HSUS Files Formal Complaint Against Pork Industry

The Humane Society of the United States has filed a legal complaint against the National Pork Producers Council, calling the accuracy of its animal-welfare campaigns into question. The organization is accusing the pork industry of using false advertising to deceive consumers about the welfare of pigs—a practice it says is in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. According to HSUS, the National Pork Producers Council’s public claims about its animal-welfare initiatives contradict known information about the routine abuse of sows on factory farms. “Rather than investing in real animal-welfare reforms, the Pork Council is betting the farm on a deceptive PR campaign designed to mislead consumers with false assurances,” says Jonathan Lovvorn, HSUS’ senior vice president for animal-protection litigation.