Frequently Asked Questions
By Althea Zanecosky, MS, RD, LDN
Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
May 2008
Q: I recently saw a video of “downed" cows at a California slaughterhouse. Are these animals a threat to the safety of the nation's food supply?
A: The news clip you viewed was from a tape shot last year by an undercover investigator who wore a hidden camera under his clothes while working at the Hallmark Meat Packing Co. in California. The video showed “downed” or non-ambulatory cows being mistreated.
The government acted quickly both to guarantee humane treatment of farm animals and to protect Americans from potentially dangerous food. The Agriculture Department is investigating the possible violation of state and federal laws at the slaughterhouse and stated there was no evidence the nation's beef supply is at risk.
This incident, which we believe to be isolated, occurred well after the dairy cows left the farm. Dairy farmers are committed to proper animal care and take animal stewardship very seriously. Farmers understand and support USDA regulations that prohibit “downer” cattle from entering the food supply. All dairy cows sent to market are inspected by USDA veterinarians and are subject to the same federal food safety criteria as other cattle at processing plants.
Last fall at the 2007 World Dairy Expo, the dairy industry announced a new coalition called The National Dairy Animal Well-Being Initiative. Guiding principles are being developed to demonstrate dairy producers’ dedication to animal well-being. They will be based on the following ideas:
- As a dairy farmer, caring for animals is the number one priority so that farmers can provide the public with safe and wholesome dairy products. The dairy industry works hard every day ensuring the comfort and safety of their animals.
- Dairy farmers oppose and are outraged by the inhumane treatment of animals, whether on or off the farm. Farmers support government investigations into any allegations of animal abuse, including those that occur at meat processing facilities.
- Dairy farmers support government regulations that prohibit non-ambulatory, or “downer,” cattle from entering the food supply.
- Dairy farmers remain committed to animal care.
- A cow’s health is of utmost importance to dairy farmers. Proper animal care leads to the production of high-quality milk.
- On all farms, dairy cows receive regular medical care, including periodic checkups, vaccinations and prompt treatment of illness.
- Dairy farmers depend on healthy cows for their family’s livelihood. The public can be assured that farmers care for their herd by providing a nutritious diet and healthy living conditions.