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Action Alerts & Updates

Kentucky: Contact the Livestock Care Standards Commission
Farm Sanctuary recently sent a letter to the Livestock Care Commissions in Kentucky, who have been deliberating care standards for farm animals behind closed doors. They have included some of the cruelest practices in their care standards such as tail docking and veal crates. Please speak up and tell them to obey the Open Meetings Act and to remove these cruel practices from their care standards. Read more about how you can help.

Laying hens need your help!
A soon-to-be introduced federal bill could eliminate battery cages for laying hens and almost immediately improve their lives. Find out how you can help urge your U.S. senator and representatives to support this legislation that would significantly reduce suffering for tens of millions of hens.

Bostonians: be a voice for farm animals!
If passed, the Massachusetts Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (H458/S786) will prohibit two of the cruelest forms of confinement: gestation crates for pigs and veal crates for calves. We invite Farm Sanctuary members and supporters in Boston to accompany Executive Director Allan Kornberg to the hearing on October 5. Learn more.

New York: Don't Let Agribusiness Hide Farm Animal Abuse
June 7, 2011
Following the oppressive trend sweeping the country, a restrictive new bill, S 5172, was recently introduced in the New York Senate. If passed, the bill would make it a crime to document conditions on factory farms and expose animal abuse. It may also infringe on citizens’ First Amendment rights. New Yorkers, find out what you can do to keep this bill from becoming law!

Update: Minnesota anti-investigation bill fails!
(May 26, 2011)
Minnesota’s “ag gag” legislation (SF 1118/HF 1369), which was aimed at preventing animal advocates from documenting conditions on factory farms, has died, just shortly after Florida’s similar bill met the same fate. Learn more.

Update: Florida anti-investigation bill fails!
(May 10, 2011)
In February, a restrictive, industry-backed bill aimed at criminalizing the act of taking photographs or video recordings on factory farms a crime was introduced in the Florida legislature. After gaining much public attention and scrutiny, we’re excited to announce that this controversial bill, SB 1246, failed to pass during the legislative session! Learn more.

Victory for Sheep: Massachusetts General Hospital Stops Using Animals in Trauma Training!
(May 6, 2011)
Since 2009, we’ve kept the pressure on Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to end the use of farm animals in its Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses. Thousands of you took action. Now, we’re excited to announce that MGH has finally stopped using and killing sheep in its trauma training courses! Learn more.

Support the BEST Practices Act and Help Save Farm Animals from Cruel Military Training Procedures
(April 15, 2011)
More than 6,000 pigs and goats are killed every year during the Department of Defense’s (DOD) combat trauma training courses. Using live animals to teach these procedures is both outdated and viewed as inferior to human-based training methods by the medical community. But the military has yet to move beyond the cruelty. Fortunately, the BEST Practices Act was re-introduced to the U.S. Congress to phase out these archaic training methods in favor of human-based models. Ask your representative to help save lives by co-sponsoring H.R. 1417.

Update: OLCSB Reverses Cruel Calf Decision
(April 7, 2011)
In blatant violation of an agreement to end several cruel factory farming practices in Ohio, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board recently voted to continue allowing veal producers to confine calves in an extreme manner that would prevent them from even turning around. But countless animal advocates banded together in an effort to overturn the board’s cruel decision and succeeded! Learn more about how Farm Sanctuary members and other advocates turned things around for calves in Ohio.

Florida: Help Ban Cruel Confinement ofHens and Calves
(March 10, 2011)
Florida may be one of the five states currently banning intensive confinement of pregnant and nursing pigs, but millions of egg-laying hens and countless veal calves are still imprisoned in tiny cages for the majority of their lives throughout the state. Now, we have the opportunity to change that with an important new bill that would prohibit battery cages and veal crates. Learn how you can help put an end to these abusive practices in your state.

Iowa: Don’t Let Agribusiness Hide Animal Abuse
(March 10, 2011)
Documenting animal abuse on factory farms is one of the most powerful tools animal advocates have for inspiring change. But a new Iowa bill, HF 431, might change that by making it a crime to produce visual or audio recordings at animal agriculture facilities without consent. Don’t let agribusiness get away with it. Take action today and help expose the abuse.

Urge the USDA to Extend Protections to Downed Pigs and Other Farm Animals
(February 25, 2011)
Under current regulations, downed cattle are prohibited from slaughter and must be immediately and humanely euthanized. While this is a step in the right direction, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has failed to extend these basic protections to other farm animals as well. Thousands of pigs, goats and sheep become downed each year and, because they are still eligible for slaughter, these defenseless animals are often subjected to extreme abuse as workers attempt to force them to rise and proceed to the kill floor. Learn how you can help end this abuse.

