News Release Distributed 01/30/09
The LSU AgCenter is joining with the Louisiana
Department of Agriculture and Forestry to develop a livestock show
ethics and animal welfare task force, according to LSU AgCenter
officials.
The task force is being formed to educate youth
and adults around the state about the traditions, values and ethics
involved with raising and exhibiting livestock, officials said.
The task force will address show ethics and animal
welfare issues that have become topics of interest throughout the
United States, according to Dr. Paul Coreil, vice chancellor of the LSU
AgCenter.
“This task force will promote the importance of
show ethics, proper animal care and welfare, and fair play as core
requirements for livestock exhibition-related 4-H and FFA youth
leadership and character development projects,” Coreil said.
The task force will include LSU AgCenter
livestock, veterinary and youth development specialists, Louisiana
Department of Agriculture veterinarians and State Brand Commission
enforcement officers. Their efforts will include show event outreach
that focuses on state laws dealing with animal welfare, show rules,
regulations and enforcement, officials said.
“Addressing livestock show ethics in a proactive
way through task force initiatives will go far in maintaining and
achieving the high ethical standards and good character that continues
to be major objectives of all 4-H and FFA educational activities,”
Coreil said. “This partnership between the LSU AgCenter, 4-H, FFA and
the Louisiana Department of Agriculture is a step in the right
direction and is supported statewide.
“LSU AgCenter faculty members across Louisiana
work to develop successful livestock and horse shows for all Louisiana
youth,” Coreil added. “Over the years, our efforts have helped youth
from the state develop the key skills they need to be strong
competitors and well-rounded individuals both today and into the
future.”
A major purpose of the youth animal projects is to
teach young people how to feed, fit and show their animals, he added. A
more important purpose is to provide an opportunity for personal growth
and development of the youth caring for these animals.
“4-H and FFA livestock programs are about raising
champion youth as much as champion livestock,” said Dr. Mike Strain,
Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry. “Trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship are cornerstones in
building character. All of these traits can be learned and honed in the
livestock competition.
“LDAF and the LSU AgCenter will work together to
promote an ethical and fair environment for our youth to compete in
Louisiana Junior Livestock Shows,” Strain added.
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Contact: Paul Coreil at (225) 578-6083 or pcoreil@agcenter.lsu.edu
Writer: Rick Bogren at (225) 578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu
Posted on: 1/30/2009 11:14:55 AM