Current Press Releases

Farm Sanctuary President Speaks at USDA Symposium in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON - September 20, 2004 - Farm Sanctuary President, Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), is speaking at a USDA symposium in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 22. This marks the first time that an animal rights proponent has been invited to speak at a USDA event about the topic of animal rights. It signals a growing legitimacy and concern about this issue. Other presenters include agricultural consultants and industry representatives. The Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, James Mosley, will be introducing the program.

The symposium seeks to foster and enhance balanced and enlightened public dialogue on topics related to the nature and future of animal agriculture. It is organized by a national committee made up of individuals from academia, government, industry, and diverse advocacy organizations and seeks to present timely issues in a balanced, innovative and thoughtful manner. The meeting encourages public dialogue and understanding about the nature and future direction of animal agriculture, and the impact of their personal decisions on this process.

In his presentation at USDA, Bauston points out, "Any discussion of animal rights calls us to examine very fundamental ethical questions about who we are and what our relationship with other creatures should be. It is not only about animals, but about us, and when we address animal rights, often we are really talking about human responsibility."

Bauston states "On today's industrialized farms, animals are kept under conditions that are unacceptable to most consumers, and I believe this puts modern animal agriculture in a very tenuous position. It depends on people to purchase food that is produced in ways that most consumers oppose."

Click here for the complete presentation.

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.