In a statement, Mr. Stallman said: “If allegations related to the marketing of non-ambulatory cattle or the mistreatment of any farm animal are substantiated during an investigation by legal authorities, and those actions are in violation of our tough industry standards, or laws were broken, those who were knowingly responsible must be held fully accountable.

“Neither our laws nor industry standards, which have become much stronger over the years, allow the inhumane treatment of farm animals. Quality assurance programs at the national and state levels provide farmers and ranchers with strict guidelines for the production of safe, wholesome animals, including recommendations on necessary animal handling and facilities. Those standards are based on the expertise of veterinarians, farmers, ranchers and animal scientists – the people who work with farm animals daily.

“We are not certain of the validity or scope of the claims HSUS is making about the marketing of non-ambulatory cattle, however, America's farmers who rely on animals for food production know that healthy, well-cared-for animals mean healthy, safe food for Americans and their families. America’s farmers and ranchers take all possible steps to ensure that animals are well cared for seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. As farmers and ranchers, we recognize that superior animal welfare practices lead to the production of high-quality, safe and wholesome meat, milk and eggs, and we’re constantly seeking ways to improve the well-being of our animals. Simply put, without healthy and content animals, farmers and ranchers would not be in business.”