June, 28 2010, 05:33pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Meredith Turner, Farm Sanctuary, 646-369-6212, mturner@farmsanctuary.org
Farm Sanctuary Issues Statement on the Passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd
Longtime Senator Staunchly Opposed Cruelty of Factory Farming
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.
Farm Sanctuary mourns
the loss of longtime Democratic Senator from West Virginia and animal
welfare
proponent Robert C. Byrd, who passed away early Monday morning at the
age of
92. Though his earlier political life was, at times, controversial, Byrd
embraced
compassion as the years progressed and became one of the few politicians
on the
national level to speak out against farm animal cruelty. Farm Sanctuary Co-founder and President Gene
Baur
today issued the following statement:
"Farm animals have lost a great advocate
today with
the passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd. As the longest-serving member of
Congress in American history, Byrd garnered a high level of respect from
his
fellow members of Congress. He used his position to fight for many
causes that
were dear to his heart, and fortunately, farm animal protection was one
such
cause.
"In the summer of 2001, he gave an impassioned
landmark speech
on the floor of the U.S. Senate, challenging the barbaric cruelty
rampant in
the world of industrial animal agriculture. Byrd argued vehemently for
the
humane treatment of all animals and he detailed the routine atrocities
that
farm animals suffer on today's factory farms. He made it abundantly
clear
that farm animals, like all animals, feel pain, and deserve to be
treated with
respect.
"Byrd's courageous plea was a historic and
inspirational moment for the farm animal protection movement. He will be
remembered as an exceptional champion of animal welfare, someone who
defended
the defenseless and gave his voice to the voiceless."
If you
would like to speak with Farm
Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, please contact Meredith
Turner at
646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.
Farm Sanctuary fights the disastrous effects of animal agriculture on animals, the environment, social justice, and public health through rescue, education, and advocacy.
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