In their comprehensive opposition to intensive livestock production, activist organizations including the Humane Society of the United States are employing petitions directed to range of federal regulatory agencies.

Last week, the HSUS filed a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission alleging that Pilgrim’s Pride is misleading investors with respect to welfare of flocks and the environmental impacts of production.  The filing is timed to raise concern over the prospect of a JBS initial public offering.

According to the HSUS website, the Society stated, “Our complaint alleges that JBS and Pilgrim’s Pride appear to repeatedly mislead investors by making false and misleading animal welfare and climate claims in their sustainability reports and on websites.”  This statement reflects subjective and biased opinions intended to disparage the company and obstruct the IPO.

The HSUS has received assistance in their legal initiatives by the radical Farmed Animal Advocacy Clinic affiliated with the Vermont Law School.