Rabbit Advocacy Animal Matters

Prevent cruelty to sick and disabled farmed animals 

January 24, 2012 ALDF news 

Yesterday, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned a 2008 California law that required the humane euthanasia of sick and disabled ("downed") animals at slaughterhouses, ruling that California's law was preempted by federal law. This decision highlights the urgent need for changes in the law at the federal level.

Contact your federal legislators through the Animal Legal Defense Fund's website. Urge them to support the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, which would help prevent the cruel mistreatment of downed animals unable to walk to their own slaughter.

The Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act (H.R. 3704) would permanently prohibit all downed animals from being used for food, and require that these animals be humanely euthanized. Help prevent the cruel mistreatment of sick and disabled farmed animals! Contact your legislators today! 

Comment: This decision has been condemned by animal defenders and citizens from all walks of life. Current federal regulations are inadequate to protect sick or injured animals from egregious abuse (not to mention protecting consumers from tainted meat) and laws must recognize that. The cruelty and abuses of the agri-business is well known.  

The current case was brought by a meat trade group on behalf of pig farmers in California. All the more reason to boycott the industry, and hit them in their pocketbook. Corporate money in politics keeps the powerful powerful and the rest of society oppressed. The law's enforcement has been put on hold pending the Supreme Court's decision, now in legal support of the industry.

Read more: 'Landmark victories' for animals; momentum grows; humane washing, USDA; banning foie gras; Chilcotin Harvest meat recall; BC Sled Dog Report

Read more on our Factory Farming Page