If it is not some outrageous and disgusting stunt pulled by PETA, then it is news that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has duped some corporation into giving them big bucks or adopting some ridiculous animal care policy.

So when the bunny huggers get their red meat lunch handed to them, so to speak, it is not only news - it is cause for a celebration. Such was the case then the Nobel Committee dealt an internationally prestigious kick in the pants to the radical animal rights movement.

The 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mario R. Capecchi, Martin J. Evans, and Oliver Smithies for their animal-based research that pioneered gene-targeting technology now being used to develop treatments and cures for countless serious ailments.

“The Nobel Assembly’s announcement stands in bold counterpoint to the dangerous agenda of animal rights leaders who are actively lobbying to stop scientists from conducting animal studies in disease research,” said Jacquie Calnan, president of Americans for Medical Progress, a nonprofit organization that stands in support of biomedical research.

Calnan noted that the three scientists who share this year’s Nobel Prize created the toolkit by which scientists are able to use mice to study heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, and many other diseases. Already several treatments have been developed, and many more medicines are in the pipeline.

The citation by the Nobel Assembly stated, “Gene targeting has pervaded all fields of biomedicine. Its impact on the understanding of gene function and its benefits to mankind will continue to increase over many years to come.”

This is not the first time animal-based research has garnered this prestigious award. More than two-thirds of the Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine have been awarded for research that has relied, at least in part, on animal studies. A survey of living Nobel laureates conducted to commemorate the centenary of Alfred Nobel’s death found virtually unanimous agreement that animal research remains necessary if new treatments and cures are to be developed.

This stands in stark contract to the smug and self-righteous activists who dismiss human suffering and trivialize medical advancement over the “rights” of mice, rats and guinea pigs.

“Now would be a good time for animal rights leaders to step away from their opposition to animal studies and demonstrate support for humane and responsible research that benefits both people and animals,” AMP’s Calnan stated.

Well, fat chance that is going to happen.

The world scientific community also put animal wackos on notice as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has announced that 400 participants from all over the world will gather for the second OIE Global Conference on Animal Welfare, slated for Oct. 20-22, 2008 in Cairo, Egypt. The purpose of this event is to implement its science-based animal welfare standards worldwide. What’s that - “science-based animal welfare standards?” Well, that will certainly put an end to the emotionally charged, anthropomorphic standards the animal rights movement has been using.

OIE and partner organizations will review progress made by countries, the world veterinary community, and livestock industries in the fields of sea, air, and land transport of livestock; livestock slaughter for human consumption; and killing for disease control. Could it be with science-based, best management practices that farmers will finally be recognized for the true animal humanitarians they are?

Well, that is a lot to hope for, but, nevertheless, this does seem to be a promising trend.

Meanwhile, there are still plenty of battles to fight. HSUS is currently circulating petitions in California to get an anti-gestation stall provision put on the ballot, and N.Y. Rep. Louise Slaughter is promoting a bill called the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act. HR 962 would phase out antibiotic use in livestock for growth or preventative purposes.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Gary Truitt may write to him in care of this publication.