Protect the Harvest

Last updated

Protect the Harvest
Formation2011
Founder Forrest Lucas
HeadquartersBrownsburg, Indiana
Key people
  • Forrest Lucas(Founder & Board Chairman)
  • Dale Ludwig(Board President)
  • Theresa Lucas McMahan(Board Secretary & Executive Director)
  • Jim Haworth(Board Treasurer)
  • Mike Siemens, Ph.D.(Director)
Website https://protecttheharvest.com/

Protect the Harvest is an American 501(c)(4) non-profit advocacy organization founded by Forrest Lucas which opposes "the radical animal rights movement" and particularly the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which it calls "a wealthy and successful attack group". [1] It also collaborated to the production of two films that were generally panned by critics. The organization has an allied political action committee (PAC), the Protect the Harvest PAC, which funds campaigns to assist or defeat candidates for political office. [1]

Contents

Overview

The organization's founder and executive director is Lucas Oil owner, Forrest Lucas. Lucas has invested over $600,000 in the organization. [2] Brian Klippenstein was the executive director of the organization and treasurer of the associated PAC, [1] before joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an advisor to Secretary Sonny Perdue, who was in the position from 2017 to 2021. [3] [4] [5]

History

Protect the Harvest was founded in 2011 by Forrest Lucas. [6] [1] Protect the Harvest is a supporter of right-to-farm laws as proposed by the American Legislative Exchange Council. [1] In 2010, Lucas put money into the campaign to defeat Proposition B, designed to prevent cruelty to dogs in puppy mills, [7] [4] in Missouri, which was lost. [8] [5] Repoerts indicated that Lucas supported efforts from the Missouri legislature that would weaken and repeal voter-approved measures, even though those measures did not have enough time to take into effect. [4]

In 2014, Lucas invested in the winning campaign to pass Measure 1 in Missouri, which amended the state Constitution to protect "the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices". [9] [8] Lucas contributed almost $200,000 to oppose Question 3, a Massachusetts ballot initiative banning the sale of products from animals raised in "extreme" confinement, which passed with strong support in 2016; Protect the Harvest also underwrote a failed legal challenge to the measure. [10] [11]

On February 5, 2017, Lucas and the Trump administration purged thousands of pages from the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act from the USDA-APHIS website. [12] This act does impact the USDA-APHIS website and how people can monitor the progress in which the law is enforced and how the federal animal protection laws are also being enforced. [12] [13] On November 16, 2022, Protect the Harvest's founder, Forrest Lucas, was awarded by the American Agri-Women with the 2022 Veritas Award. [6] In September 2023, Mike Siemens was named the executive director and Theresa Lucas McMahan was named the chief administrative officer for Protect the Harvest. [14] [15]

Funding

Between October 2011 and December 2012, Protect the Harvest raised approximately $927,000. In 2012, according to FEC records, Lucas Oil contributed $200,000 to Protect the Harvest to fund advertisements against Christie Vilsack, who challenged and lost to incumbent Iowa congressman Steve King. Protect the Harvest also received funds from American Action Network, a group led by former senator Norm Coleman, and a group called Missouri Farmers Care. [1] The Protect the Harvest PAC spent $256,018 in the 2014 election cycle, and $116,300 in the 2016 cycle. [16]

Films

The Dog Lover

Protect the Harvest collaborated with ESX Entertainment to produce the 2016 movie The Dog Lover. [17] The film depicts an idealistic college student sent undercover by an animal welfare organization to investigate a puppy mill, and eventually becoming disillusioned with the welfare organization, which is presented as unethical. [18] The film presents itself as "based on a true story", although there are major differences between its portrayal and the South Dakota court case which inspired it. [19]

The film received an overall rating of "rotten" from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with seven out of nine negative reviews. [20] Michael Rechtshaffen, writing for the Los Angeles Times , called the film's execution "spottier than a kennel full of caged Dalmatians", [21] and Glenn Kenny of Rogerebert.com labeled it "shamelessly manipulative", [22] while Owen Gleiberman of Variety wrote that "it’s a prosaic piece of muckraking, but it grazes a nerve", calling its pro–breeding industry strategy "cunning". [18] [23] The film's premiere in Springfield, Missouri, which included a live auction of an Australian shepherd, inspired a small protest. [24]

Pray for Rain

In 2017, Protect the Harvest and ESX entertainment produced Pray for Rain, directed by Alex Ranarivelo, which follows a young reporter (Annabelle Stephenson) as she investigates the murder of her farming father amid the 2011–17 California drought. [25] The film advances a form of the California drought manipulation conspiracy theory, incorrectly blaming environmentalists and bureaucrats for creating a "man-made" water shortage. [26] The film received negative reviews, [27] with Roger Moore of Movie Nation calling it a "ludicrous Lucas Oil-man financed propaganda picture", [28] and Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray.com writing, "As much as I enjoy the image of Jane Seymour blasting away with a shotgun that’s probably bigger than she is, the melodrama of the effort only manages to cripple the production." [29]

