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NPPC calls HSUS suit “bullying tactic”
Story Date: 9/25/2012
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Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 9/25/12
The National Pork Producers Council is reviewing The Humane Society of the United States’ lawsuit over NPPC funding announced yesterday, but it said it appears without legal merit and is simply the latest HSUS “bullying tactic.”
“NPPC is reviewing the HSUS complaint, but it appears there is no legal merit to this claim, and it is another desperate attempt by the radical activist group to severely curtail animal agriculture and take away consumer food choices,” said NPPC CEO Neil Dierks in a statement. “This also is the latest bullying tactic by HSUS in its efforts to force NPPC to abandon its position on allowing farmers to choose production practices that are best for the welfare of their animals."
NPPC noted that over the past few months, HSUS has threatened NPPC with a Federal Trade Commission complaint; filed notice of its intent to sue a number of hog operations over alleged emissions reporting violations; and charged that NPPC was responsible for the deaths of hogs in barn fires because the organization asked to give input on national fire standards for agricultural facilities. “All of the allegations lack merit,” Dierks said.
“What does merit concern, however, is the fact that HSUS preys on the emotions of domestic pet owners with deceptive advertising and fundraising. It raises money on images of abused puppies without homes, yet virtually none of those funds go to local shelters. Instead those dollars go toward multimillion-dollar campaigns to attack family farmers and American meat production,” Dierks added.
National Pork Board weighs in
"I find it unusual that HSUS is filing suit now over a decision that was made and approved more than six years ago," National Pork Board Chief Executive Officer Chris Novak said in a statement.
He noted the NPB purchased the trademark in 2006 from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), which created the trademark prior to the formation of the National Pork Board in 1986. The National Pork Board subsequently assumed all marketing responsibilities for pork. NPPC agreed to finance the payments over 20 years, making the payment from the National Pork Board $3 million annually.
"'The Other White Meat' is an incredibly valuable asset, which is why the board in 2006 took steps to assure it would always be owned by pork producers," Novak said. "In 2000, Northwestern University conducted a study that determined that The Other White Meat was one of the five most recognizable taglines in contemporary advertising. So it was important to producers that it be protected," Novak added.
And even though the board has transitioned its advertising to another tagline, Novak said, it continues to use The Other White Meat. It will be featured by the National Pork Board this month at meetings of the American Dietetic Association and with the National Pork Board's Advisory Panel of Retail Dietitians.
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