Hawaii: Help Ban the Sale and Production of Foie Gras in Your State
(Updated February 11, 2011)
Foie gras is made by cruelly force-feeding ducks or geese. These birds spend their lives in dark sheds or small cages, and experience untold pain each day when metal pipes are harshly forced down their throats. But these suffering birds do have allies: Hawaii state legislators are trying to outlaw the sale and production of foie gras through state bills SB 727 and HB 77. Find out what you can do to help get this legislation passed.

Urge the University of Mississippi Medical Center to Stop Abusing Pigs in Student Labs
(February 4, 2011)
More than 30 pigs will be killed this month at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Medicine. UMMC is one of only a handful of institutions in the U.S. and Canada still using live pigs in medical training. During their student physiology labs, live pigs are subjected to invasive procedures before being killed and discarded. UMMC already has a state-of-art simulation center that could provide medical education in a humane manner. Please take action to stop the abuse now.

Update: Fulton County, PA Pig Farmer Sentenced
(January 21, 2010)
The Fulton County, Pennsylvania man who was charged with 832 counts of animal cruelty last December after a grim discovery was made on his property, struck a deal with prosecutors and was sentenced with a minimal fine. Daniel Lee Clark pled guilty to 10 cruelty counts, telling the judge the pigs’ deaths were not his fault due to equipment malfunction. Read more.

Tell Smithfield to Keep Its Promise: No More Gestation Crates
(December 22, 2010)
In 2007, the world’s largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods, made a public promise to end the use of cruel gestation crates in its facilities by 2017. But in 2009, despite reporting record profits, Smithfield went back on its word, stating it would no longer attempt to stop using them. So small the pigs can barely move inside them, gestation crates cause extreme distress and suffering. Please send a quick message to Smithfield’s CEO urging him to end this abusive confinement practice as promised years ago.

Ohio: Remind Officials that Ohioans Demand an End to Cruel Factory Farming Practices
(November 22, 2010)
Following a recent landmark agreement to ban cruel factory farming practices in the Buckeye State, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board has been discussing new proposals for standards governing the treatment of farm animals. In August, we asked you to urge the board to adopt the provisions of the agreement immediately, and our voices are being heard! But in order to follow through with their end of the deal, the board must adopt all provisions of the agreement soon. Help us keep the pressure on by reminding the board that Ohioans care about the treatment of farm animals and demand an end to cruel practices now!

Ask University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to Stop Using Pigs in Trauma Training Procedures
(October 28, 2010)
Despite the fact that 95 percent of medical centers have moved to human-based training methods, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) continues to needlessly subject live pigs to cruel and invasive procedures in their Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses. Please help us end this outdated practice and spare pigs from this unnecessary suffering. Send a quick message to UPMC’s vice president and chief medical officer urging him to move to compassionate, non-animal alternatives for ATLS training.

Help Make “Organic” Mean Something
(October 14, 2010)
When it comes to animal welfare, federal organic laws are shockingly weak. Despite what many consumers may imagine when they picture an organic farm, many of these facilities look a lot like the average factory farm. Too many industrial-scale operations are using vague regulations to mislead consumers and continue cruel practices. Later this month, the National Organic Standard Board will discuss proposals for implementing stricter guidelines regarding the welfare of animals in government certified organic production – like giving them more space and ability to engage in natural behaviors. Learn how you can help encourage truth in organic labeling.

Urge the FDA to End Antibiotic Abuse on Factory Farms!
(August 19, 2010)
The overuse of antibiotics on factory farms has been linked to increased drug resistance in humans and promotes cruel factory farming practices. Roughly 70 percent of antibiotics in the U.S. are used on factory farms to compensate for overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Agriculture interests have pushed for relaxed regulations and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering a rule that may make it easier for factory farmers to obtain and use these drugs. Take action now!

Help Protect Downed Pigs and Other Farm Animals
(August 6, 2010)
In 2009, President Barack Obama announced a new rule that prevents downed cattle – animals too sick and injured to walk or stand on their own – from being slaughtered for human food. While this was a step in the right direction, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has no rules in place to protect downed animals of other species. Pigs, sheep and goats are still being cruelly pushed, prodded and dragged to their deaths, but you can help end their suffering! Please take a minute now to contact Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and urge him to extend this rule to include other downed animals.

