HSUS to Sue 51 Pig Confinement Facilities Over Pollution

The Human Society of the United States served notice of its intent to sue 51 industrial pig-confinement enterprises in Iowa, North Carolina, and Oklahoma for the unreported release of ammonia pollutants. Many of the operations selected by HSUS have connections to leaders of the National Pork Producers Council, a trade group that endorses the use of gestation crates. HSUS estimates hundreds of pounds of airborne ammonia are released each day, and notes that the Environmental Protection Agency requires reporting by any facility releasing more than 100 pounds in 24 hours. “The National Pork Producers Council’s record on environmental degradation is just as sordid as its record on the systemic mistreatment of animals,” states Jonathan Lovvorn, senior vice president and chief counsel for animal protection litigation at HSUS.