Related Research Articles

<i>101 Dalmatians</i> (1996 film) 1996 film by Stephen Herek

101 Dalmatians is a 1996 American adventure comedy film produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Great Oaks Entertainment, with distribution by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. It is a live action remake of the 1961 Disney animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians, itself an adaptation of Dodie Smith's 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Directed by Stephen Herek, written by John Hughes and produced by Hughes and Ricardo Mestres, it stars Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, Joan Plowright, Hugh Laurie, Mark Williams, and John Shrapnel. Unlike the 1961 animated film, none of the animals speak.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing animal cruelty. Based in New York City since its inception in 1866, the organization's mission is "to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Puppy mill</span> Type of commercial dog breeding facility

A puppy mill, also known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility characterized by quick breeding and poor conditions. Although no standardized legal definition for "puppy mill" exists, a definition was established in Avenson v. Zegart in 1984 as "a dog breeding operation in which the health of the mill’s dogs is disregarded to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits". They are cited as being a result of increased demand for household pets, especially after World War II. The Veterinary Medical Association of the Humane Society of the United States defines the main characteristics of a puppy mill as "emphasis on quantity over quality, indiscriminate breeding, continuous confinement, lack of human contact and environmental enrichment, poor husbandry, and minimal to no veterinary care."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucas Oil</span> American manufacturer and distributor of automotive oil, additives, and lubricants

Lucas Oil Products, Inc. is an American manufacturer and distributor of automotive oil, additives, and lubricants. It was founded by trucker Forrest Lucas and his wife Charlotte in 1989. The company is a medium size manufacturer of lubricants, including engine oils, greases, gear lubes, as well as problem-solving additives and car-care products. It produces and markets approximately 270 formulations in 40 countries. In the U.S., Lucas Oil is sold in more than 30,000 auto parts stores, displaying the most variety of shelf products of any oil company, and at truck stops nationwide. Lucas Oil has its plants in the United States. The original plant in Corona, California, which also housed Lucas Oil Corporate Headquarters and several affiliated companies, was closed in late 2022, moving the corporate HQ to Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is an American nonprofit organization that focuses on animal welfare and opposes animal-related cruelties of national scope. It uses strategies that are beyond the abilities of local organizations. It works on issues including pets, wildlife, farm animals, horses and other equines, and animals used in research, testing and education. As of 2001, the group's major campaigns targeted factory farming, hunting, the fur trade, puppy mills, and wildlife abuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World Animal Protection</span> International non-profit animal welfare organization

World Animal Protection, formerly The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), is an international non-profit animal welfare organization that has been in operation since 1981. The charity's mission is to create a better world for animals by protecting them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dogs Trust</span> Largest dog welfare charity in the United Kingdom (started in 1891)

Dogs Trust, known until 2003 as the National Canine Defence League, is a British animal welfare charity and humane society which specialises in the well-being of dogs. It is the largest dog welfare charity in the United Kingdom, caring for over 15,000 animals each year. Dogs Trust's primary objective is to protect all dogs in the UK and elsewhere from maltreatment, cruelty and suffering. It focuses on the rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs which have been either abandoned or given up by their owners through rehoming services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wayne Pacelle</span> American animal activist, former non-profit businessperson, and author (born 1965)

Wayne Pacelle is an American animal rights and animal welfare activist, non-profit businessperson and author. Two of his books have been New York Times best-sellers. His official website can be found here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philippine Animal Welfare Society</span> Organization

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a volunteer-based, non-government organization whose goal is to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy, based in Quezon City, Philippines. It was founded in 1954 by Muriel Jay. PAWS believes that the creation of a more peaceful society starts with the widening of mankind's circle of compassion which includes animals, thereby envisions a nation that respects animals, practices responsible pet ownership and protects wildlife. The volunteer-based organization rehabilitates these animals in the hope of finding them new homes and a second chance at a good life. PAWS does not take in pets of other people, but only victims of cruelty or neglect where the animal offenders are charged with violation of the Animal Welfare Act in court.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pet rental</span> Practice of renting pets

Pet rental is the practice, usually administered by for-profit companies, of renting pets such as dogs and cats. Rental also includes animals who are hired out at a specific rate for a specific time. It is a controversial practice opposed by many animal rights advocates and has been banned in at least one municipality: Boston, Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petland</span> Chain of pet stores

Petland is a privately owned operator and franchisor of pet stores based in Chillicothe, Ohio. Ed Kunzelman founded the company in 1967. Petland currently operates 131 stores in the United States, and at least 63 in foreign markets including Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil and El Salvador. The chain is notable for its controversy over documentation from the Humane Society of the United States revealing the purchase of dogs from puppy mills.

Animal welfare in Egypt is a neglected issue. There are only a few organizations that support the rights and wellbeing of animals.

Patti Strand is the founder of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), a broad-based, mainstream, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to encouraging high standards of animal care and treatment, and to preserving the human animal bond. She is an author of books and articles and has served on numerous local, state and federal animal welfare advisory boards, committees and task force bodies.

Alex Ranarivelo is a French filmmaker known for his sports dramas.

