Dairy Industry Fears Becoming Next Animal Welfare Target

Thanks to a string of recent victories -- like the ban on cow tail docking passed in California and the half dozen states with new farm animal anti-confinement laws -- and several HSUS exposés and campaigns from the last year, the National Milk Producers Federation is pre-emptively launching a standard-of-care program to avoid becoming the next target. It hopes that its self-imposed regulations will be more effective and less embarrassing than waiting around for HSUS and other animal welfare groups to force change upon the industry.

The check list includes a range of protocols from providing clean drinking water and good nutrition to proper foot care and euthanasia. Dairy farmers who participate in the program will get bragging rights similar to the cage-free label on eggs that's becoming increasingly popular among consumers. (However, unlike the new dairy program, cage-free certifications have very few requirements, which are loosely governed by the USDA and generally not supported by egg producer trade associations.) Farms participating in the National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) will be verified by site visits from veterinarians or trained field staff, and there's a plan for third-party verification starting next year.

The program doesn't call for an end to factory farms -- that would be too much to hope for as a first move from a trade group -- but it goes a long way toward redefining the way animals are treated, and reducing their suffering. As the industry sees that the public is willing to pay the higher cost of humane conditions, they'll be more willing to invest in cruelty-free operations.

It's a rare move for the agriculture industry to be proactive instead of playing defense ... it makes me feel good about my prediction for this year that compassion is the new black!

Photo credit: Foxtongue