Target: John Thune (R), US Senate Majority Leader
Goal: Restore full government operations and reauthorize a compassionate Farm Bill to protect farmed animals and public health.
The ongoing federal government shutdown has exposed the fragility of our food system, particularly in how it affects farmed animals. Delays in essential functions have resulted in reduced disease surveillance, potentially jeopardizing both animal welfare and public health. Livestock monitoring through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has been scaled back, which could delay the detection of disease outbreaks, increasing risks to both animal and human health. This crisis emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action to prevent suffering in animals and protect food safety for consumers.
The suspension of critical research and data releases has stalled progress on welfare standards, leaving farmers without vital information necessary for maintaining animal care and biosecurity. Furthermore, disrupted support systems for farmers have led to significant delays in payments and assistance, which heightens the pressure many farmers face. This stress could result in cutbacks in animal care, thereby exacerbating the risks to the well-being of farmed animals. The looming expiration of the Farm Bill compounds these problems, placing vital food and agricultural programs in jeopardy and leaving us at a growing risk of food insecurity.
It is imperative that Congress take immediate steps to restore full operations and reauthorize a compassionate Farm Bill. Ensuring the well-being of farmed animals and protecting public health must be central to any comprehensive reform of our food systems. This petition demands urgent action to secure a more resilient and humane agricultural future for all.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Majority Leader Thune,
The ongoing federal government shutdown has alarmingly undermined essential services critical to both farmed animals and public health. The reduction in disease surveillance could lead to significant delays in the detection of outbreaks, placing both animals and humans at risk. Furthermore, the suspension of important studies has halted progress on welfare standards while leaving farmers without the key data necessary for ensuring the safety of animal care practices. This untenable situation emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action.
Additionally, the disruption of state and farmer support has resulted in delays in payments that can negatively affect the commitment to animal care and biosecurity measures. As the expiration of the Farm Bill looms, these complications threaten to plunge our food system into disarray, with far-reaching consequences for food security. It is evident that without urgent action, we risk increasing animal suffering while also compromising public health.
Therefore, we respectfully urge Congress to restore full government operations and reauthorize a compassionate Farm Bill that prioritizes the welfare of farmed animals and the safety of our food systems. Immediate and comprehensive action is crucial to protect both animals and our communities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
