HSUS Buys Shares of Burger Chains

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has reportedly purchased stock in Jack in the Box Inc. and Steak n’ Shake Co. in an effort to persuade each restaurant chain “to implement the types of basic animal welfare changes many of its competitors have made.” The activist group has criticized both companies for allegedly using “eggs from caged hens, pork from crated pigs, and poultry from producers that use a particularly cruel but standard method of slaughter.” HSUS has purportedly employed similar tactics to influence other establishments, in addition to supporting legislation in Michigan and California that phases out “extreme confinement of certain farm animals.” One HSUS spokesperson also stated that these production methods are at odds with “public opposition to farm animal abuse,” opining that Jack in the Box’s “history with food safety” should make “improving conditions on the factory farm . . . a top priority.” See HSUS Press Release, January 14, 2010; Meatingplace.com, January 18, 2010.