Earlier
today, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) filed suit against the
United States Department of Agriculture in an attempt to void a contract
between the National Pork Board (NPB)
and the National Pork Producer’s Council
(NPPC). The NPB is the entity through
which pork “checkoff”
dollars are spent, while the NPPC is an industry group focused on legislative
and public policy issues that affect its members. The contracts at issue involve the rights to
the slogan “Pork, The Other White Meat” and related intellectual property.
According
to the lawsuit “the $3 million per year the NPB pays NPPC for those rights
is illegal, because those funds are used for NPPC lobbying efforts. The lawsuit
estimated those payments account for as much as 32 percent of NPPC’s annual
budget revenue.” See Meatingplace article here.
HSUS claims standing to bring suit on its own behalf
because “NPPC has consistently expended significant funds to fight HSUS
policy and legislative reforms related to humane practices in the care of farm
animals.” As a result, HSUS argues, “[s]ince HSUS resources would otherwise be spent on advocacy, legislation, and
education related to improving the treatment of pigs and other animals,
Defendant’s unlawful conduct directly impedes Plaintiff’s activities, and
causes a significant drain on its resources and time.”
To read the complaint, click here. The press release issued by HSUS in conjunction with the filing is available here. As of this time, no press release has been issued by either the NPB or the NPPC.
Posted: 9/24/2012
Questions? Looking for more information? Contact Staff Attorney Elizabeth Rumley at erumley@uark.edu