Help Stop Construction of Oswego Cattle Factory
(August 6, 2010)
Legislators in Oswego County, NY are considering a proposal to build facilities housing and processing more than 70,000 cattle. Factory farms and slaughterhouses like this one are notorious for neglecting and abusing farm animals and pose serious risks to public health and the environment. Tell Oswego County legislators that you strongly oppose this project!

Ask the USDA and Health and Human Services to Include Non-Dairy Sources of Calcium and Non-Meat Sources of Protein in Dietary Guidelines
(July 8, 2010)
Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) update the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which serve as a model for healthy eating and food-related public policy in the U.S. After receiving recommendations from an advisory committee, the USDA and HHS draft and publish the final dietary guidelines. This year, the Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ report makes great strides by suggesting that people “shift food intake to a more plant-based diet that emphasizes vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds.” However, the report also promotes the increased consumption of fat-free and low-fat milk products and seafood. Please contact the USDA and HHS by July 15 and urge them to include non-dairy sources of calcium and non-meat sources of protein in the dietary guidelines. Take action now.

Important Progress for Farm Animals in Ohio
(Updated June 30, 2010)
After being confronted with over 500,000 signatures for a voter initiative to ban some of the worst factory farming abuses, Ohio’s animal agriculture industries have agreed to some serious reforms. Learn more.

Federal Court Upholds California Downed Animal Protection Law!
(April 5, 2010)
In 2008, California strengthened its downed animal protection law to ensure that animals who were too sick or injured to walk, would not go into the food supply. Displeased with the new law, the meat industry filed suit to challenge it. Fortunately, in March 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the meat industry’s erroneous lawsuit and upheld the law. Learn more and find out how you can help protect downers

Support the new federal anti-confinement bill!
(March 16, 2010)
Throughout the last decade, Americans have become increasingly aware of the fact that hundreds of millions of animals are cruelly confined on factory farms every year. Despite the passage of several state laws prohibiting intensive confinement and widespread public opposition to such abuse, most of the industry still imprisons animals in constrictive confinement systems such as battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates. Last week, Representatives Elton Gallegly and Diane Watson introduced the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, which would prohibit the government’s use of your tax dollars to purchase products from animals kept in these barbaric systems. Find out how you can support this precedent-setting federal legislation!

Introduce a Green Foods Resolution in Your Community
(Updated January 19, 2010)
Animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change and other environmental hazards. You can raise awareness about this connection and urge your city council to address the issue by lobbying for a Green Foods Resolution.
Get started on introducing a Green Foods Resolution in your community today.

New York: It's time to give farm animals room to stretch their limbs
(Updated January 8, 2010)
In modern animal agriculture, most egg laying hens are stuffed in cages so small they have less space than a sheet of notebook paper to stand on. Meanwhile, most breeding sows and veal calves spend nearly their entire lives in crates barely larger than their own bodies. Their suffering is hard to imagine, but with your help, we can bring it to an end. Let your state legislators know that you support A08163, an act to ban these horrible practices.

New York: Act Now to Relieve the Suffering of Downed Animals!
(December 15, 2009)
Every year, countless farm animals become too ill or injured to stand and walk unassisted. These downed animals are frequently subjected to terrible abuse at stockyards and slaughterhouses, where they may be kicked, dragged, prodded with shock prods, brutally pushed across the ground with tractors, and more. New York has a chance to protect downed animals within its borders; please help us pass this vital legislation.

Prevent “Backyard Chicken” Mania
(December 9, 2009)
Many urban and suburban residents are eager to jump on the “backyard chicken” bandwagon and secure their own local source of fresh eggs. Unfortunately, this fad isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and the consequences can be very serious, especially when it comes to animal welfare. Shelters and sanctuaries have seen a dramatic increase in the number of unwanted chickens dumped on their doorsteps, and the situation is only getting worse. Find out how you can prevent an outbreak of “backyard chicken” mania in your town or city.

Michigan farmers agree to ban cruel confinement practices
(Updated 10/13/09)
Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation to ban the inhumane use of battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates in Michigan. Recognizing that such cruel confinement practices are no longer acceptable to the vast majority of consumers, Michigan farmers cooperated with animal advocates to support this important reform. Michigan is now the second state to ban battery cages, following the example set by California in 2008 with the passage of Proposition 2. It is also the fifth state to ban veal crates and the seventh to ban gestation crates.

