We see more of the growing influence of animal issues in the mainstream, both business and media, with today's, Friday April 4, Wall Street journal article, "Humane Society Probes Put Pressure on Firms" ( Jane Zhang, pg B4)

It opens:
"The Humane Society of the United States' probe of a California slaughterhouse, which led to the biggest beef recall in U.S. history, cast a spotlight on the organization's secretive investigative unit.

"The hidden-camera investigation of Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Inc. in Chino, Calif., was part of a Humane Society campaign to focus public attention on the abuse of farm animals.

"In recent years, a range of businesses have felt the squeeze from the organization, which is separate from local humane societies that deal mostly with animal rescues and pet adoptions. In the fashion industry, Tommy Hilfiger Group and others pulled garments from the marketplace last year after the Humane Society found that the trimming on some apparel was dog fur labeled as faux fur or as other animal fur. A spokesman for Tommy Hilfiger says the company's garments are now free of animal furs, starting with the spring collection."

The article also discusses the influence HSUS has had on Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Ben & Jerry's.

The Ben & Jerry's spokesperson made useful comments about HSUS's approach:

"They seemed to be very organized, seemed very passionate about what they believed in. To me, it didn't seem like a personal attack. It's kind of 'business is business' that way. They've always been very professional."

Michael Markarian, the Humane Society of the United States' executive vice president discusses the importance of hidden camera investigations: "We are confident that if people can see it with their own eyes that they will be persuaded and compelled to act. It's about consumer change. It's about corporate change. It's about policy change."

You'll find the full article on line at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120728139328888969.html

It presents a great opportunity for letters to the editor expressing appreciation for the coverage, and making any point about human society's treatment of other animals. An enthusiastic reader response will encourage more animal friendly coverage. The Wall Street Journal takes letters at wsj.ltrs@wsj.com

Always include your full name, address, and daytime phone number when sending a letter to the editor. Remember that shorter letters are more likely to be published.

Yours and the animals',
Karen Dawn

(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)