Public perception of
the use of animals for commercial, scientific, or entertainment purposes
creates an incentive for businesses to limit the public’s access to information
about their use. Even without abusive conditions revealed by undercover
investigation, greater knowledge about the treatment that is permitted under
state and federal regulations in general could negatively impact business by
causing a change in consumer choice or by opening the door to legal action to
force corporate change. To help maintain their privacy, corporations have
sought legislative protection and have otherwise made it difficult for the
public to know about a specific company’s animal welfare standards or
compliance record. This panel will highlight these challenges and ask whether
there is a social responsibility to, if not provide access, at least not hinder
access to animal welfare information.
Papers from this
program will be published in Journal of Animal and Natural Resource Law.
Business
meeting at program conclusion.