Following the April 13th explosion and fire at the South Fork Dairy Farm in Dimmitt, TX, welfare activists including Animal Wellness Action have cynically used the event to generate opposition to intensive livestock production but primarily to solicit donations.
The source of the fire and the consequential loss of approximately 18,000 dairy cows is currently under investigation. Initial reports suggest a malfunction in a vacuum system responsible for handling liquid waste. The fire spread quickly through the flammable insulation on the underside of the rate.
Welfare organizations have long criticized the dairy industry over housing, welfare and management practices. Sympathetic legislators have introduced H.R. 1619, the Add Soy Act to require school systems to offer soy milk as an alternative to natural milk. Troy Carter (D-LA) stated, “Too many children who cannot safely or comfortably consume dairy are being forced to accept containers of cow’s milk on their lunch trays. The Add Soy Act ensures that health and nutritional needs of all our nation’s students are met.”
Obviously animal welfare activists are attempting to deprive the dairy industry of a significant market as supported by USDA feeding programs through lobbying and seminars.
A similar campaign could be waged against eggs served in school feeding programs and SNAP-WIC programs. This suggests preemptive action to prevent an erosion of consumption.