There is another article about the political activites of the Humane Society of the United States in the Tuesday edition of the Nashville Tennessean newspaper.  It is in the Business section on page 2E and is worth taking a look at.

     The story is headlined "Animal welfare key concern in farm bill."  It states "This year, some producers have reason to watch (the farm bill) a little nervously.  Flush with cash, animal-welfare groups will be pushing to use this year's farm bill to stop practices they consider inhumane."  Among the measures to be considered are a requirement that the federal government, including the school lunch program, buy meat or dairy products from producers that meet certain animal-welfare standards, including adequate space in barns for hogs and poultry.  

     A permanent ban on the slaughtering of "downer" cattle or hogs, animals that are lame or ill is also up for consideration as well as a requirement that the USDA set standards for the humane slaughter of chickens and turkeys.  Rules are already in place setting the standard for the slaughter of cattle and hogs.

     The article goes on to say "The Humane Society (HSUS), now the most influential animal-rights group, has increased its membership from 7 million to 10 million, merged with several smaller organizations and expanded its staff.  Between 2002 and 2005, the organization's annual revenue jumped from $76 million to $141 million.  The group also formed a new political arm that was used to target campaign spending against several key lawmakers in  last fall's election."

     Kelli Ludlum, who handles animal-welfare issues for the American Farm Bureau Federation, is quoted "You have your head in the sand if you think they are not more organized that they were five years ago."