The Humane Society of the United States and Westland/Hallmark Meat Company have reached a settlement in the abuse case leading to the biggest meat recall in U.S. history in 2008. The 500-million dollar settlement is a first of its kind lawsuit regarding farm animals – according to HSUS Chief Counsel for Animal Protection Litigation Jonathan Lovvorn. HSUS filed a civil complaint with a District Court in 2009 – referencing an undercover video showing downer cows being abused in a slaughter facility – going against the federal contract for the National School Lunch Program the company signed promising to provide humane treatment of animals sent there for slaughter – according to HSUS. The Company is bankrupt and will not be paying the settlement amount due to that fact.