DENVER, Feb. 8, 2010 - The American Humane Association and the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) today praised the new HBO movie, Temple Grandin, which aired Saturday, Feb. 6. The movie depicts the life of Temple Grandin as a young woman struggling with the challenges of autism to become a successful doctor of animal science through her unique connection to animals. Dr. Grandin is widely recognized within the animal welfare and livestock-handling industries as a pioneer in the ethical treatment of animals.

"Dr. Grandin brings recognition to the significant role that animal science plays in the welfare of all animals. Her desire to be a scientist and her special insights into farm animal production led to many innovative livestock production systems that have benefited both animals and the people raising and handling animals," said Maynard Hogberg, Ph.D., immediate past president of FASS.

"Temple Grandin's innovative work has dramatically impacted animal welfare and livestock production for the benefit of animals, people and agriculture," said Tim Amlaw, director of American Humane® Certified, the farm animal welfare program. "Her unique perspective from the animals' point of view and her dedication to science have given validity to the importance of animal welfare in production of food."

"Dr. Grandin has brought about science-based farm animal welfare standards, which have been widely adopted by the animal industries and food retailers," said John McGlone, Ph.D., who chairs the FASS Animal Care Committee. "Her work has provided important recognition of the relationship of animal science and humane animal care within sustainable production systems."

FASS was formed by three founding member societies that are over 100 years old: the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), and the Poultry Science Association (PSA).  FASS represents more than 10,000 scientists from academia, government and industry engaged in a wide range of issues impacting animal agriculture, including animal welfare. The mission of FASS is to strengthen the common interests and collective good of member societies through a unified science-based voice that supports animal agriculture, animal products and food systems globally.  FASS and its members are dedicated to sound animal welfare practices founded in science.

Temple Grandin is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the American Humane Certified farm animal program. American Humane Certified, originated by the American Humane Association, is the nation's pre-eminent and fastest-growing monitoring, auditing and labeling program that attests to the humane care and handling of animals raised for food. Find out more about the American Humane Certified program at www.thehumanetouch.org.

In producing the film, HBO also engaged the services of American Humane's Film & Television Unit, which is the exclusive monitoring and granting agency to award the coveted "No Animals Were Harmed"® end-credit disclaimer. The production followed American Humane's strict Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media, had an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative^TM on set to ensure animal safety and welfare, and earned the famous assurance to viewers that "No Animals Were Harmed" in the making of the movie. Learn more about American Humane's Film & Television Unit.