Judge Rules Against PETA in Happy Cows Case

By CnAgri2012-09-04 20:50:29 Print

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals recently lost a lawsuit challenging a California dairy industry "happy cows" ad campaign.

The Monterey County Herald reports that PETA attempted to sue because they felt marketing claims made by the dairy industry violated state rules by misrepresenting the health and well-being of dairy cows.

However, a Sacramento Superior Court Judge found the California Milk Advisory Board and the California Department of Food and Agriculture provided sufficient evidence to support their claim that dairy cows in the state are comfortable, safe and happy.

The judge's ruling relied heavily on testimony from CDFA officials, including veterinarians and other personnel in the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division, as well as advisory board officials, many of whom are farmers.

The judge also made repeated references to testimony from industry professionals with the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program and the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program.