Agency fails the public, animals

Re “Hard to stomach,” editorial, Feb. 9

The lack of enforcement of food safety and animal welfare regulations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that Americans cannot be complacent about these issues. Film from the Humane Society of the United States also brought to light the fact that animals were being abused at Hallmark Meat Packing.

Cows that were unable to stand were dragged with chains. Disabled cows were also shoved and rolled with forklifts. Electric prods were also frequently used to drive these animals to slaughter. There need to be significant changes within the USDA.

Marshall Sorkin

Chicago