Truth from the Trenches
By Melissa Hart

After reading an article about a press conference with Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) CEO Wayne Pacelle and the Ohio Department of Agriculture, I can’t decide which is worse: the cunning effect HSUS has on the livestock producers in Ohio, or the naïveté of Ohio agriculture.

Pacelle was noted as saying he upholds the ballot decisions Ohioans approved last fall calling for the formation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, and its charge to set standards of welfare for farm animals. He said HSUS recognizes the vote of the citizens of Ohio on Issue 2, and they recognize the authority of the livestock board.

I wonder; are we getting Pacelle’s empty, yet well-spoken, words at this press conference mixed up with someone who cares about Ohio animal agriculture? Out front, he can deliver well-spoken talking points with the best of them, but it’s time to look beneath the speech and remember who is speaking.

This is the same man who has millions of dollars at his disposal and his agenda is simple: Abolish animal agriculture everywhere.

When he said that he upholds the ballot decisions of Ohioans, my immediate question is: Does he have a choice? Seriously? And the answer is a resounding “no.” He has no choice.

He may not agree with it, but he can’t, singlehandedly, do anything about it.

Pacelle said HSUS recognizes the authority of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Really? Then why are they trying to tell livestock producers how to raise livestock with the implementation of their (HSUS) changes of how livestock are to be handled?

The truth is, they don’t want anyone to be livestock producers – end of story.  And if they don’t want anyone producing animal products, then the only concern they have with how livestock are handled is that they aren’t handled.

The agreement between HSUS and the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is not legally binding and is described by Pacelle as a “gentlemen’s agreement between parties, a good-faith effort to figure out a pathway forward for all of us.”

Does anyone else have trouble with the authenticity of this statement? Since when is the CEO of the world’s largest anti-animal agriculture group concerned with a pathway forward for livestock producers?

While I appreciate the efforts of Ohio agriculture trying to clear a path toward the progress of keeping HSUS out of their business, I have to wonder if they are being led down the primrose path by one of the most cunning individuals of all time.

It appears to me this HSUS leader is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He has dressed himself up to be understanding and tolerant. While he appears concerned for all, keep in mind: He had to kill the sheep and tan the hide before he came with his sheepish grin to the table of compromise.

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 Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.