Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (“HSUS”), announced today that he is running as a candidate for election to the board of directors of Tyson Foods.  His motivation, according to the press release issued by HSUS is to “urge the company to commit to a definite time frame to phase out the confinement of sows in gestation crates.” 
According to HSUS, corporate investor Carl Icahn will advise his candidacy.  Icahn is “known for joining corporate boards in support of shareholder rights. He’s also used his stakes to influence the direction of such companies as XO Communications, Mylan Laboratories, Time Warner Inc. and Mentor Graphics, among others.”  Article available here. 

Based on an article from Pork Network, Tyson Foods provided a statement in which it said it will handle the Pacelle nomination in accordance with company policy. “We’re not surprised Wayne Pacelle wants to sit on our board,” said Gary Mickelson, Tyson director of public relations. “We’re handling the nomination according to the law and our company’s by-laws. Tyson Foods is committed to humane animal treatment and expects the same from the independent family farmers who supply us with chickens, hogs and cattle.”