American Humane(R) Certified to Demo Humane Training Capability at International Poultry Expo in Atlanta

DENVER, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Humane® Certified will demonstrate its new two-stage on-site and online humane handling training to attendees at the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, to be held at the Georgia World Congress Center from Jan. 27-29, 2010.

Expo attendees and media are invited to visit American Humane Certified's booth (# 5732) on Jan. 27 for an all-day demonstration of the humane training program, which focuses on best-handling practices of the science-based standards originated by American Humane Certified and its Scientific Advisory Committee. 

An important aspect of the two-stage training curriculum is the early recognition of behavior or health problems that could be detrimental to the individual animal or the entire flock or herd. It also addresses animal welfare issues and poor animal husbandry created by a lack of worker/handler knowledge.

"A significant lack of knowledge of basic, proper animal-handling and husbandry practices, plus strong requests from the industry, prompted us to develop this very first, hands-on, independent program," said Tim Amlaw, director of American Humane Certified. "It answers the industry's need for education of existing and new employees so they can ensure proper and humane animal welfare and avoid potentially negative issues. And it comes from the credible, humane and historic leader in farm animal welfare in the United States."

"Our educating of employees, growers and contractors who handle animals will complement and expand American Humane Certified's existing national program of auditing and certifying the humane handling of animals raised for food," Amlaw added. "For both large and small food producers, this training will illustrate to consumers a significant and socially responsible undertaking. Other users likely will include universities and government agencies dealing with agriculture."

During the past year, American Humane Certified has audited and certified more than 500 cage-free flocks, bringing the total number of American Humane Certified cage-free eggs to about 9 million. This represents more than two-thirds of the total annual production of cage-free eggs in the United States. American Humane Certified, the nation's first animal welfare program dedicated to the humane treatment of farm animals, is the clear leader in certifying humane treatment in the cage-free egg sector.

American Humane works closely with its independent Scientific Advisory Committee, industry professionals and producers to ensure that industry advancements and best practices are part of the program's certification standards. American Humane Certified is a program of the American Humane Association, a 132-year-old national nonprofit that works to protect both children and animals through programs that include education, legislative advocacy and public awareness.

As the fastest-growing third-party, independent animal welfare label program in the U.S., American Humane Certified has certified producers representing more than 60 million farm animals. American Humane Certified is good for animals, good for people and good for business.

For more information about American Humane Certified, go to www.thehumanetouch.org.  

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About American Humane® Certified

American Humane Certified is the United States' first animal welfare program dedicated to the humane treatment of farm animals. It is the fastest-growing independent animal welfare label program in the U.S. American Humane has certified producers representing more than 60 million farm animals through American Humane's science-based program. Contracted third-party auditors are rigorously trained in American Humane Certified species-specific standards. As consumers and retailers are increasingly concerned about how food is raised, producers are seeking independent verification for the marketplace. American Humane Certified believes animal welfare should not only be good for animals, but also economically viable and feasible for producers. American Humane Certified works with agriculture to educate and motivate producers and demonstrate the economic and social benefits of animal welfare. American Humane Certified works closely with its independent Scientific Advisory Committee, industry professionals and producers to ensure that industry advancements and best practices are part of American Humane certification standards. Based on American Humane's 132-year legacy of being the gold standard for humane behavior, consumers trust the American Humane Certified label. Learn more at www.thehumanetouch.org.

SOURCE American Humane Certified