Target: Glenn Thompson, Chair of House Committee on Agriculture
Goal: Support safeguards against farming-related cruelty such as extreme confinement.
Farm Sanctuary – an advocate for ending cruelty against farm animals – recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of operations by honoring Senator Adam Schiff and celebrity figures Jane Fonda and Charo for their activism. The heinous impact of large-scale factory farming on the welfare of animals has remained a major focus. Unfortunately, elected leaders have done little to curtail – and in some cases have exacerbated – the crisis.
For example, the widely derided Factory Farm Bill, which is part of an overall farm legislation package, aims to weaken regulations against extreme confinement of animals and to undermine the fight for cage-free farming. In addition, it would financially reward companies (via subsidies) that engage in these practices. The legislation is also silent on two issues that could be addressed in proposed amendments: horse slaughter for consumption and the cockfighting and dogfighting trades.
Sign the petition below to demand lawmakers act on these crucial amendments and introduce legislation that directly addresses the cruelty of factory farming.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Representative Thompson,
“We have to stand in kinship and humility with all sentient beings on earth, and that means doing all we can to end an extractive and cruel industry like factory farming.” Renowned activist Jane Fonda recently made this impassioned plea. She joins millions of Americans in calling for an end to unchecked factory farming and other animal welfare cruelties.
Unfortunately, America’s elected leaders seemingly do not share this concern. The Factory Farm Bill has proceeded without critical amendments that would codify actions on abuses like extreme confinement, horse slaughter, and cockfighting. Meanwhile, transformative legislation such as the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act (which would reward farmers for cruelty-free practices) remains stalled and forgotten. Instead, legislators would rather compensate and subsidize mink farmers and their notorious brand of reported cruelty.
The one billion-plus animals suffering from factory farming deserve better, and so do Americans who are saying ‘no more’ to the inhumanity. Make the Factory Farm Bill a true refutation of this cruel practice, include the proposed animal welfare amendments, and add thoughtful legislation that directly and affirmatively confronts this crisis of cruelty.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Humane Society of the United States
