CRIMES WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES - gpvec

1.1 About the Author
Crimes Without ConsequenCes
Dena Jones has directed a number of advocacy campaigns for national and international
animal protection organizations. She holds a Master’s of Science degree in animals and
public policy from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and has more than
15 years of experience advocating for animals, including five years as a farm animal
welfare consultant. Ms. Jones has researched and reported on various issues related to
farm animal protection, such as the evidence of sentience in farm animals and U.S. farm
animal welfare standards.
1.1 About the Animal Welfare Institute
Since its founding in 1951, the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has sought to reduce
the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by people. One major goal is to
abolish factory farms and achieve humane slaughter for all animals raised for food. AWI
researches, investigates, educates, advocates and lobbies on behalf of animals.
In the 1950s, AWI founding president Christine Stevens studied humane slaughter
methods, visiting plants in the United States, England, Holland and Denmark. AWI
sponsored scientific research on slaughter methods and collected a substantial body of
technical information on the practical application of all humane methods of slaughter,
as well as information on the historical background and legal status of humane slaughter
throughout the world.
AWI lobbied for the adoption of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and its 1978
amendment. Initially, AWI supported increased appropriations for enforcement of the
law as called for by Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, but when it became clear that
the USDA was not using the funds as intended, AWI sought to educate the public and the
U.S. Congress about the misuse of taxpayer funds—which continues today.
Through its Animal Welfare Approved program, AWI has provided technical expertise to
plants to encourage improved compliance with the law. AWI lobbied in support of a 2002
Congressional Resolution in support of sound enforcement of the Humane Methods of
Slaughter Act and continues to seek both solid enforcement of the law and the expansion
of its coverage to all species raised for consumption.
1.3 Acknowledgements
The author appreciates support received from Farm Sanctuary and the U.S. office of the
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in the preparation of this report.
Helpful comments and suggested revisions were offered by Cathy Liss, president of AWI;
Cat Carroll, communications associate of AWI; Lori Kettler, senior counsel for People for
the Ethical Treatment of Animals; and Gail Eisnitz, chief investigator, Humane Farming
Association (HFA).
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