Farmers Flock to DC to Defend Animal Welfare Laws

In October, AWI assisted with a fly-in that brought over 200 farmers to Capitol Hill to meet with congressional offices in support of California’s Proposition 12, which sets minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and veal calves while also prohibiting the in-state sale of eggs, pork, and veal that do not meet those standards.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) have introduced legislation—the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S 1326) and the Save our Bacon Act (HR 4673)—that would undo Prop 12 and negatively impact farmed animal welfare. These bills aim to block states from restricting the sale of products within their borders that come from animals subjected to extreme and inhumane confinement—for example, gestation crates for pigs and battery cages for egg-laying hens. As Congress is expected to consider the next farm bill in the coming months, it is critical for lawmakers to hear from farmers who adhere to higher welfare standards on why nullifying Prop 12 and similar state laws would set a dangerous precedent and harm small family farms, consumers, and, of course, the animals themselves.

See more AWI Quarterly articles about: Animals on Factory Farms, Farmed Animals

See more of type: Government/Legal, Quick Read