Saskatchewan elk who have been killed because of it. About half of that amount was paid as direct compensation.
In the U.S., 7 Colorado elk ranchers are seeking $10 million from the state in payment for losses incurred when 3,000 elk were killed in an attempt to control the CWD epidemic there. About 50 of the elk were found to be infected. Six of the ranchers have already received $2.3 million in compensation. Costly regulatory requirements, drought, and no market are plummeting the
ranchers prospects.
President Bush has announced that he will not release a $15 million grant intended to help states deal with CWD, which is affecting elk and deer here. The grant is part of a $5 billion contingency fund which Congress required be spent in its entirety or not at all. The President said he is refusing to spend the entire amount in order to demonstrate fiscal restraint. The military, however, has announced it will be spending $42.5 million to study prion disease. [Prions are believed to be the agent which causes CWD and related diseases that affect humans and other animals.] The decision is at least partially due to fear that millions of service members and their families stationed in Europe during the BSE/nvCJD outbreak there may have been exposed to the disease. Contamination of the blood supply by prions is another concern. About $20 million per year is already spent by the government on prion disease research.
"Elk breeders want 15,000 to be destroyed," National Post, Sarah Schmidt, August 13, 2002.
http://www.nationalpost.com/national/story.html?id={4BB786D7-73C5-4A42-B900-221E7638359F}
"Elk ranchers want state to pay for losses," Denver Post, Theo Stein, July 31, 2002.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E53%257E764271,00.html?search=filter
"Bush Cuts Off CWD Help," The Capital Times, David Marcelis, August 14, 2002.
http://www.madison.com/captimes/news/local/30537.php
"Military Joins Fight Against Disease," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, John Fauber & Mark Johnson, August 7, 2002.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/State/aug02/64852.asp
6. STANDARDS, PROBLEMS & SUGGESTIONS REGARDING CRATED SOWS
After having spent nearly 2 years reviewing production practices, research and programs, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR) released the retail food industry's agricultural animal-welfare report (see issue #75). The process included a listening session with industry representatives. Regarding pregnant pig housing, the organizations are in support of the following as a "short-term measure": a pregnant pig should be able to lie down without her teats extending into the adjacent stall (without them being restricted by a physical obstacle), her head should not have to rest on a raised feeder, her rear end should not be in contact with the back of the stall, and she should be able to stand up unimpeded. FMI/NCCR advisors plan to meet again to review the progress producer organizations make in developing their own animal-welfare programs. (Welfare initiatives by the pig industry are mentioned in the article.) Developing auditing systems for each species will be the next step.
A sow who is lame or has a pressure sore may have difficulty rising and lying down. As such, she may not respond to a squealing piglet who is caught or being crushed. To address this, an industry publication advises ensuring that sows fit "properly" in crates. A USDA animal scientist notes that extra fat may help prevent or reduce lesions but may also interfere with reproduction.
"FMI, NCCR Reveal Animal-Welfare Guidelines," Pork, Marlys Miller, August 10, 2002.
http://www.myswine.com/news/dsp_vance_article.cfm?storyid=4905
"Saving that Extra Piglet," Pork, Bill Raufer, August 10, 2002.
http://www.myswine.com/news/dsp_vance_article.cfm?storyid=4907
7. TRAGEDY & SAVAGERY
At least 44 calves died on Wednesday (8/14) when a 2-level trailer packed with 115 calves flipped over on an Interstate in southwest Florida. Most were trapped inside, stacked sideways on top of each other, with little air. The calves each weighed about 400 pounds, and the ones on the bottom suffocated. Workers tried to keep the calves cool during the 7 hours it took to remove them all. One calf escaped. The 54-year old driver was charged with careless driving.
Twenty-two cows were massacred when a truck carrying them in Argentina overturned. Workers were forced away by some 600 nearby residents who rushed to the scene with machetes and carving knives. The animals were butchered alive by adults and children who broke into fights over their flesh. The savagery was attributed to the country's recent economic collapse.
According to the California Cattlemen's Association, many cattle have died as a direct result of wildfire in the central part of the state. Others have reportedly been euthanized after suffering badly scorched feet and lungs. [About 140,000 acres have burned since the fire's start July 21st.]
"At least 44 calves die after crash," The Herald Tribune, Debi Springer, August 15, 2002.
http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Site=SH&Date=20020815&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=208150346&Ref=AR&SectionCat=ARCHIVES30
"Despair in Once-Proud Argentina," The Washington Post, Anthony Faiola, August 6, 2002.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47822-2002Aug5.html
"California's McNally Fire Rages," Farm Progress, John Sitler, August 6, 2002.
http://www.directag.com/directag/news/article.jhtml?article_id=1007838
8. UPDATE: SCOTTISH PIG FARM INVESTIGATION
The Scottish pig farm again being investigated for cruelty (see issue #79) has been cleared by government veterinarians. It was announced that there were no welfare problems that warranted a report for potential prosecution. A local official said there was no evidence of animal welfare problems. The company that owns the farm was uncertain how Advocates for Animals (AA) activists accessed the property to obtain the footage depicting the cruelties. An AA spokesperson said: "We are very concerned that the situation at this farm is considered acceptable. If that is the case then there needs to be changes throughout pig farming."
"Pig farm accused of cruelty is given all-clear," Edinburgh Evening News, Fiona MacGregor and John Rutter, August 8, 2002.
http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id=862692002&rware=HYRAKQXFRGLV&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=5
