Missouri Ag Connection - MCA Calls on Candidates to Reject Animal Rights Groups

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MCA Calls on Candidates to Reject Animal Rights Groups
Missouri Ag Connection - 10/24/2016

The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) calls on statewide candidates to reject animal rights "extremist" groups. The plea comes subsequent to The Missouri Times reporting that the Humane Society Legislative Fund, which is the political action arm of the Humane Society of the United States, is endorsing four statewide candidates in Missouri elections. MCA President Keith Stevens said the organization fundamentally opposes radical animal rights groups and stated "HSUS is the worst."

"We work daily to advance Missouri's beef industry. HSUS is an extremist group that has demonstrated its desire to stymie agriculture in this state. By its own admission, HSUS believes eating meat causes animal cruelty," said Stevens. "We fundamentally oppose the actions of this deceitful and manipulative organization."

The animal rights group announced its endorsement of Jason Kander for U.S. Senate over incumbent Roy Blunt, who is endorsed by MCA and other agricultural organizations. It also endorsed Teresa Hensley for attorney general. Hensely is running against Josh Hawley, who is endorsed by MCA and others. HSLF endorsed Russ Carnahan over Mike Parson for lieutenant governor. Parson is endorsed by MCA and is vocally opposed to the agenda of animal rights groups. The article states, and MCA confirmed, that HSLF has endorsed Eric Greitens for governor. MCA and every major agricultural organization in the state endorsed Chris Koster, who fought in favor of the Farming Rights Amendment two years ago.

The Missouri Times quoted Joe Maxwell, senior political director of HSLF and former lieutenant governor of Missouri. Stevens said Maxwell gives the association pause.

"As for Maxwell, one has to wonder why this farmer is employed by HSUS. Maxwell's pork co-op Heritage Acres was suspended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for violations of humane slaughter and treatment regulations in 2009. In all, USDA records show that Maxwell's Heritage Acres was cited more than 150 times for violations ranging from inhumane handling to meat contamination to unhygienic conditions," said Stevens. "Bad actors should not be in business."

Stevens said he encourages all statewide candidates to reject this Washington, D.C.-based special interest group and advocate for Missouri farm and ranch families.

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