American Humane® Certified demonstrated its new two-stage on-site and online humane handling training to attendees at the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, held at the Georgia World Congress Center this week.

Expo attendees and media were invited to visit American Humane Certified's booth on 27 January for an all-day demonstration of the humane training programme, which focuses on best-handling practices of the science-based standards originated by American Humane Certified and its Scientific Advisory Committee.

An important aspect of the two-stage training curriculum is the early recognition of behavior or health problems that could be detrimental to the individual animal or the entire flock or herd. It also addresses animal welfare issues and poor animal husbandry created by a lack of worker/handler knowledge.

Tim Amlaw, director of American Humane Certified, said: "A significant lack of knowledge of basic, proper animal-handling and husbandry practices, plus strong requests from the industry, prompted us to develop this very first, hands-on, independent programme. It answers the industry's need for education of existing and new employees so they can ensure proper and humane animal welfare and avoid potentially negative issues. And it comes from the credible, humane and historic leader in farm animal welfare in the United States.

"Our educating of employees, growers and contractors who handle animals will complement and expand American Humane Certified's existing national programme of auditing and certifying the humane handling of animals raised for food. For both large and small food producers, this training will illustrate to consumers a significant and socially responsible undertaking. Other users likely will include universities and government agencies dealing with agriculture."

During the past year, American Humane Certified has audited and certified more than 500 cage-free flocks, bringing the total number of American Humane Certified cage-free eggs to about nine million. This represents more than two-thirds of the total annual production of cage-free eggs in the United States. American Humane Certified, the nation's first animal welfare program dedicated to the humane treatment of farm animals, is the clear leader in certifying humane treatment in the cage-free egg sector.

American Humane works closely with its independent Scientific Advisory Committee, industry professionals and producers to ensure that industry advancements and best practices are part of the program’s certification standards. American Humane Certified is a program of the American Humane Association, a 132-year-old national nonprofit that works to protect both children and animals through programs that include education, legislative advocacy and public awareness.

As the fastest-growing third-party, independent animal welfare label program in the US, American Humane Certified has certified producers representing more than 60 million farm animals.