PETA loses lawsuit against California’s Happy Cows

 Happy Cows-1  PETA-0

Imagine that you are running a family business that you love, producing a product that people want. But the cost of producing the product is more than the price you get paid for it—for reasons that you have no control over.

That is what faces many dairy farmers across the country. Sadly in California some of the long term family dairies are facing bankruptcy.

Now imagine that some nutjob know-nothings come in with a large bankroll and bring a frivolous lawsuit against your way of life.

That is what happened when PETA brought suit saying that California’s Happy Cows aren’t really happy like they show in the TV ads.

 

The Sacramento Superior Court for the State of California denied PETA’s claims that the promotional messages are false and misleading. In his ruling Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Lloyd G. Connelly said,

PETA's claims were not supported "by the knowledge" of California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) personnel related to the condition of California dairy cows and farms, including CDFA economists and veterinarians.

He said both CDFA California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) and CMAB personnel have "extensive experience and knowledge that provides strong evidentiary support" for the Happy Cows promotion and that supports CMAB's position that California dairy producers "work hard to ensure the comfort, health and productivity of their cows," adhering to "some of the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S." Source

 

One of my long time favorite blogs is Northview Diary written by a woman whose family runs a dairy farm in upstate New York. Marianne writes most poignantly about the joys and heartaches of their lives.

Each of their cows has her own name and her own unique personality. The affection they have for each cow is not unlike the way we feel about our dogs and cats.

Interestingly, a study showed that cows that have names give more milk over the course of a year. As one researcher said,

Just as people respond better to the personal touch, cows also feel happier and more relaxed if they are given a bit more one-to-one attention.

 

PETA gives attention to animals by killing them.  PETA kills over 95% of the animals in their care every year according to their own records which they are required to file with the state of Virginia.

Comments

[Christine]

PETA needs to go away. They are not effective and are very egotistical.

Sam

[yellowdoggranny]

I love those commercials and I despise PeTA..bastids.

[threecollie]

Thank you for the link and for the kind words. I was so glad to see the outcome of this suit.

[Gina@loves dogs]

I wish that people knew how much farmers really care about their animals.

[Jen]

PETA really creeps me out.

[Jen @MyBrownNewfies]

PETA's a joke and the quicker people realize that the better off animals will be.

[Megs @ Live . Pant. Play]

I had a childhood friend and her family had a dairy farm. The cows had large open pastures and they did have names as well. They are sadly out of business now. They have sold off some of their land and now rent out property to other farmers and ranchers. It's sad that they couldn't survive on their dairy business but that is the way most small family farms are going.

[Katie / Team Unruly]

Good for the court system. Is there cruelty in factory farming? Absolutely. And I'm sure there is some cruelty among dairy farmers, but I drive past fields of dairy cows day after day, I know quite a few dairy farmers. They work hard to do right by their cows, and they value them. PETA, as usual, is barking up the wrong tree here.

[Linda]

Your post is most welcome! I enjoy threecollie's blog very much so was delighted to see you link to her.

PETA is such a joke....I wish more people realized it!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

[Anji]

In Europe the dairy farmers face the same problems. i was brought up on a farm where all of the cows had names. They don't give as much milk if they a stressed and neglected (as a lot of nursing mothers would confirm too!)

I think there will always be some people who regard animals like machines.

Your blog is proof that they are out numbered, your commenters confirm this.

[Friar Don]

Many years ago I thought PETA was a great organization. As I have grown older, and have been able to look at it closer and closer, I find that it is a VERY hypocritical and sad organization that waste money it gets from donations, and probably is over the edge on miss using that money! PETA is an organization that must be shut down in order for animals to have a better life!

Friar Don, OBR
ExposeYourBlog!

[SPURWING PLOVER]

PETA,PETA GO AWAY,I DONT WANT YOU ANY DAY,QUIT TAKING YOUR JUNK TO OUR SCHOOLS,QUIT BRAKING ALL THE RULES,DONT PUSH YOUR SILLY FEAR,PETA,PETA JUST DISAPPEAR