When it comes to animal welfare policies and processes, count on us to lead the way. In fact, we're recognized by the world’s foremost experts in animal well-being as setting the standard for America's pork industry—and we're applying those same best practices to our global operations.
Smithfield Foods, Inc. Animal Welfare Policy
Smithfield Foods, Inc. is committed to being the industry leader in animal welfare practices to assure respectful and humane treatment of animals that we own or process, to produce wholesome food products for our customers and to analyze our operations and practices, including internal and independent third party audits, to ensure continual improvement.
Smithfield Foods, Inc. and all its subsidiaries involved with the production or processing of live animals are required to provide:
- Comprehensive written animal welfare programs to ensure animal well-being.
- Shelter that is designed, maintained and operated to provide a physical environment that meets the animals' needs.
- Access to adequate water and high-quality feed to meet animal nutrition requirements (production facilities) and in accordance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act 1978 (processing facilities).
- Humane treatment of animals that ensures their well-being and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Identification and appropriate treatment of animals in need of care.
- Humane treatment of animals which meets or exceeds the requirements of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978, and all applicable American Meat Institute Animal Handling Guidelines (processing facilities).
- Timely use of humane methods to euthanize sick or injured animals not responding to care and treatment.
Adherence to the principles of this policy is a responsibility and requirement of those that interact with animals that are owned or processed by Smithfield Foods' subsidiaries. Willful neglect or abuse of animals will not be tolerated and will result in immediate termination. Offenders may also be subject to criminal prosecution under applicable laws.
 C. Larry Pope,
President and Chief Executive Officer
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 Dennis H. Treacy,
Vice President, Environmental and Corporate Affairs
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