The nonprofit organization and its producers are partnering with three of the town’s top chefs, to show Denver just how tasty it can be to eat humanely raised

DENVER, Oct. 3, 2008 – Animal-loving omnivores are finding a growing number of delicious options to meet their dietary needs, by seeking out the American Humane Certified seal on meat, eggs and dairy products.

On Oct. 9, invited guests in Denver will have a chance to experience an exceptionally fine dining experience featuring all humanely raised products. The dinner, created by three of Denver’s top chefs,  Elise Wiggins of Panzano, Tyler Wiard of Elway’s and Troy Guard, who will open TAG early next year, will feature a palate-pleasing menu that will be enhanced by a selection of fine wines.

American Humane Certified works with producers to ensure that their animals are raised humanely and that every product that bears the label has come from producers that have met the high animal welfare standards of American Humane. The organization has been adding new producers rapidly this year, providing an increasing number of choices for people seeking humanely raised options. It’s a seal that’s becoming increasingly important to a growing number of American consumers concerned about animal welfare, as well as the safety and quality of their food.

“The seal is becoming a high priority for foodies and chefs who are coming to realize there’s more enjoyment of all the great flavors the world has to offer when we know the animals who provide us with those gifts are treated humanely,” said Tim Amlaw, American Humane Certified’s program manager.

A recent study by Public Opinion Strategies found that, of all types of food labels, the humane seal was ranked most important by consumers; another study found that nearly 60 percent of Americans link food safety to animal welfare. Increasingly, many also believe that food tastes better when the animals providing it are raised in low-stress environments and are not given antibiotics and growth hormones.

For more than 130 years, the American Humane Association has worked to improve the lives of animals and people, recognizing that all beings are interconnected. Under the American Humane Certified program, that understanding and compassion extends to farm animals raised for food.

Guests at the Denver event will enjoy a wide assortment of humanely raised foods, including:

• Piedmontese beef from Heartland Meats Inc. of Mendota, Ill.
• Veal from NaturReserve, the first veal producer to win American Humane Certification
• Chicken from Springer Mountain Farms of Baldwin, Ga.
• Cheeses from Loleta Cheese Co. of Loleta, Calif. and Old Chatham Sheepherding Co. of New York
• Crock butter from Clover Stornetta Farms of Petaluma, Calif.

Producers will be available for interviews the day of the event and before dinner.

American Humane Certified works closely with its independent Scientific Advisory Committee, industry professionals and producers to ensure that its standards are science based and reflect the latest in industry advancements and best practices.

Animals raised under the American Humane Certified standards are free to live and grow in an environment that limits stress and promotes a healthy life. They’re free to express normal behaviors in environments that provide sufficient space, shelter and the companionship of animals of their own kind. For more information about the program, a complete list of American Humane Certified producers and details on certification requirements, visit www.thehumanetouch.org.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.