Victory! Farm Sanctuary’s Celebrity Supporters Successfully Speak up for California Cows
(Updated 10/12/09)
Thanks to the help of Farm Sanctuary members and celebrity supporters, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made history when he signed a tail docking bill, ending the painful and unnecessary amputation of dairy cows’ tails. Bill Maher, Bob Barker, Kim Basinger, and a host of other celebrity supporters recently joined Farm Sanctuary in reaching out to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, urging him to do the right thing by signing a bill to ban the cruel practice of docking dairy cows’ tails. Read more.

Help Pass FoodprintNYC!
(July 20, 2009)
We have a chance to pass a City Council resolution calling on New Yorkers to eat lower on the food chain. When passed, this resolution will create a citywide initiative that would establish climate-friendly food policies and programs; a public awareness campaign regarding the city’s food consumption and production patterns; and greater access to local, fresh, healthy plant-based food. Now that the resolution has been introduced, we need your help to get it passed! Please take a moment to help us so that New Yorkers can lower their Foodprint and the Big Apple can serve as a model for Foodprint resolutions everywhere.

Pennsylvania: Support Bill to Stop Cruel Pigeon Shoots
(June 2009)
It's hard to believe, but some people in Pennsylvania find it acceptable to use live animals as target practice. In parts of Pennsylvania, birds are used as target practice and cruel trap shoots. Help enact a ban on live pigeon shoots by contacting your legislator today.

Sign the Petition: That's NOT Natural
(June 4, 2009)
The USDA recently allowed companies to slap a "naturally raised" label on meat and meat products that come from animals whose upbringing was far from natural. Let the USDA know you won't stand for such deceptive claims. Sign the petition to tell the agency its "naturally raised" label is not natural!

Help Farm Sanctuary Save Sheep from Cruel and Unnecessary Training Exercises
(May 21, 2009)
This week Massachusetts General Hospital killed live sheep in a trauma training course, despite the fact that more than 90 percent of such courses in the nation rely exclusively on human-based simulators rather than live animals.  Please help Farm Sanctuary put an end to this cruel and unnecessary practice. Send a quick and easy letter to the Hospital’s course director urging her to commit to using only non-animal methods in future trauma training courses. 

Prescription for Disaster: Sub-therapeutic Antibiotic Use on Farm Animals
As factory farms have crammed more and more animals into tighter and tighter spaces, the use of antibiotics for non-therapeutic purposes has become commonplace. But this mad science has hatched unintended consequences: more germs that are resistant to antibiotics. Now legislation has been introduced in Congress to stop this reckless behavior. Take action!

National Defense: an exercise in cruelty?
(March 26, 2009)
The military’s combat trauma training includes stabbing shooting, and breaking the legs of pigs and goats. Tell your Congressperson to urge the Department of Defense to end this exercise in cruelty. Take Action.

A Ban on Downed Cattle – are Pigs Next?
The USDA closed a loophole and banned downed cattle from being slaughtered and entering the human food supply. While this step is a milestone in efforts to protect those animals too sick and injured to walk, or even stand, protections need to be expanded to all species. Help continue this momentum.

This Bill Really Stinks!
Emissions from factory farms could be exempt from the Clean Air Act under a new bill introduced in Congress. Greenhouse gasses generated from animal agriculture are a top cause of climate change and Big Agribusiness doesn’t want to take responsibility for their part in global warming. Let your legislators know that this bill stinks!

Is that a clone in the food supply?
With a green-light from the FDA, meat from cloned animals may be on its way to market. But without labels, shoppers won’t be able to recognize and take a stand against these products. In reaction to these developments, numerous states have introduced bills to mandate labeling of cloned animal products. These initiatives are critical for protecting animals and the right of consumers to say NO to these products of cruelty. Take action.

Ask McDonald’s to take a Stand Against Cloning Cruelty
(November 2008)
Fast food giant McDonald’s has stated that it wants to take the lead in advancing animal welfare practices—but has not as of yet taken a stand against cloning. In addition to the potential risks to human health posed by products from animal clones, there are serious animal welfare concerns. A shockingly high percentage of cloned animals suffer from heart, kidney, and liver disorders, as well as other deformities and even early death. Please ask McDonald’s to sign a public pledge to not sell products from cloned animals.

A Continuing Battle to Stop the Slaughter of American Horses
If passed, the federal bill H. R. 503 will effectively stop the slaughter of all American horses by banning their shipment to foreign slaughterhouses. Get the details.