"I have been concerned about animal welfare since first coming to Congress, and I’ve heard some pretty gruesome tales," DeFazio said.  "The video of how these animals were treated was abhorrent and shocking and I am ashamed that this could happen here in the United States."

The investigation into operations at the Hallmark Meat Packing Company in Chino, California, revealed mistreatment of "downed" cattle, animals too sick or injured to walk to slaughter.  Almost all cases of reported mad cow disease have been found in downed cattle.  Under California State law, these animals must be given veterinary treatment or humanely euthanized.  Instead, they were shocked with cattle prods, dragged with chains, lifted with forklifts, sprayed with high pressure hoses, or pushed with tractors into a standing position where they were forced into the "kill box" for slaughter.

Additionally alarming is that the slaughterhouse supplies beef to the Westland Meat Company, which is the second largest supplier of meat to the United States Department of Agriculture’s School Lunch Program.  Westland was the 2004-2005 "Supplier of the Year," and delivered beef to school children in more than 36 states, including Oregon.

"Frankly, I am stunned that beef from downed animals may have been fed to Oregon school children," DeFazio said.  "Most of the cases of mad cow disease have come from downed animals and now we’re feeding this stuff to kids?  It is past time that Congress act to protect school children from potential exposure to this horrific disease."

Congressman DeFazio has a long standing record of involvement in animal welfare issues.  In March 2007, DeFazio introduced the Farm Animal Stewardship Act, which would require producers who supply meat, dairy, and egg products to the federal government to meet a set of basic humane standards for raising farm animals.  The legislation would also require the government to provide adequate veterinary care, including prompt treatment of injuries or euthanasia for a sick or injured animal.

"The USDA must act immediately and I have joined with my colleagues in urging them to address what is going on at the Hallmark facility.  Furthermore, it is time for Congress to lead by example and pass my bill so that inhumane treatment of animals is no longer tolerated, and tainted meat isn’t served in lunchrooms across the country."