Target: Brooke Rollins, US Secretary of Agriculture
Goal: End cruel culling practices linked to the H5N1 avian flu outbreak and reform industrial animal agriculture.
The devastating impact of the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak on Minnesota turkey farms is shocking and cannot be ignored. Recently, more than 20,000 turkeys in Redwood County were reported to be affected, contributing to a catastrophic total of nearly 175 million birds culled across the United States since the onset of the epidemic in 2022. The culling methods employed lead to profound animal suffering and create serious economic consequences for producers and consumers alike. As the highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to spread, the situation raises alarming concerns about potential interspecies transmission, which could pose human health risks.
According to statements from animal welfare experts, the ongoing crisis not only affects animal populations but also highlights the inadequacies of the current industrial animal agriculture model. The escalation of poultry deaths due to H5N1 has revealed a dire need for an urgent reassessment of how animals are treated in agricultural settings and the systems that sustain these practices. The prevalence of such cruelty cannot continue unaddressed, especially when alternative, safer, and more humane agricultural methods exist.
The time for change is now. Implementing effective measures to halt the epidemic and the inhumane culling approach is not just necessary for animal welfare but also imperative for public health. Therefore, it is crucial to demand that immediate reforms be put in place to transition to sustainable food production practices and fundamentally alter the current industrial agriculture system that perpetuates suffering and potential health crises.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Rollins,
The recent outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza affecting over 20,000 turkeys in Minnesota is a haunting reminder of the cruelty embedded in our current agricultural practices. With almost 175 million birds having been culled since 2022, the methods employed inflict severe suffering upon these animals while posing significant risks to human health through possible interspecies transmission. The scale of this crisis demands urgent attention and transformative action.
Excessive reliance on the industrial animal agriculture model has led to unnecessary animal suffering, economic instability, and public health concerns. Experts, including those from Mercy For Animals, have made clear that the current culling practices are not only inhumane but also ineffective in preventing the spread of avian influenza. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of animals in our food production systems and to explore humane, sustainable alternatives that protect both animals and human populations.
We urge you to implement immediate measures to halt the cruel culling practices associated with the H5N1 outbreak and to initiate reforms that will replace the damaging industrial model with safer and more humane food production practices. The well-being of millions of animals and the health of our society depend on decisive action now.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
