Wespath Investment Management, the investment management unit of the $19 billion General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church, Glenview, Ill., co-filed a shareholder proposal at Tyson Foods Inc. raising questions about animal cruelty.
The proposal “asks the company to issue a report on the operational impact of gestation crates, including brand reputation, customer relations, public perception and regulatory compliance,” according to a Wespath statement.
“Many consider gestation crates a form of animal cruelty,” the statement said.
Wespath co-filed the proposal with Green Century Capital Management and The Humane Society of the United States.
M. Colette Nies, Wespath managing director-communications, and Stephanie Twining, Humane Society spokeswoman, couldn't be reached for comment.
Gary Mickelson, Tyson director, public relations, was unable to respond by press time.
Tyson's annual meeting is scheduled for Jan. 31.
