Mixed Rulings in PETA Litigation Against California “Happy Cows” Ad Campaign

According to news sources, a state court has ordered dairy farmers on the
California Milk Advisory Board to answer questions about marketing the dairy
industry in California. The order was reportedly entered in a lawsuit filed in
June 2011 by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) alleging
that the board’s “Happy Cow” ads deceive the public by representing that
California dairy products come from cows that are “happy,” humanely treated,
healthy, and comfortable. According to the animal rights’ organization, the
board lacks the evidence to substantiate the ad campaign. The court also
apparently denied PETA’s motion to subpoena confidential dairy-producer
records relating to animal-welfare practices. The litigation is currently in
discovery, and the next hearing has reportedly been scheduled for May 25,
2012. See Capital Press, February 9, 2012; Merced Sun-Star, February 16, 2012.