American Humane® Certified Convenes First Meeting Of Humane Livestock Transportation Council

Denver (September 3, 2009)

American Humane Certified, the farm animal welfare program of the American Humane Association, convened the first meeting of the Humane Livestock Transportation Council on Aug. 26 and 27 at the organization’s national headquarters in Denver, Colo.

The council consists of 25 animal science and welfare professionals, leading equipment manufacturers, engineers and industry representatives.

The Humane Livestock Transportation Council discussed existing industry guidelines for livestock transport, transport issues relative to animal welfare and future trends in U.S. livestock transportation. Committees were named and timelines developed for critical paths leading to the development of animal welfare standards and best practices, as well as humane training programs.

“This initial meeting highlighted the need for consistent and integrated welfare standards in the livestock transportation industry,” said Tim Amlaw, director of American Humane Certified. “Various trade groups are currently working on animal welfare issues in transportation. The council will incorporate that work and hopefully bring all parties to consensus on an effective and practical set of standards for humane livestock transportation in the United States. Development of humane training for all employees in the industry will be an integral part of the council’s work.”

American Humane Certified will continue its research on equipment design and technology, as well as research on monitoring livestock in transport. There will be frequent meetings with the committees using a dedicated Humane Livestock Transportation Council website.

As a leading organization in animal welfare, American Humane has worked to improve the welfare of animals and livestock in transportation since its inception in 1877.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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