Animal welfare in the United States relates to the treatment of non-human animals in fields such as agriculture, hunting, medical testing and the domestic ownership of animals. It is distinct from animal conservation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Envigo</span> Contract research organization and laboratory animal sourcer

Envigo (en-VEE-go) is a privately held contract research organization and laboratory animal sourcer that provides live animals and related products and services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, government, academia and other life science organizations engaged in animal testing. The company breeds and sells research animals – which are referred to in the industry as "research models"– including rodents, rabbits, beagles and non-human primates. Envigo is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 1,200 people at 30+ locations across North America, Europe and the Middle East.

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a non-profit animal welfare organization which advocates for animal protection legislation, operates animal shelters, and runs educational workshops and public awareness programs throughout British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1896, it is a registered charitable organization and one of the largest such animal welfare organizations in North America. As of 2017, BC SPCA had 36 branches, over 500 staff members, nearly 5500 volunteers, operated 5 veterinary hospitals/clinics and a wildlife rehabilitation centre, and sheltered more than 22000 animals. It is also one of the few animal welfare organizations to monitor animals in film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forrest Lucas</span> American businessman (born 1942)

Forrest Lucas is an American businessman, the founder of Lucas Oil.

<i>A Dogs Way Home</i> 2019 film directed by Charles Martin Smith

A Dog's Way Home is a 2019 American family adventure drama film directed by Charles Martin Smith from a screenplay by W. Bruce Cameron and Cathryn Michon, based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Cameron. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Ashley Judd, Edward James Olmos, Alexandra Shipp, Wes Studi, Barry Watson, and Jonah Hauer-King, and follows a dog named Bella who travels more than 400 miles to find her owner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forrest Films</span> American film production company

Forrest Films is an American film production, financing, and distribution company. It was formed in 2018 and is headquartered in Burbank, California, on the Warner Bros lot.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Beckel, Michael (May 29, 2014). "'Radical Animal Rights Movement' Gets New Foe". The Huffington Post. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  2. ↑ P.J. Huffstutter and Lisa Baertlein (April 16, 2012). ""Pink Slime" controversy stokes clash over agriculture". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  3. ↑ Wyant, Sara; Chase, Spencer (May 10, 2017). "Meet Sec. Perdue's new inner circle at USDA". Agri-Pulse. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 "Who's Really Attacking The HSUS?". humanesociety.org. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Hernandez, Anne Helen Petersen, Ken Bensinger, Salvador (July 12, 2018). "Meet The Man — And Propaganda Machine — Behind The Hammond Pardon". BuzzFeed News. Retrieved September 7, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. 1 2 "Protect the Harvest founder wins American Agri-Women's Veritas Award". AGDAILY. November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  7. ↑ Statutory Amendment to Chapter 273, Relating to Dog Breeders. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Steve Fairchild. "A promise to protect" . Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  9. ↑ Amendment to the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  10. ↑ Philpott, Tom (December 13, 2016). "A guy who exists purely to troll the Humane Society was just hired by Donald Trump". Mother Jones. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  11. ↑ Wade, Christian (October 16, 2016). "Oil baron behind cage ban opposition". Salem News. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  12. 1 2 Clifton, Merritt (February 5, 2017). "Is Protect the Harvest behind USDA purge of Animal Welfare Act data?". Animals 24-7. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  13. ↑ Jurga, Fran (February 10, 2017). "Wipeout: How the battle over the Big Lick Walking horses changed access to information on the welfare of all animals". Equus Magazine. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Protect The Harvest makes leadership appointments". WATTPoultry.com. September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  15. ↑ Newswire, P. R. (September 5, 2023). "Dr. Mike Siemens named Protect The Harvest executive director; Theresa Lucas McMahan appointed chief administrative officer". The Times. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Protect the Harvest PAC Summary". OpenSecrets. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  17. ↑ ""The Dog Lover" Nationwide Release". Protect The Harvest. July 8, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  18. 1 2 Gleiberman, Owen (July 7, 2016). "Film Review: 'The Dog Lover'". Variety. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  19. ↑ Hult, John (July 12, 2016). "Sorting truth from fiction in 'The Dog Lover'". Argus Leader. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  20. ↑ "The Dog Lover". Rotten Tomatoes. January 9, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  21. ↑ Rechtshaffen, Michael (July 5, 2016). "Heavy-handed 'Dog Lover' takes aim at activists". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  22. ↑ Kenny, Glenn (July 11, 2017). "The Dog Lover Movie Review & Film Summary (2016)". Roger Ebert. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  23. ↑ Hult, John (July 8, 2016). "Activist film revisits SD puppy mill fiasco". Argus Leader. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  24. ↑ Holman, Gregory (July 9, 2016). "'The Dog Lover' prompts a protest at the Gillioz". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  25. ↑ Duprey, David (June 20, 2017). "Pray For Rain (2017) Review". That Moment In. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  26. ↑ Walsh, Katie (June 15, 2017). "Investigative thriller 'Pray for Rain' offers oversimplified explanation for drought". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Pray for Rain". Rotten Tomatoes. June 14, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  28. ↑ Moore, Roger (June 11, 2017). "Movie Review: "Pray for Rain," but wear your waders". Movie Nation. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  29. ↑ Ornsdorf, Brian. "Pray for Rain (2017)". Blu-ray.com. Retrieved July 8, 2018.

Official website

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.