HSUS Reaches Settlement in Animal Abuse Case

On November 16, The Humane Society of the United States announced a poignant victory in its federal case against Hallmark Meat Co., which alleges the meat supplier defrauded the federal government by violating contracts requiring humane handling of animals. The animal-welfare group filed a False Claims Act lawsuit against the California slaughterhouse several years ago following its 2008 animal abuse scandal—the release of an undercover video showed horrid mistreatment of downed cattle, which led to the largest meat recall in the country’s history and the bankruptcy of several responsible parties. A partial settlement with Donald Hallmark Sr. and Donald Hallmark Jr. has been reached, requiring structured payments of more than $300,000 over the next five years, and requiring their cooperation in litigation involving the Department of Justice.