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Farm Sanctuary Takes Texas Department of Agriculture to Task for Deaths of Approximately 150 Pigs

Texas Department of Agriculture Displays Shocking Lack of Animal Welfare Oversight

Watkins Glen, NY - July 13, 2006 - Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, has called upon the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to fully investigate and implement disciplinary measures against any and all TDA employees responsible for the deaths of approximately150 pigs at a TDA facility in Brownsville, Texas. The pigs were found dead inside transport trucks after being essentially abandoned for several days in near-100 degree temperatures without food, water or relief from the heat.

The pigs, which were part of a group of 2,644 pigs in transit from Ohio to Mexico, arrived at the TDA's Brownsville facility on June 26 and 27. At least 150 of the animals died after being left packed inside livestock trailers until June 29. In a letter sent to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, Farm Sanctuary demanded that the agency take accountability for the deaths of the animals, whose suffering transpired apparently in full view of multiple TDA employees.

"The TDA's failure to provide the most basic sustenance and relief from deadly conditions for these pigs constitutes a shocking lack of concern for animal welfare," said Farm Sanctuary President Gene Baur (formerly Bauston). "We would expect that the TDA would have at least minimal protocols in place to ensure their facility does not become a death trap for animals routed there."

As part of its demands, Farm Sanctuary has requested that the TDA establish a written protocol, developed with the assistance of local animal control agencies and animal welfare experts, for the humane treatment of livestock at their facilities. Additionally, in a separate letter to the Cameron County & District Attorney, Farm Sanctuary has requested that at least 150 animal cruelty charges-one for each of the pigs' deaths-be filed against those responsible for the protracted suffering and deaths of the pigs at the TDA's Brownsville holding pen.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.