Humane Society Calls for End to Hog ‘Suffering'

May 31, 2001

The Humane Society of the United States wants consumers, communities, government officials and farmers to "band together to end the suffering of millions of hogs raised every year in factory farms across the United States." The HSUS's "Halt Hog Factories" campaign, begun Wednesday, will target these groups with information on the "inhumane treatment" of animals the organization says is inherent in factory hog farming. The campaign's goal is ending the "intensive confinement of these intelligent and social animals."

"People know about environmental pollution from hog factories, or the effect on family farmers," said Patricia Forkan, executive vice president of The HSUS. "And The Humane Society of the United States is very concerned about those issues as well. But we want to raise awareness of the inhumane treatment that hogs endure on factory farms. It's one more good reason to reject the hog factory system."

A poll conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates for HSUS, indicated that 67% of Americans think that pigs should be treated humanely, with only 25% saying that inhumane treatment is the price we must pay for inexpensive pork products. "In fact, 72% say they would pay more for products from pigs raised more humanely," according to HSUS.

The campaign is asking people to take personal action by refusing to purchase products made from hogs raised under intensive confinement on factory farms, which constitute the majority of pork products on the market. HSUS is offering consumers free "Halt Hog Factories" calling cards that can be given to grocery store and restaurant managers, announcing their intention to reject hog factory products. The HSUS is also distributing a free "Halt Hog Factories" static-cling decal to be displayed on home, business and car windows to show support for the campaign and raise awareness of the issue.