Tyson Foods has responded to Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) claims, reportedly filed in a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), suggesting that the Springdale, AR-based company made deceptive animal welfare statements following the release of an undercover video taken at a Wyoming pig farm.
Tyson’s response follows:
“We’ve not seen any complaint filed with the SEC so it’s difficult to provide a specific comment. However, we will note that according to a new Humane Watch (www.HumaneWatch.com) survey, HSUS appears to be deceiving its donors. The survey of more than 1,000 donors to HSUS found that 90% were unaware that the organization gives just 1% of its budget to local pet shelters.
“After learning that the HSUS did not spend a majority of its funds assisting local pet shelters, 80% of the donors polled believed the group engaged in deceptive fundraising practices.
“As we have previously stated, we are appalled by the mistreatment of the animals shown in the video taken at the Wyoming pig farm and have discontinued buying animals from the farm. While the video was offensive, the mistreatment shown had nothing to do with gestation crates.
“Let’s also make it clear that Tyson does not own, operate or have any contractual relationship with the Wyoming farm, which is primarily involved in providing feeder pigs to other companies not affiliated with Tyson Foods (http://www.tysonfoods.com).”